BMW 1 Series (F70) 120 M-Sport (2024) Review
The BMW 1 Series has been a familiar face on UK roads for two decades now, and it's hard to believe this stylish hatchback is celebrating its 20th birthday. With over 3 million units sold globally, and nearly 19% of those in the UK, it’s clear the 1 Series holds a special place in Britain’s car culture. This means BMW’s UK division has had significant input into the latest iteration of this premium hatch, the 2024 BMW 1 Series (F70).
In this review, we’re behind the wheel of the 120 M-Sport, and it’s fair to say, this car strikes an excellent balance between practicality, technology, and driving enjoyment.
The 2024 BMW 1 Series 120 M-Sport proves you don’t need to compromise on style, tech, or driving enjoyment at the entry-level of BMW’s range. While there are minor gripes—like limited rear headroom and a couple of questionable materials—the overall package is seriously compelling.
Pricing and Value for Money
Let’s address the elephant in the room—BMW is a premium brand, and the 1 Series doesn’t come cheap. The good news? Pricing for the 2024 model hasn’t increased compared to the outgoing generation, while offering more standard features.
- 120 M-Sport: Starts at £31,000
- M135i xDrive: From £43,000
The 120 M-Sport is powered by a 1.5L 3-cylinder petrol engine paired with mild hybrid technology. It delivers 168 horsepower and 280Nm of torque, giving it a 0-62mph time of 7.8 seconds. While not blisteringly quick, this mild hybrid cleverly eliminates turbo lag, ensuring responsive acceleration right off the line.
Interior: Tech-Heavy and Premium (Mostly)
Climb inside, and the BMW 1 Series delivers a premium feel, albeit with a couple of less glamorous materials here and there. This car may be the "entry point" into the BMW family, but it doesn’t skimp on tech.
Front and center is the 10-inch dual-screen infotainment and driver display, running BMW’s latest Operating System 9. The setup is intuitive, ultra-responsive, and packed with features:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Built-in sat-nav with real-time traffic updates for life
- Augmented reality navigation, which overlays live video with directional arrows—perfect for navigating tricky roundabouts.
- Apps galore: Spotify, WhatsApp, video streaming, and even games.
While the classic iDrive dial is gone (everything’s now touch and voice-based), this system remains one of the best in its class. Just don’t say “BMW” too many times—it’ll trigger the voice assistant, which can be amusing for us car reviewers but slightly annoying on a normal drive.
The driver display is equally impressive, with crisp, vivid graphics that adapt depending on the driving mode. And the illuminated trim? A nice touch that changes colour as you switch modes, particularly striking in Sport mode.
Rear Cabin and Practicality
In the back, the slightly elevated seating position (likely due to battery placement) offers a great view ahead but does compromise headroom—especially if you opt for the panoramic sunroof. At 5’9, I found it adequate, but taller passengers might feel the squeeze.
Other rear cabin highlights:
- 40:20:40 split-fold seats with a fold-down armrest and cup holders
- Two USB-C ports for passengers
- Sculpted seatbacks for improved knee room
Boot space is generally good, though the mild hybrid system does eat into underfloor storage, as about ¾ of it is occupied by batteries. Standard space is still versatile, and loading items in and out is hassle-free.
On the Road: BMW’s Driving Dynamics Shine
BMW has always prioritized driving pleasure, and the 2024 1 Series continues that legacy. The 120 M-Sport delivers an engaging experience, with adaptive suspension now standard. It strikes an impressive balance between sporty handling and comfort—though the ride is on the firmer side, as you’d expect from an M-Sport trim.
Mild Hybrid Magic
The mild hybrid system is where this car truly shines. It doesn’t just improve fuel efficiency; it actively enhances the driving experience. Turbo lag? Virtually non-existent. Acceleration is smooth, immediate, and refined, which isn’t always the case with small turbocharged engines.
For day-to-day commuting, the 120 M-Sport feels responsive and lively. It’s front-wheel drive, but BMW has done a great job ensuring it still feels planted and agile through corners. While the M135i might offer more thrills with its 4-cylinder engine, the 120 strikes a perfect balance between fun and efficiency.
The Verdict: A Worthy Entry into BMW Ownership?
The 2024 BMW 1 Series 120 M-Sport proves you don’t need to compromise on style, tech, or driving enjoyment at the entry-level of BMW’s range. While there are minor gripes—like limited rear headroom and a couple of questionable materials—the overall package is seriously compelling.
BMW’s focus on technology, sustainability, and driving dynamics sets the 1 Series apart from rivals like the Mercedes A-Class and Audi A3. Whether you’re navigating city streets, carving up B-roads, or simply commuting to work, this hatchback delivers on all fronts.
The 120 M-Sport is more than just an entry point into BMW ownership—it’s a showcase of how premium hatchbacks should be done in 2024.
Pros:
Mild hybrid eliminates turbo lag
Brilliant tech with OS 9 and augmented sat-nav
Engaging driving dynamics
Cons:
Firm ride (typical of M-Sport models)
Limited rear headroom with panoramic sunroof
If you’re in the market for a premium hatchback that blends technology, efficiency, and a dose of fun, the BMW 1 Series 120 M-Sport is well worth your attention.
To find out the latest lease prices for a BMW 1 series, Click here.
