It’s the fourth generation of the BMW 1 Series. There are a few intriguing facts regarding the pricing structure to be aware of if you’re considering upgrading to a new Bavarian hatchback. Here are the specifications that residents of Continental Europe and the United Kingdom can anticipate seeing on their new 1 Series. Warning: this is not good.
This time, BMW updated the configurator quickly for the majority of European markets. But those in North America who have been waiting for a high-end little car are still in Limbo Land, and Australians will have to wait.
Nothing official has transpired, at least not yet, despite some details provided by the German marque hinting at a potential introduction in the US and Canada. We still have hope.
Let’s start by examining the issues that Germans face. The following choices are available to residents of the “Land of Diversity” who would like to purchase the brand-new 1 Series:
- 118d: either €41,600 ($45,193) or €38,200 ($41,499);
- 120d: either €43,900 ($47,691) or €40,500 ($43,998);
- 120 – either €41,300 ($44,867) or €37,900 ($41,173);
- xDrive M135 costs €56,200 ($61,053).
The Steptronic Sport seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters mounted on the steering column is standard on the more costly 118d, 120d, and 120. Remember that the 19% value-added tax is included in all of the aforementioned values. Almost everyone purchasing a new car in Europe must pay this tariff, which is the primary cause of why cars are typically less expensive in the US, where the only fees are sales tax, registration, and sometimes needless add-ons or dealer markups.
For further context, the MSRP of the 2017 BMW 5 Series headed for the US was approximately $52,000 (€47,824), including freight.
Rewinding: The all-new 5 Series G30 made its German premiere seven years ago (my, oh, how time flies). The rear-wheel-drive 520d variant was priced starting at about €52,000 ($56,500).
At first, the 520d xDrive with the Steptronic Sport transmission (the same as the one in the M135 xDrive) cost roughly €57,000 ($61,936), which is just €800 ($869) less expensive than the current 2025 M135 xDrive. Flappy paddles, all-wheel drive, and a four-pot are features shared by both vehicles.
The kind of dead dinosaur fluid that is put into the tank is the only thing that differs. Whereas the G30 stealthily downs diesel, the M135 xDrive runs on gasoline.
It is important to keep in mind, nevertheless, that €57,000 spent in 2017 would be equivalent to giving up €71,160 ($77,335) in 2024. Although the 2025 BMW M135 xDrive (F70) may be expensive in Germany, we must remember that costs there have increased by almost 25% over the last seven years.
Aside from that, the automotive sector faced a few significant difficulties in 2019 and 2020. Those made an impression. When was the lowest priced Tesla Model S a six-figure sedan?
Companies like BMW are also making investments in the development of their vehicles, the circular economy, and sustainability. To appease shareholders, the manufacturer needs to show a return on these expensive investments. BMW is, at its core, a for-profit business.
However, how much cash is sufficient?
Nevertheless, a rear-wheel-drive BMW 116i (F20 LCI) was available to German consumers in 2017 for about €25,000 ($27,218). The starting price of the most economical 1 Series with front-wheel drive is €37,900. With no change in engine displacement, that’s an increase of about 52%.
Some people claim that the fully equipped 2025 M135 xDrive, which we took the time to configure, looks too much like a Ford Fiesta or Kia Ceed. Incorporating the panoramic roof and the Service Inclusive Plus package, among other features, the hot hatch’s total price for German purchasers is €74,399 ($80,998). Crazy.
That’s more than what Porsche wants for the Macan S or Lucid wants for its opulent Air Touring in the US. For the same money, you can get three used Tesla Model 3 EVs—the pinnacle of enjoyable vehicles for daily usage on the commute.
Here’s how things stand in the UK, to start with. Potential purchasers of the 2025 BMW 1 Series in the realm headed by King Charles III must consider the following initial costs:
- £11,065 (€36,500 / $39,700) for 120 Sport;
- £13,065 (€38,849 / $42,256) for the 120 M Sport;
- £54,958 / €50,486 = £43,000 for the M135 xDrive.
There is no 1 Series (F70) diesel available for purchase by Britons
The data is accurate.
The starting price of an entry-level, rear-wheel drive, right-hand drive, diesel-powered BMW 5 Series in 2017 was £36,025 ($45,989), which is only £2,960 ($3,779) more expensive than the current front-wheel drive 120 M Sport and £6,975 (€8,194 / $8,903) less expensive than the new M135 with xDrive.
As previously said, £36,025 is equivalent to £46,519 (€54,652 / $59,393) in current currency. This implies that the most desirable 2025 BMW 1 Series would be £3,519 (€4,135 / $4,492) less expensive than the opulent car that debuted seven years ago.
In contrast, the beginning price of the 2017 BMW 1 Series 5 Door was £23,010 (€27,030 / $29,378), which is £8,055 (€9,462 / $10,281) less than the current asking price for the 120 Sport from the German automaker.
Without a doubt, the new 1 Series has cleaner engines, can be more dependable than its predecessor, comes with additional safety equipment as standard, and has some creative new technology (like in-car gaming). These costs, though, seem excessively high. This is a pretty big jump, which begs the question of whether the hatchback will ever reach American soil.
The majority of purchasers will be directed toward less expensive models that might also include more features, more space, and more power due to the high price tag.
No, BMW isn’t avaricious.
It is unclear if BMW would provide incentives for customers to select the new 1 Series and whether those savings will be effective. You would currently need to be an ardent 1 Series fan to select it.
You know what’s worse, though? It is impossible to hold the Bavarians responsible for introducing these costs. There are six stylish hatchback alternatives available to buyers of new cars in the UK. These are their initial expenses:
- Mazda 3 – £23,955 (€28,139 / $30,589); [needs a renewal badly]
- VW Golf, freshly refreshed for its eighth generation, costs £27,035 (€31,759 / $34,517).
- Audi A3 Sportback, newly facelifted, costs £29,515 (€34,672 / $37,683).
- £30,505 (€35,839 / $38,947) is the price of a Toyota Corolla hatchback.
- Benz A-Class Mercedes – £30,720 (€36,093 / $39,222). [Last year’s update]
The new 1 Series, with an on-road pricing of £31,065 fits right in. Of course, it is at the top of the list. But at least the price isn’t as high as some people might think. It is pricey, but not exorbitantly so.
The next time you’re perusing the used automobile market’s classified ads and wondering why your dream vehicle isn’t getting any cheaper, keep in mind how expensive the standard hatchback has gotten.
And last, I can’t help but wonder: What kind of auto market exists in Europe right now? It appears that neither sellers nor purchasers are pleased with the circumstances.