The BMW 1 Series, specifically the second-generation F20 (five-door) and F21 (three-door), was in production from 2011 to 2019. This version was the brand’s most recent rear-wheel-drive hatchback and offered six-cylinder engine options. The M140i, which was introduced in 2016 during the facelift, remains a top-performing hot hatch even by today’s standards.

Interestingly, the latest third-generation 1 Series (F40) doesn’t offer a powertrain that matches the performance of the M140i. It’s worth noting that the M140i features BMW’s renowned B58 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbo engine, delivering an impressive 335 horsepower (250 kilowatts) at 5,500 rpm and 369 pound-feet (500 Newton-meters) of torque between 1,520 and 4,500 rpm. In comparison, the most powerful third-gen model offers a 2.0-liter turbo engine with 302 hp (225 kW) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque.