BMW 1 Series trim levels: Models and specs compared (2022)
Back to 'Expert guides'The BMW 1 Series is proving a popular choice with lease customers thanks to its athletic styling, tech-filled interior and of course some attractive pricing. If you’re after a hatchback in 2022, it’s a solid choice.
So, if you’re looking to lease one, what trim levels are available? Which one’s the best? It’s an important consideration when choosing your car, and can affect the amount you pay every month.
To help you out, we’ve taken a look at the trim levels currently available on the 1 Series.
What’s the best BMW 1 Series trim level?
That’s a big question and, in most cases, it comes down to personal preference along with how much you want to spend. BMW 1 Series trim levels for 2022 include:
- SE
- Sport
- M Sport
- 128ti
1 Series SE
The SE is the entry-level model, but that doesn’t mean specification is sparse. On the engine front, you’ve got a host of 1.5-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesels to choose from, both of which can be specified as a manual or automatic.
On the outside, you’ll find a set of 16in alloy wheels and, like all 1 Series, there are two no-cost colour options: white and black. Step inside and you’ll find cloth upholstery and a host of silver trim.
Tech-wise, BMW’s live cockpit comes as standard, giving the driver a vivid digital display. There’s also a 9in infotainment system that comes packed with BMW’s Connected Services, as well as a satnav.
1 Series Sport
The Sport offers a more athletic appearance on the outside, courtesy of additional gloss black trim and chrome exhaust tips, as well as an upgraded set of alloy wheels – which have increased to a 17in set on this model. The same range of engines are available, although BMW’s all-wheel drive xDrive is offered too.
While the standard upholstery remains cloth, there’s now some highlighted orange details around the edges of the carpets and other bits of trim. There’s also a number of extra silver trim bits too.
Other sporty touches include a selectable drive mode for the driver that adapts the way the car feels behind the wheel, a set of sports seats and an updated sports multi-function steering wheel.
1 Series M Sport
You can consider the M Sport the range-topping model of the standard line-up. On the outside you get a glossy set of large 18in alloy wheels, while the body has been beefed up. You’ll spot a more aggressive body kit and beefier bits of trim.
Inside, there’s an M Sport-specific steering wheel along with a fresh set of seats which include Alcantara-like material. Front fog lights are now LED units, while a sports suspension is standard too.
The same basic infotainment system remains across the entire range, but you can upgrade your M Sport (or any 1 Series) to include a larger 10.25in infotainment display. This system also adds BMW’s personal assistant – essentially a clever voice command technology. It gets you an upgraded Harman Kardon stereo too.
1 Series 128ti
The 128ti is available exclusively with BMW’s 2.0-litre petrol engine, producing 270hp and coming with an automatic gearbox as standard. You can consider it a halfway house between the standard model and the full-fat M135i xDrive.
Trim-wise, it’s essentially based on the M Sport model. However, a closer look reveals some model-specific 18in alloy wheels, along with a sportier twin exhaust system. You’ll notice those external highlights too.
A limited-slip differential is also added and on the inside, things take a step up with an enhanced steering wheel and trim, that now features red stitching.
Ready to find a BMW 1 Series lease deal?
If you’ve got an idea of which trim level is for you, you can start comparing leasing plans straight away by hitting the button below.
