# BMW 1 Series (F70)
The **BMW 1 Series (F70)** is the fourth generation of BMW's compact five-door hatchback, revealed in June 2024 and launched on the market in October 2024 as the successor to the F40 generation.[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0442625EN/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en) It is built at BMW Group Plant Leipzig and competes in the premium compact segment against the [Audi A3](https://www.edgepedia.org/audi-a3) and [Mercedes-Benz A-Class](https://www.edgepedia.org/mercedes-benz-a-class).[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0442625EN/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en) Although BMW gave the car a new generation code, it retains the underpinnings of its predecessor, and reviewers widely describe it as a heavily revised facelift rather than an entirely new vehicle.[2](https://www.evo.co.uk/bmw/1-series/207490/bmw-1-series-review-munichs-audi-a3-rival-gains-focus)
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Generation | Fourth-generation 1 Series, internal code F70; premiered June 2024, market launch October 2024[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0442625EN/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en) |
| Dimensions | Length 4,361 mm (+42 mm over F40), wheelbase 2,670 mm, width 1,800 mm, height 1,459 mm (+25 mm)[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0442625EN/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en) |
| Engines | 116 (122 hp), 120 (170 hp mild-hybrid three-cylinder), 118d and 120d diesels, 123 xDrive (218 hp), M135 xDrive (300 hp)[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0442625EN/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en) • [3](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0445245EN/bmw-model-update-measures-for-autumn-2024) |
| Transmission | Seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch automatic as standard on all versions; no manual gearbox offered[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0442625EN/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en) • [4](https://www.motorpoint.co.uk/car-reviews/bmw/1-series) |
| Performance flagship | M135 xDrive: 300 hp four-cylinder, 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, Adaptive M Chassis and intelligent all-wheel drive standard[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0442625EN/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en) |
| Boot space | 380 liters, reduced to 300 liters on mild-hybrid versions (120, 120d) by the battery under the boot floor[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0442625EN/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en) • [5](https://www.carbuyer.co.uk/bmw/1-series/169278/bmw-1-series-review-the-keen-drivers-premium-hatchback-pick/practicality) |
| Safety rating | Euro NCAP 2025: four stars out of five (adult occupant 78%, child occupant 84%, vulnerable road users 85%, safety assist 80%)[6](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/1-series?rf=html) |
| Production | Built at BMW Group Plant Leipzig; 148,084 units produced as of 8 December 2025[7](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/deutschland/article/attachment/T0454344DE/641293) |
## Background and positioning
The F70 arrived after five years of the F40 generation, which was itself the first front-wheel-drive 1 Series. The new car keeps the same basic body and underpinnings, based on the FAAR front-wheel-drive architecture, but BMW judged the extent of the changes large enough to warrant a new generation code rather than a facelift designation.[2](https://www.evo.co.uk/bmw/1-series/207490/bmw-1-series-review-munichs-audi-a3-rival-gains-focus) • [8](https://www.bimmertoday.de/2024/06/05/bmw-1er-2024-alle-bilder-und-infos-zum-neuen-1er-m135-f70/) German outlet AutoWeek noted that BMW itself calls the F70 a new generation rather than the F40 LCI.[9](https://www.autoweek.nl/autotests/artikel/dubbeltest-audi-a3-sportback-vs-bmw-1-serie/)
The premiere marked twenty years of the 1 Series nameplate in the compact segment. Production continues at Plant Leipzig, where the F40 had been built since 2019; that predecessor reached 442,859 units over its 2019 to 2024 run.[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0442625EN/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en) • [7](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/deutschland/article/attachment/T0454344DE/641293) BMW identifies the German domestic market as the most important sales region, with Japan among the top five markets.[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0442625EN/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en)
## Design and dimensions
The exterior grew only slightly: length increased by 42 mm to 4,361 mm and height by 25 mm to 1,459 mm, while the wheelbase stayed at 2,670 mm and width at 1,800 mm.[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0442625EN/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en) The front end sits noticeably lower than the predecessor's, with a forward-leaning kidney grille using vertical and diagonal bars, and standard LED headlights; adaptive LED headlights with glare-free matrix high beam are optional.[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0442625EN/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en)
The F70 is the first BMW model offered with an optional contrasting roof paint finish, in high-gloss black.[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0442625EN/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en) Paint choices comprise two solid and seven metallic finishes, plus four BMW Individual finishes and a range of [Individual](https://www.edgepedia.org/individual) special paints.[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0442625EN/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en)
## Powertrains
All engines come from BMW Group's latest generation of modular units, paired exclusively with a seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission; the manual gearbox and the badging "i" at the end of the model names were dropped.[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0442625EN/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en) • [4](https://www.motorpoint.co.uk/car-reviews/bmw/1-series) There is no diesel-free ambiguity at launch, but no plug-in hybrid or fully electric variant exists in the line-up.[4](https://www.motorpoint.co.uk/car-reviews/bmw/1-series)
- **BMW 120**: a 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, producing 125 kW/170 hp, 0-100 km/h in 7.8 seconds, combined consumption 6.0 to 5.3 l/100 km WLTP.[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0442625EN/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en)
- **BMW 120d**: a four-cylinder diesel with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, 120 kW/163 hp, 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, combined consumption 4.8 to 4.3 l/100 km.[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0442625EN/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en)
- **BMW 118d**: a further four-cylinder diesel, combined consumption 5.2 to 4.6 l/100 km.[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0442625EN/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en)
- **BMW 116 and 123 xDrive**, added from November 2024: the 116 brings a 90 kW/122 hp 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol (0-100 km/h in 9.8 seconds), while the 123 xDrive pairs a 150 kW/204 hp four-cylinder petrol with a 14 kW/19 hp electric motor for a system output of 160 kW/218 hp and a 6.3-second sprint.[3](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0445245EN/bmw-model-update-measures-for-autumn-2024)
- **BMW M135 xDrive**: the 221 kW/300 hp four-cylinder flagship with intelligent all-wheel drive and Adaptive M Chassis as standard, 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, combined consumption 8.1 to 7.6 l/100 km.[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0442625EN/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en)
An M Technology Package, available exclusively for the M135 xDrive from November 2024, adds bracing elements, lightweight measures, aluminum anti-roll bars, M Compound brakes, and 19-inch forged wheels; BMW states it enables significantly improved lap times.[3](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0445245EN/bmw-model-update-measures-for-autumn-2024)
## Chassis and interior
BMW increased body rigidity and chassis connection, with optimized kinematics, highly preloaded anti-roll bar mounts, new shock absorber technology, and a 20 per cent increase in front-wheel caster for directional stability and steering feedback.[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0442625EN/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en) British reviewers found the result competent: Motorpoint noted marginally quicker steering response than the pre-facelift car and an improved ride from new dampers, while evo judged the refined dynamics better suited to Britain's rough roads but lacking some of the engagement expected of a BMW.[4](https://www.motorpoint.co.uk/car-reviews/bmw/1-series) • [2](https://www.evo.co.uk/bmw/1-series/207490/bmw-1-series-review-munichs-audi-a3-rival-gains-focus)
The interior is completely leather-free as standard, with seats available in an Econeer version made from recycled polyester and a Veganza synthetic leather-like material.[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0442625EN/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en) The cockpit centers on the BMW Curved Display, a 10.25-inch Information Display and a 10.7-inch Control Display, with the number of physical buttons significantly reduced and the rotary iDrive controller removed entirely, a change some reviewers criticized for distracting touchscreen-heavy operation.[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0442625EN/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en) • [4](https://www.motorpoint.co.uk/car-reviews/bmw/1-series) A driver and front passenger interaction airbag is fitted as standard.[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0442625EN/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en)
## Practicality
With the rear seatbacks folded, luggage space ranges from 380 to 1,200 liters on non-hybrid versions, and 300 to 1,135 liters on the mild-hybrid 120 and 120d, because the 48-volt battery sits under the boot floor and costs 80 liters of space.[1](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0442625EN/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en) • [5](https://www.carbuyer.co.uk/bmw/1-series/169278/bmw-1-series-review-the-keen-drivers-premium-hatchback-pick/practicality) Only the range-topping M135 xDrive keeps the full 380 liters.[4](https://www.motorpoint.co.uk/car-reviews/bmw/1-series) In the M135, a floor hump from the all-wheel-drive system reduces foot space for the center rear passenger.[5](https://www.carbuyer.co.uk/bmw/1-series/169278/bmw-1-series-review-the-keen-drivers-premium-hatchback-pick/practicality)
## Safety and market reception
The F70 was subjected to a fresh [Euro NCAP](https://www.edgepedia.org/euro-ncap) assessment in 2025 despite sharing its predecessor's basic body, and received four stars out of five, below the five stars awarded to the [Volkswagen Golf](https://www.edgepedia.org/volkswagen-golf) and Audi A3.[6](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/1-series?rf=html) • [10](https://news.euroncap.com/safercars/bmw-1-series---euro-ncap-2025-results---4-stars/s/b3b83aba-2d1f-4c78-8835-862d7d0d21de) The passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal offset test, though driver chest and left-leg protection were rated weak in that test; side impact protection scored maximum points.[11](https://www.euroncap.com/assessments/bmw/1%252Bseries/1125/)
In the UK the car is priced from £31,065 for the 120, £36,115 for the 123 xDrive and £43,000 for the M135 xDrive.[12](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/united-kingdom/article/detail/T0442821EN_GB/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en_GB) Auto Express's owner-survey data placed the 1 Series sixth overall in the 2026 Driver Power survey at 86.64 percent, with Quality & Reliability its strongest category in third place and Economy & Running Costs its weakest in 34th.[6](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/1-series?rf=html) Autocar's long-term road testers concluded that the entry 120 "uses its new-found mild-hybrid tech quite well, but its digital cabin technology less so," while their long-term reporter found it a practical and enjoyable car with strong performance from only three cylinders.[13](https://pocketmags.com/eu/autocar-magazine/27-aug-2025/articles/bmw-1-series)
## References
1. [The all-new BMW 1 Series, BMW Group PressClub (June 2024)](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0442625EN/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en)
2. [BMW 1-series review – Munich's Audi A3 rival gains focus, evo](https://www.evo.co.uk/bmw/1-series/207490/bmw-1-series-review-munichs-audi-a3-rival-gains-focus)
3. [BMW model update measures for autumn 2024, BMW Group PressClub](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0445245EN/bmw-model-update-measures-for-autumn-2024)
4. [BMW 1 Series Review 2025, Motorpoint](https://www.motorpoint.co.uk/car-reviews/bmw/1-series)
5. [BMW 1 Series review – Practicality & boot space, Carbuyer (19 March 2025)](https://www.carbuyer.co.uk/bmw/1-series/169278/bmw-1-series-review-the-keen-drivers-premium-hatchback-pick/practicality)
6. [BMW 1 Series review, Auto Express](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/1-series?rf=html)
7. [Im Überblick: Alle BMW und MINI Modelle produziert in Leipzig, BMW Group Werk Leipzig (8 December 2025)](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/deutschland/article/attachment/T0454344DE/641293)
8. [BMW 1er 2024: Alle Bilder und Infos zum neuen 1er & M135 F70, BimmerToday](https://www.bimmertoday.de/2024/06/05/bmw-1er-2024-alle-bilder-und-infos-zum-neuen-1er-m135-f70/)
9. [Dubbeltest: Audi A3 Sportback vs. BMW 1-serie, AutoWeek](https://www.autoweek.nl/autotests/artikel/dubbeltest-audi-a3-sportback-vs-bmw-1-serie/)
10. [BMW 1 Series - Euro NCAP 2025 Results - 4 stars, Euro NCAP](https://news.euroncap.com/safercars/bmw-1-series---euro-ncap-2025-results---4-stars/s/b3b83aba-2d1f-4c78-8835-862d7d0d21de)
11. [Euro NCAP assessment: BMW 1-Series (2025)](https://www.euroncap.com/assessments/bmw/1%252Bseries/1125/)
12. [The all-new BMW 1 Series, BMW Group PressClub United Kingdom](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/united-kingdom/article/detail/T0442821EN_GB/the-all-new-bmw-1-series?language=en_GB)
13. [BMW 1 SERIES, Autocar long-term report, 27 August 2025](https://pocketmags.com/eu/autocar-magazine/27-aug-2025/articles/bmw-1-series)
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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Technology and the built world › Transport and spaceflight › Road transport › Automobiles › German automobile models › BMW models*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Oct 15, 2026 · Edited: Oct 11, 2026; Oct 15, 2026 · Last review: Oct 15, 2026*
*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*
License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license