BMW 1 Series Lease
The BMW 1 Series, first launched back in 2004, is one of the best premium hatchbacks available to lease. Sitting below the BMW 2 Series Coupe, it’s also one of the best-selling cars in the German manufacturer's portfolio.
Read moreThe fourth-generation 1 Series arrived in 2024, complete with a lowered stance, uprated chassis, and a more sporty feel all round.
Recent revisions have not only made it powerful, the BMW 1 Series also looks more aggressive than ever, as it continues to compete with the likes of the Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf.
The cabin remains as impressive as ever, with the latest models featuring BMW's innovative 'Curved Display', which comprises a 10.25-inch Information Display and a 10.7-inch Control Display.
There's a good choice of powertrains, from the '120' petrol engine with 170hp to the range-topping M135 hot-hatch, the latter of which gets 300 hp, all-wheel drive, and a 0-62 mph acceleration time of just 4.9 seconds.
Our sales advisers have a great knowledge when it comes to BMW 1 Series Lease with a wealth of experience they're able to draw upon. This means you'll always get the deal most suited to your personal and budget specifics.
- Car Leasing Category: Hatchback
- Select’s Car Review Score: 3.9/5
- Boot size: 380 litres
- Engine Options: Diesel, petrol.
- NCAP Safety Rating: 5 stars
BMW 1 Series Hatchback Featured Deals
Jon was excellent throughout the process, and really worked hard for me. There was a small price discrepancy, as the “in stock deal” on the website only indicated the price for a base model without any additional options, which was not actually possible to order - which I felt was a little misleading. However, Jon worked up a deal I was happy with, and communicated very well throughout the process - including following up with some issues after delivery. I will definitely use again.
Yeh, good service a bit of headache filling forms couple of times but turn around was very good and with the maintenance cover it’s peace of mind.
What's great: I'm now driving a lovely Lexus at a far more affordable price than I could find elsewhere. My contract includes a full maintenance deal which isn't always available with other providers. The sales process and arranging the finance was a good experience, with lots of support from Dave. Thanks Dave! BUT ... Once the contract had been agreed, communication was terrible. I was told that I would get access to the portal (which is the only way to track progress) 'shortly': it took 2 weeks and multiple phone calls and emails (initiated by me)to gain access. Promises to phone me back were not met. In the end, Dave sorted it out. Thanks Dave. The portal looked promising as it appeared that I could track my car's journey from the factory in Japan to delivery. However, apart from me uploading identity documents to it (not acknowledged until I got in contact), the portal did not change except to put my expected delivery date back a month (no explanation). Then out of the blue, the Lexus dealership phoned me to say that my car was ready for collection. This was surprising as the portal located the car in Japan, and gave me a bit of a dilemma as I needed to get rid of my current car at very short notice (anyone looking for an Audi Q2?). Nothing from Select Car until I contacted them to say where the car was. Their failure to contact me was apparently the Lexus dealership's fault in some way ... which I find hard to believe to be honest. I made the decision to collect the car rather than have it delivered, in order to get a proper dealership handover, which I was told was fine. Only nothing happened until I phoned Select Car and was told that I had to arrange collection directly with the dealer. That was news to me, but I did it, and was then sent regular emails informing me that my car was due to be delivered to my house on that date. A few more phone calls followed to sort that out ... Maybe I just had a poor experience. Maybe if you go for a car that is in stock rather than a factory order the process might be smoother. At the end of the day, I did get my car at a good price and within the original time frame, so on reflection I've changed my rating from 3 to 4 stars. But it was a frustrating journey which some joined-up communications at Select Car would have made a happier overall experience.
What vehicles are similar to the BMW 1 Series that I should consider?
Audi A3 Hatchback
One of the most elegant vehicles on the market - the A3 boasts an immaculate interior balanced by an equally smart exterior design.
Volkswagen Golf Hatchback
The Golf Hatchback is one of the most famous vehicles of all-time. Highly durable, and with excellent handling it's a great vehicle opportunity.
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CUPRA Leon Hatchback
The old Leon Cupra has been replaced by the Cupra Leon, but though the name has changed, the recipe is the same. This is still a fast, well-built hatchback that's great to drive.
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Mini Countryman Hatchback
The Countryman Hatchback has a wealth of interior and boot space; offering an agile ride with an iconic exterior.
About the BMW 1 Series
The BMW 1 Series is now in its fourth generation, having been updated and revised in 2024.
The sleek hatchback was initially launched in 2004 and has evolved since then to become a viable contender in one of the most competitive sectors of the market.
With good ride comfort, refined engines, agile handling and a decent helping of practicality for a small car, it’s one of the best in its class.
BMW has also enhanced its appearance over the years, with a sportier and cheekier front end, creases down the sides and far more personality at the rear than older models.
Additionally, the 1 Series comes with a range of well-refined engines that will maximise fuel economy while providing a decent level of performance.
Why lease a BMW 1 Series?
Well, first of all, it’s a BMW - at an affordable price when you consider other models in the BMW line-up.
While this might not be the most luxurious model BMW makes, it still comes with a level of attention to detail that is sure to impress.
In addition, it comes with BMW’s class-leading infotainment system, that provides a level of ease and control which is yet to be beaten by any other manufacturer.
A wide selection of trim levels is available, and there's also a good range of choices for engines.
All that added together means this fourth generation model is the most sophisticated 1 Series yet.
Which BMW 1 Series engine is right for me?
BMW dropped the diesel engine from the 1 Series line-up in 2024, but you might still be able to lease an existing car with a frugal diesel powertrain.
120 (petrol)
The entry-level 120 petrol engine for the BMW 1 Series enjoys power of 170 hp and is also supported by mild-hybrid tech for better efficiency. It'll return upwards of 50 miles to the gallon while still being capable of accelerating you from 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds.
M135 xDrive
The range-topping 300 hp BMW 1 Series M135 xDrive is an all-wheel drive hot-hatch that can sprint from 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds. It's also lowered by 8mm compared with other 1 Series models.
Which BMW 1 Series trim level should I lease?
BMW 1 Series Frequently Asked Questions
The BMW 1 Series is a well-refined, classy and sophisticated all-rounder, offering decent practicality for a car of its size. Being a small BMW, it's nimble. It zips about nicely, offering entertaining driving dynamics in a vehicle that's well-equipped as standard with a lovely interior that incorporates BMW's class-leading infotainment system. The higher-powered editions are tempting, and while you'll undoubtedly have lots of fun in those, the three mainstream grades still make for an enjoyable driving experience. While Audi and Mercedes-Benz give the 1 Series a healthy run for its money, the hatchback is a worthy competitor that ticks all the right boxes and offers owners the opportunity to drive a BMW without spending a fortune.
If you’re unsure whether it’s better to lease or to buy your new car, then have a read of our Buying Vs Leasing Guide which details out the main things for you to consider.
We work closely with manufacturers to keep our prices as low as possible, whichever variant of the BMW 1 Series you choose to lease.
By leasing a BMW 1 Series, you'll be getting a very well-equipped car. It will include alloy wheels, which will be at least 16 inches, with larger sizes available further up the range, and a lovely interior with cloth upholstery as standard at entry-level. Still, more luxurious materials are available on higher trims, while all models get BMW's excellent infotainment system and a leather steering wheel. In addition, all variants offer excellent handling, well-refined engines throughout the range and an attractive, well-designed interior. Look at the model description for more information about the 1 Series' key features.
Safety-wise, yes – and it has a five-star rating to prove it, which was awarded by crash-testing body Euro NCAP, who put the 1 Series through its paces. It comes packed with safety equipment, and the latest driver assistance technology, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and speed limit assist, fore and aft parking sensors and cruise control. In terms of practicality, there's a reasonable amount of space in the cabin despite being a small car, and the hatchback opening means the boot is easily accessible.
Want to know more about a BMW 1 Series lease?
BMW 1 Series Review
A BMW has to offer an engaging drive, and the move from a sporty rear-drive chassis to a generic front-wheel-drive setup could water down the experience. However, as you’ll discover, the switch has emboldened the car, making it a zesty and alert hatchback that encourages playtime.
Your Complete Guide To Car Leasing
In simple terms, leasing is the single most cost-effective and hassle free method of driving a brand-new car, and with Select Car Leasing you can be sure that you are in safe hands.