2025 BMW 118 review

The box-fresh 2025 BMW 1 Series issues a substantial shift for the brand. It’s the first model to drop the ‘i’ suffix from variant names in a move that seemingly harks back to the 1970s when the brand was still doing non-fuel-injected cars.

Instead, the ‘i’ will be reserved for electric BMW models only.

As for the 1 Series, it’s ostensibly a major facelift, not an all-new model. But there are significant changes to the styling, interior, technology, engine specs, and the wider model line-up.

Buyers can choose between the entry-level BMW 118 (which is the tester we’ve got) or the performance-leaning M135 xDrive. While prices for both specifications are higher than before, there’s more standard equipment included with each.

Unfortunately, the previous-generation BMW 128ti ‘hot hatch’ has not been renewed for this generation. That’s not to say it won’t be introduced at all – especially considering the old version was introduced later in the model’s lifecycle – but it’s not a launch variant.

As the brand’s most affordable model, we were keen to see whether the new 1 Series still offers up a comparable experience to the other models in the BMW range.

The new BMW 1 Series range contains two variants. The BMW 118 we’ve sampled starts at $56,500 before on-road costs (some $1700 more expensive than it was last year).

However, in reality, the model is more than $13,000 more expensive compared to when this generation was first introduced in 2020. Successive price rises have now made the 1 Series an expensive proposition.

But, it’s a better equipped and more tech-forward car in 2025 than it ever was before.

As standard, the BMW 118 now has adaptive cruise control, adaptive LED headlights, heated front seats, a powered boot, semi-automatic parking, Shadowline exterior trim, and tyre pressure monitoring. It also gets Veganza leather-accented upholstery too.

There’s a modest bump in power for its 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. It now churns out 115kW/230Nm (up 12kW/10Nm on its predecessor) and these outputs are sent through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The screens are slightly smaller than what you’ll find in larger BMWs such as the 3 Series, but the redesigned layout with 10.7-inch infotainment and 10.25-inch instrument displays is an improvement over the predecessor.

The BMW 1 Series has traditionally competed in-market with rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the Audi A3. These models begin from a near-identical $56,900 in the case of the Mercedes-Benz A200, and $50,600 for the Audi A3 35 TFSI. However, the newer-generation Audi A3, which is still yet to be launched locally, is priced from $54,000 plus on-road costs.

It could feasibly be cross-shopped against the Lexus LBX crossover too, priced from $47,550 before on-road costs.

I love the fact that you can jump in BMW’s entry-level model and you’re met with much the same experience you’d get in something like a 3 Series.

Although the screen array doesn’t give the same wow factor due to large bezels and smaller display sizes, the presentation of the dashboard appears high-end with M-specific touches and nifty ambient interior lighting.

The screens are cantered towards the driver – the front passenger doesn’t get much of a look-in for changing settings on the screen. But, there’s plenty of space in both seats and the footwells contain a bunch of room to get comfortable.

The driver and front passenger sit in a pair of lovely, supportive bucket seats that go really low, while the overall materials quality is high.

There are two cupholders in the centre console, a wireless phone charger, a lidded centre console bin, wide pockets in the door panels for storing bottles, and a big glovebox.

The large panoramic sunroof lets in a great deal of light and this livens up the cabin’s airy feel. Otherwise, the dark headlining might’ve made the interior feel more claustrophobic.

The second row is undoubtedly a tight space. I’m 194cm tall, but I don’t think anyone above six feet tall will be sitting too comfortably in the back seats.

That said, there is space to stow your feet and ample head room. It’s just leg room that’s let down by bulky front-row seats.

It is fitted with twin USB-C ports, air vents, map pockets, and a fold-down centre armrest.

The BMW 1 Series contains 380 litres of space in the second row. All variants get a power-operated boot that opens to a nice, squared-off space for storing luggage or shopping.

More space can be extracted by folding down the 40/20/40-folding rear seats. It's nice to see BMW's included a false floor that can hide valuables. Keep note, the 1 Series is fitted with run-flat tyres and there is no spare wheel.

The 10.7-inch main display is marginally larger than the old 1 Series and the 10.25-inch display is the same size. What’s new, though, is the underlying software.

It’s the iDrive 9 operating system that has proliferated across the BMW range which looks smart, contains countless features, and is snappy to respond when you’re using it.

There’s a lot to it, though. So, some owners will feel a bit confounded by options. There are too many apps in the menu drawer, which means you’ll be swiping for a while to find the right function.

You can swipe between key widgets on the home screen, plus there’s physical buttons for skipping between the Media, Maps, and Telephone functionality.

Some of my frustrations with the 118’s infotainment system revolve around the tricky process of changing driving settings. You press a button on the centre console to pull up the menu, and even simple things like distance control for the adaptive cruise-control system are buried within the menus.

I tended to use wireless Apple CarPlay (Android Auto is also available) which doesn't quite take up the full screen. There’s also digital radio, inbuilt satellite navigation, and regular AM/FM radio.

The 1 Series comes with the ability to log it into your BMW smartphone application so that you can monitor the driving range, service status, fuel level, and remotely cool the car down.

The BMW 1 Series was last tested by ANCAP in 2019 where it scored a full five-star rating, but this new facelift is yet to be rated. The rating will expire in December 2025.

In any case, ANCAP counts the new version similar enough to the previous and scored it 83 per cent for adult occupant protection, 89 per cent for child occupant protection, 76 per cent for vulnerable road users, and 73 per cent for safety assistance.

Safety is covered off through a series of both passive and active safety systems, but the latter includes low-speed autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision prevention, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot warning.

A detailed list is found below.

I was happy with how the systems operated while I was testing the car. There were no false-positive reactions from the autonomous emergency braking system and the stop-and-go-enabled adaptive cruise-control system worked fine in traffic.

Likewise, the 360-degree surround-view camera is good quality so you can see fine detail.

BMWs come with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. It’s a shame that roadside assistance coverage only extends three years from the date of purchase.

BMW servicing intervals are described as 'condition-based'. In real terms, the car will tell you when it requires a service, but it’s usually annually, perhaps more frequently if the car does lots of kilometres.

The only BMW Service Inclusive package available for the BMW 118 is a five-year (80,000km) arrangement, which costs $2210. This averages out to be $442 per year.

It’s far more affordable than the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which costs $5035 over five visits.

The BMW 118 will cost $2336 per annum to comprehensively insure based on a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.

As a point of comparison, it will set you back $2055 annually to insure a Lexus LBX Luxury.

The BMW 1 Series is a small hatchback, a dying breed. One of the big benefits of choosing a small car is the frugal fuel economy.

The 118 consumes 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres on a mixed driving cycle, according to BMW. Unfortunately, BMW suggests the fuel tank be refuelled with 98-octane premium unleaded petrol – a far more expensive way to refuel your car.

In my time with the car on test, the BMW 118 returned 6.5L/100km. This is not quite on the money compared to BMW's claim, but remains impressive considering it counts no hybrid assistance.

Classic for a BMW, there’s an innate, underlying sense of sportiness that permeates the 118’s driving experience.

It comes with a firm, taut ride control that’ll be welcome to BMW aficionados, but anyone else would think the 118 has a far firmer ride comfort than it needs to be.

The suspension is unrelenting over speedhumps and tram tracks, while even small creases in the road are transmitted through to the cabin in an uncomfortable volume.

It does help the car thread through a set of corners with a flat, well-managed body control, but I’d be surprised whether buyers of an entry-level BMW 1 Series with 115kW/230Nm care.

Those outputs don’t exactly provide a sporty-feeling acceleration as you pin the throttle, and quick moves like overtakes should be judged accordingly. However, the seven-speed BMW dual-clutch transmission has come a long way and it’s now far easier to live with around town.

You don’t get the same rollback phenomenon on hills and the shift between drive and reverse is done much faster. This allows the driver to perform quick manoeuvres like three-point turns with ease.

Some will be a fan of the absurdly thick steering wheel that’s become commonplace in BMWs today, but there were plenty of staff in the Melbourne Drive office that didn’t have as nice things to say. The feel of the system itself lacks weight too.

It’s a fun car to steer in the country – especially as you try to hold speed through bends. But, there’s no doubt that the small engine doesn’t lend itself well to enthusiastic driving.

Then, on the flipside, the BMW 118 can be a bit of a chore to live with every day – no thanks to the firm ride comfort.

The BMW 118 is rated to tow 1300kg using a braked trailer. The payload stands at 570kg – more than enough weight to cater to five large adults and their luggage.

The BMW 1 Series range has been distilled down to just two variants. It’s now a fringe model for the brand. But it’s still one that continues to offer all the key tenets of a BMW experience.

It drives sharply (albeit with a harsh ride comfort for everyday useability), the interior is very well packaged and it’s finished to a high standard, and the technology is impressive – if a little confusing at first.

As such, it’s disappointing that the 1 Series is so expensive these days. This entry-level BMW 118 is likely a $70,000+ exercise once you’ve got it on the road with options packages, and that’s a hard pill to swallow given you’re buying an entry-level BMW.

I’m keen to see how it compares with the forthcoming new-generation Audi A3 (which is priced slightly lower). Stay tuned for a comparison in 2025.

While we haven’t driven the BMW M135 xDrive as yet, I think that’ll be the version to go for. If you’re going to have a dynamic chassis with the 118 spec anyway, you may as well pair it with a cracking engine.

It’ll come more expensive, but there’s extra equipment and upgraded features too.

BMW said "dealers have launch stock – which means customers can road test a car – and if someone wants to place an order with their own paint, wheels, and trims, it’ll be out of February production with arrival in approximately May 2025."

As always, make sure you go and drive one before fully committing to a 1 Series purchase. Do consider waiting for the new Audi A3 too – it’s shaping up as a worthy adversary.

The next step on the purchase journey is to check the BMW website for stock of your preferred 1 Series variant. You can also find BMW vehicles for sale on Drive Marketplace.

We strongly recommend taking a test drive at a dealership before committing because personal needs and tastes can differ. Find your nearest BMW dealer via this link.

If you want to stay updated with everything that's happened to this car since our review, you'll find all the latest news here.