BMW 1-series – interior and tech
A significant step up from the previous-generation, the new F70 1-series feels like a premium car in the right specification, with plenty of options to choose from
Step inside a 120 M Sport with the right options ticked, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in a car from the class. Granted, the stubby gear selector and centre console is a bit lacklustre, but the rest of the cabin more than makes up for it, with premium materials, clever design and tastefully downscaled tech from BMW’s larger, more premium models making an appearance.
While undoubtedly plain, a no-options 120 Sport is still a pleasant place to be, with tasteful use of fabric upholstery on the seats and door cards and the same widescreen infotainment you get on even the M135 range-topper. M Sport models are much more appealing, though, with vegan leather and Alcantara seats, ambient lighting and M Sport contrast stitching on the seats and dashboard standard. The third spoke on the steering wheel also gets a neat geometric, angular design, matching more premium models such as the X3 M50.
> BMW M135 xDrive 2025 review – all-wheel drive hot hatch eyes Audi S3
Front and centre you’ll find a curved widescreen infotainment display running BMW’s ninth generation operating system. While it seems as if it’s the same system you get in an M3 Touring at first glance, a closer look reveals that BMW has subtly reduced its dimensions for ease of use (and presumably to reduce costs), with the resolution, peak brightness and responsiveness also taking a slight hit. It’s a solid system overall though, with plenty of functionality and a permanent climate control menu making the lack of physical buttons less frustrating than it might be otherwise. Thankfully, the unique side air vents are manually controlled, which is something that can't be said for some new BMWs.
Where some cars at this price point will resort to plastic for major touch points, the 1-series turns to cold touch metal. The door handles are metal, as are the grilles for the optional Harman Kardon speakers, matching various satin chrome elements throughout the cabin to give it a real premium touch.
In typical BMW fashion, the steering wheel is far too thick and can’t be positioned low enough for my liking, but the 1-series is a comfortable place to be for the most part. Ignore the grumble of the three-cylinder engine when under load and the 1-series is a refined machine, surprisingly quiet when coasting thanks to its 48V mild-hybrid tech, even at higher speeds.
