BMW 1 Series Car Lease Deals

Driving a BMW 1 Series

BMW’s premium hatchback returns with a vastly improved cabin, offering more space and all the latest technological bells and whistles.

Ride and handling

The switch to rear-wheel drive will disappoint some purists, but with a great choice of powerful diesels and an excellent petrol option, as well as the sort of responsive ride and handling you expect from a Beemer, the 1 Series is still at the head of the hatchback pack for driving enjoyment. You can certainly have fun behind the wheel of this compact motor, but things are composed too, with ride noise low and improved suspension, delivering impressive comfort even on longer journeys.

Styling

In this latest update, the 1 Series has been given its biggest makeover yet, with a smaller bonnet and more muscular looks. The sporty new façade may divide opinion but we think it looks fantastic, especially when you choose one of the available trim options.

Inside the cabin

With a pared-down minimalist approach to the dash and premium materials throughout, the all new BMW 1 Series has an enviable interior that will make you feel right at home almost immediately. When it comes to toys, there is loads of gear included as standard, such as a sat nav and an 8.8 inch infotainment screen dubbed BMW Live Cockpit Plus. Upgrade to the second tech pack for a larger 10.25 inch screen and BMW’s handy voice-operated Personal Assistant system.

Practicality

The BMW 1 Series offers a much roomier experience for passengers than the previous model, making it a markedly more sensible choice for families. In the past, competitors have eclipsed the 1 Series on back row space, but now you get rear doors as standard on every model and a similar amount of leg room to anything else in the sector. Similarly, the boot now exceeds both the Mercedes A Class and Audi A3 on volume, with 380 litres up for grabs, and you can choose to add a handy electric tailgate if required.