The last year face-lifted 2016 BMW 125d is currently on the top of the BMW 1-Series offer, as far as diesel engines are concerned. We need to put aside the petrol BMW M140i model, but if we compare the performance, they can be easily placed side by side.

Trying to follow the larger, with success

For smaller vehicles, it is important that comfort, safety, handling and other details do not fall too much behind the “bigger” ones. Reviewed BMW 125d is one of those representatives, which offer all the above-mentioned at the highest level possible. And it has to, because the vehicle segment in which it is situated, does not accept compromises.

With BMW 125d, you will not be left behind

Of course, the diesel BMW 125d will not offer the typical V6 petrol engine melody, but on the other hand, this engine is one of the most recent BMW products. Turbocharger with variable geometry helps to breathe the 2-liter four cylinder engine with aluminum block and cylinder head.

The sum of this are 224 ‘horses’ that can push the BMW 125d from standstill to 100 kilometers per hour in only 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h. A staggering 450 Nm of torque at only 1,500 rpm means that in every moment an extra boost is prepared to kick in under the gas pedal.

Yes, it gets even better. The package can be supplemented with an excellent and many times proven eight-speed automatic transmission, which is now further enhanced. The transmission is now connected with the navigation system, and can operate on the basis of the road configuration ahead.

Just enough accessories in the interior

In the interior of the BMW 125d you will find sports seats that beautifully embrace the body and perfectly thick steering wheel with leather stitching. The driver and front passenger sit well, but if both of them adjust the seat all the way back, it is virtually impossible for the adult passengers to comfortably sit on the rear bench.

Thankfully, there are some chrome and shiny black additions, which slightly raise the atmosphere in the otherwise rather reserved cabin. The central multimedia multitasking iDrive system is now enhanced, with a touch pad that senses the movements of the fingers, thus enables easier data entry.

BMW, thank you for the facelift

BMW 1-Series (and of course the reviewed 2016 BMW 125d) became much more beautiful and elegant after the facelift. While each individual may have its own view of beauty, we think the most of us little by little prayed for the early facelift.

In addition to technical innovations, BMW 125d and all the renewed 1-Series models got some cosmetic updates. Both bumpers are slightly modified. The front one has several air slots more for supplying the engine with fresh air, the rear one is adapted to double exhaust pipe.

Is BMW 125d worth the price?

If you expected BMW 125d, a car that represents the top offer in the BMW 1-Series diesel price list, to be cheap, you miscalculated. 2016 BMW 125d costs around 40 grand (EUR). It goes without saying that this is a price without a lot of additional equipment.

Although it is the most powerful turbo diesel in the BMW 1-Series, you can easily save yourself five grand less and get the same engine, but with the 190 “horses”. Ok, you will be eight tenths of a second slower to 100 kilometers per hour and reach 12 kilometers per hour lower top speed on the Autobahn. But on the other hand, you can spend those five thousand euros either to purchase additional equipment or treat yourself with an unforgettable road trip.

BMW 125d technical specification

Dimensions

• Length: 4,329 mm.
• Width: 1,765 mm.
• Height: 1,440 mm.
• Wheelbase: 2,690 mm
• Luggage compartment capacity: 360–1.200 liters
• Fuel tank capacity: 52 liters.

Engine

• Cylinders/valves: 4/4
• Capacity: 1,995 ccm
• Stroke/bore: 90.0/84.0 mm
• Engine power: 224 hp at 4,400 rpm
• Engine torque: 450 NM /1,500–3,000 rpm
• Compression ratio: 1:16.5

Performance

• Top speed: 240 km / h
• Acceleration 0-100 km / h: 6.3 seconds

Transmission

• The engine drives the rear wheels.
• 8-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel consumption

• Urban in l/100 km: 5.4–5.1
• Extra-urban in l/100 km: 4.1–3.9
• Combined in l/100 km: 4.6–4.3
• CO2 emissions in g/km: 121–114

Weight

• Unladen weight: 1,500 kg
• Max. permissible weight: 1,990 kg
• Permitted load: 565 kg
• Permitted axle load front/rear: 940/1,090 kg

Approximate Price:

• Germany: from 40,000 EUR.
• Great Britain: from 31,000 pounds.
• Nederland: from 46,000 EUR.
• USA: 125d engine option not available.
• Australia: 125d engine option not available.

Possible competitors and rivals

• Audi A3
• Mercedes-Benz A-Class
• Seat Leon
• Volkswagen Golf

Image credit: BMW