BMW 1-series – design
Its design overhaul has proven just as divisive as most BMWs of recent years, but it looks sharp and sporty in all of its forms
The F70 1-series is more of a heavy overhaul of the previous generation than an entirely new car, and this is clear from its silhouette. Regardless, its design is fresh, and while some have critiqued it for looking a little too much like rivals from Korea, it looks significantly more purposeful than most of its German rivals in more ordinary configurations. Its small headlights and enlarged front grilles do give its features slightly odd proportions, but the F70’s overall design is more cohesive than the car that came before it.
> BMW M135 xDrive 2025 review – all-wheel drive hot hatch eyes Audi S3
Opt for the entry-level 120 Sport and you'll likely want to step away from the standard 17-inch wheels and opt for larger 18-inch items for £730. Alternatively, the 120 M Sport brings these to the table as standard, alongside a completely new front and rear bumper, a drop in ride height and new side skirts for a much more sporty appearance. Even the £43,000 M135 range-topper retains the same bodywork, only with four exhaust tips as opposed to zero in any other 1-series model.
