When you’re shopping for your first car, it’s important to find a vehicle that is stylish, fun to drive, and packed with the latest safety and technology features. The BMW 1 Series checks all of those boxes and then some.

Although it’s a luxury car, the 1 Series is surprisingly easy to drive. It’s also fuel-efficient and easy to maneuver, making it an ideal choice for first-time drivers. Plus, with its sleek exterior and impressive performance, the 1 Series is sure to turn heads on the road.

If you’re looking for a safe, stylish, and reliable first car, the BMW 1 Series is a great option to consider. It’s popular with new drivers, which is why we’re looking closely at whether it makes a good first car. Read on to find out what we think.

Why the BMW 1 Series is a great first car 

The BMW 1 Series is a great first car. It’s not too big or too small, it’s stylish and sophisticated, and it has all the features and amenities that a new driver could want. Plus, it’s incredibly safe, which is always a top priority for new drivers. Here’s a closer look at why the BMW 1 Series is such a great first car. 

Incredibly stylish & spacious

The BMW 1 Series is a head-turner from every angle. With its sleek lines and sporty silhouette, this car is sure to turn heads when you’re driving down the road. 

When it comes to size, the BMW 1 Series is just about perfect for new drivers. It’s small enough to be easy to maneuver, but it’s still got enough space to seat four adults comfortably. It’s also got a surprisingly large trunk, so you won’t have any trouble loading it up with all your gear.

Fun to drive

The BMW 1 Series is incredibly fun to drive. With its powerful engine and sharp handling, this car is a blast driving on city streets and open highways. 

The base model BMW 1 Series has a 118i engine that produces 136 horsepower. That might not sound like much, but it’s more than enough power for everyday driving. If you want more power, you can upgrade to the 128ti engine, which produces 265 horsepower.

Packed with the latest safety features

Safety is always a top priority for BMW, and that’s evident in the 1 Series. This car has various standard safety features, including front and rear airbags, stability control, and traction control.

The BMW 1 Series also includes a host of advanced safety features, including blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

It has the latest features 

The 1 Series comes standard with an impressive infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay, built-in sat nav, and BMW assistant. This system keeps you connected and entertained no matter where you’re driving. 

It also comes standard with automatic headlights, heated front seats, and rain-sensing windshield wipers, all great features for a new driver. And if you upgrade to the M Sport trim, you’ll also get an M Sport steering wheel and M Sport suspension.

Generous warranty 

When you buy a BMW 1 Series, you’ll enjoy peace of mind thanks to the included 4-year/50,000-mile warranty coverage. This comprehensive warranty includes coverage for every major mechanical component of your vehicle.

Potential downsides to the BMW 1 Series

Before you sign on the dotted line for your new BMW 1 Series, there are a few things you should know. Here are a few potential downsides to owning a BMW 1 Series as your first car.

The cost of maintenance and repairs

Just because a car looks nice on the outside doesn’t mean it won’t give you grief on the inside. And when it comes to luxury cars like BMWs, that’s often true.

Yes, BMWs are built to last, but they’re also built with precision engineering, which means that when something does go wrong, it can be expensive to fix. That’s not ideal when you’re still getting used to the ins and outs of car ownership.

You might not be ready for the power

The standard BMW 1 Series comes with a lot of power for a first-time driver, particularly if you’re not used to driving a manual transmission. And while an eight-speed automatic is available as an option on some models, it’ll cost you extra.

If you buy a 1 Series as your first car, stick with the base model until you’re sure you can handle the power.

It’s not the most practical car

While the BMW 1 Series is a great first car, it’s not the most practical choice. If you’re looking for a car that can comfortably seat five adults or haul a lot of gear, you might want to look elsewhere.

Large price tag

Finally, the price tag is the biggest potential downside to owning a BMW 1 Series. This is a luxury car, so it will not come cheap. If you’re not prepared to spend a lot of money on your first car, the BMW 1 Series might not be the right choice.

FAQ

Are BMW 1 Series cars reliable?

When it comes to purchasing a vehicle, many people place a high priority on reliability. Fortunately, the BMW 1 Series is a very reliable car. It has consistently been ranked as one of the most reliable vehicles in its class. Several factors contribute to the 1 Series’ reliability, including its high-quality construction and well-designed engineering.

Is it worth buying a used BMW 1 Series?

The BMW 1 Series is a popular choice for luxury car shoppers on a budget, and used models are often available at a significant discount. But is it worth buying a used 1 Series? The answer depends on a few factors. First, consider the age of the car and the number of miles on the odometer. A well-maintained 1 Series with low mileage can provide many years of trouble-free driving. Another consideration is the price. A used 1 Series is likely cheaper than a new model, but it may not offer the same value for money. Finally, consider your own needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable luxury car, a used BMW 1 Series may be worth considering.