2025 BMW 118 F40 South African Version

• The 2025 BMW 1-Series debuts with a sharper design and updated tech, maintaining its compact hatchback appeal.

• Interior enhancements include a curved digital display, leather-free upholstery, and improved ambient lighting.

• Available in multiple trims, it offers a range of turbocharged engines and drivetrain options to suit various preferences.

Exterior Tweaks That Actually Matter

The 2025 BMW 1-Series doesn’t mess with the formula too much—and that’s a good thing. What you’re getting here is a more upright, confident hatchback. The front end leans slightly forward, with a now-wider grille design that ditches the chrome flash for something more angular and interesting. Not oversized. Not controversial. Just… cleaner.

LED headlights are sharper this time around—vertically stacked elements give it a more serious face. You’ll also notice smoother side surfaces, and the proportions feel just a bit more planted. It’s grown slightly in all directions, now 4,361 mm long and 1,800 mm wide. Doesn’t sound like much, but in traffic or tight parking bays, it matters.

Inside: A Familiar Cabin, But Smarter

The interior finally gets that curved digital display BMW's been fitting elsewhere. The layout merges a 10.25-inch instrument cluster with a 10.7-inch central screen, leaning into a minimalist, touch-first ethos. It's clean, but also pretty reliant on you liking the iDrive experience.

Material-wise, BMW's pushing toward leather-free options. Veganza and Alcantara make up the upholstery choices—better for sustainability and surprisingly premium to the touch. There's new ambient lighting across the dash and doors, and the whole space just feels a little more grown-up than before.

Engine Lineup: Mild-Hybrid & M Muscle

There’s a healthy spread of powertrain options. The 118i runs a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbo with mild-hybrid tech, pushing out 103 kW (138 hp). It’s front-wheel drive, and if you’ve driven one before, you’ll know it’s peppy enough for everyday stuff.

But if you want spice, go for the M135 xDrive. That gets a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder good for 221 kW (296 hp). Paired with all-wheel drive and a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, it's quick. Not insane, but grin-worthy.

In Context: Still Carving Out Space

So who’s this up against? Think Audi A3 Sportback and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Both are good. Both are polished. But neither quite nails the sporty edge like BMW still does. Especially with the M135i in the mix.

This isn’t a revolution, and it doesn’t need to be. It’s BMW doing what it does best—refining the formula, not rewriting it.

Technical Specifications: 2025 BMW 1 Series (South Africa)

Performance

• BMW 118:

  • Power: 115 kW (154 hp) @ 4,900–6,500 rpm

  • Torque: 230 Nm @ 1,500–4,600 rpm

  • 0–100 km/h: 8.5 seconds

  • Top Speed: 226 km/h

  • Fuel Consumption (combined): 6.4 L/100 km

  • CO₂ Emissions: 145 g/km

• BMW M135 xDrive:

  • Power: 221 kW (296 hp) @ 5,750–6,500 rpm

  • Torque: 400 Nm @ 2,000–4,500 rpm

  • 0–100 km/h: 4.9 seconds

  • Top Speed: 250 km/h

  • Fuel Consumption (combined): 7.6–8.3 L/100 km

  • CO₂ Emissions: 173–188 g/km

Body Measurements

• Length: 4,361 mm (171.7 inches)

• Width: 1,800 mm (70.9 inches)

• Height: 1,459 mm (57.5 inches)

• Wheelbase: 2,670 mm (105.1 inches)

• Curb Weight:

  • BMW 118: 1,390 kg (3,064 lbs)

  • BMW M135 xDrive: 1,525 kg (3,362 lbs)

• Boot Capacity: 380–1,200 liters (13.4–42.4 cubic feet)

Powertrain

• BMW 118:

  • Engine: 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol

  • Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic

  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive

• BMW M135 xDrive:

  • Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol

  • Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic

  • Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (xDrive)

Capacities

• Fuel Tank: 49 liters (12.9 gallons)

• Seating: 5 passengers

South African Pricing (as of May 2025)

• BMW 118: R713,395

• BMW 118 M Sport: R753,395

• BMW M135 xDrive: R982,767

Source