No mild-hybrid for Australia’s new BMW 1 Series

UPDATED 19/02/2025 5:20pm: BMW Australia has announced its local 1 Series line-up will be bolstered by the return of the mid-range 120 variant, with prices starting from $60,600 plus on-road costs.

Under the bonnet you'll find a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine good for 150kW/300Nm and 0-100km/h in a claimed 7.2 seconds, while the equipment list is headlined by adaptive dampers, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.7-inch infotainment system, a head-up display, powered front sports seats with memory function for the driver, 'Veganza' upholstery, Driving Assistant and Driving Assistant Plus.

Other goodies include wireless phone charging, adaptive LED headlights, DAB+ digital radio, heated front seats and a powered tailgate.

UPDATED 08/07/2024 5:30pm: The new-generation 2024 BMW 1 Series has been priced from $56,500 plus on-road costs ahead of its Australian arrival at the end of this year, marking a surprisingly mild $1700 increase over the outgoing small German hatch.

As detailed below, the Australian line-up will comprise the entry-level 118 and the hot M135 xDrive, the latter of which will cost $82,500 plus ORCs – a substantial $5900 more than its gruntier predecessor.

Full specifications for the new BMW 1 Series range can be found in our original coverage beneath the pricing table.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE PUBLISHED 05/06/2024 10:30am: The all-new 2024 BMW 1 Series will arrive in Australia later this year without mild-hybrid technology, despite the implementation of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard from 2025.

Revealed this morning in Europe – where four versions will be launched in October, including two electrified versions – the fourth-generation BMW 1 Series has now been confirmed for Australian release in the fourth quarter of the year, after pricing is announced next month.

But BMW Australia’s new 1 Series range will again only comprise the entry-level 118 and flagship M135 xDrive hot hatch, and neither will be fitted with fuel-saving electrification tech.

Neither the 118d and 120d diesels (the former fitted with a mild-hybrid engine) will be sold here, and the European launch line-up will also include the M135 and the mild-hybrid 120.

The latter is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that outputs 125kW/280Nm with the help of an integrated starter generator, and the 118 now outlined for Australia appears to be simply a 120 variant minus electrification, outputting 115kW/230Nm – 10Nm less than the 120 engine without mild-hybrid tech.

carsales asked BMW Australia why the electrified 120 won’t be coming to Australia and was told the reason was factory availability.

Either way, the new 118 that will be sold here retains its predecessor’s seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and front-drive configuration, but boats an extra 12kW/10Nm.

The all-wheel drive M135, meantime, will once again be powered by 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, but this time matched with the 7DCT rather than an eight-speed auto and outputting 233kW/400Nm – 8kW more but 50Nm less than the old M135i.

Interestingly, the 233kW peak power output stated for our M135 is a relatively big 12kW higher than the European version’s – a discrepancy that BMW Australia currently has no explanation for but has assured carsales it will look into.

As we’ve reported, myriad changes have been made to the new 1 Series, which now measures 4361mm long (+42mm), 1800mm wide and 1459mm tall (+25mm).

Standard equipment highlights now confirmed for both Australian variants include the latest BMW Curved Display and iDrive system, new-generation seats and steering wheel, fresh M Light alloy wheels, adaptive M suspension and the M Sport package.

A full list of standard features can be found below. Pricing will follow in July.

2024 BMW 118 standard equipment:
M Sport package
18-inch M Light alloys
Adaptive LED headlights with headlight assist
Adaptive M suspension
Automatic tailgate
Head-up display
BMW Live Cockpit professional
Comfort Access
DAB+ digital radio
Driving Assistant and Driving Asisstant Plus
Power-adjustable and heated sport front seats with memory function for driver
Black headliner
Interior and exterior mirror package
M high-gloss Shadowline with extended contents
Parking Assistant Plus
5G connectivity
Heated front seats
Speed Limit Info
Tyre pressure monitoring
Veganza upholstery
Wireless phone charging
Tyre repair kit

2024 BMW M135 xDrive adds:
19-inch M Light alloys
Active front seats
Driving Asisstant Professional
Harman Kardon sound system
M rear spoiler
M Sport brakes
Panorama glass roof
Heated steering wheel

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