Nissan Leaf 52 kWh FWD vs BMW 1 Series 120

Comparison winners

2 metrics
Power winner Nissan Leaf 52 kWh FWD 177 hp Runner-up: 170 hp
Cargo winner Nissan Leaf 52 kWh FWD 437 L Runner-up: 380 L

How the specs compare

This comparison sets the 2026 Nissan Leaf 52 kWh FWD against the 2025 BMW 1 Series 120. Both belong to the hatchback class, so their dimensions, performance and utility figures address a broadly similar type of car. One uses a battery-electric powertrain and the other a petrol system, so range and consumption figures need to be read in that context.

Performance, power and 0-100 km/h

2026 Nissan Leaf 52 kWh FWD has the higher listed output at 177 hp; 2025 BMW 1 Series 120 is rated at 170 hp, a difference of 7 hp. The torque figures follow 2026 Nissan Leaf 52 kWh FWD at 345 Nm and 2025 BMW 1 Series 120 at 280 Nm. These figures describe straight-line potential only; they do not establish braking performance, ride quality, steering response or durability under repeated hard use.

Range, battery, charging and efficiency

Range and energy-use figures are either not shared by both cars or not directly comparable across these powertrain types.

Dimensions, cargo space and towing

2026 Nissan Leaf 52 kWh FWD provides the larger quoted cargo volume: 437 litres versus 380 litres, a difference of 57 litres. 2025 BMW 1 Series 120 is 11 mm longer overall. Exterior size is not a benefit by itself: a longer body may create useful room, but cargo shape, rear-seat space and ease of parking still require a physical inspection.

Price and overall assessment

2026 Nissan Leaf 52 kWh FWD leads in more of the shared headline fields, but that is not a universal verdict: a buyer should weight price, performance, range and utility rather than simply count category wins. The assessment is based on the specifications shown here; it is not presented as a two-car road test.

Prepared by CarsbySpec from the structured specifications displayed on this page. Missing values are not estimated, and component figures are not treated as directly comparable system figures. Read the methodology.

Specification Nissan Leaf 52 kWh FWD2026 BMW 1 Series 1202025
Performance
0-100 km/h7.8 s
Top Speed160 km/h230 km/h
Power177 hp170 hp
Torque345 Nm280 Nm
Range & Efficiency
Battery52.9 kWh
Fuel Tank49 L
Efficiency6.8 L/100km
CO2 Emissions0 g/km155 g/km
Size & Capacity
Length4,350 mm4,361 mm
Ground Clearance136 mm
Cargo437 L380 L
Curb Weight1,794 kg1,420 kg
Seats55
Turning Circle11.0 m
Starting MSRP$38,800

Nissan Leaf 52 kWh FWD vs BMW 1 Series 120 questions answered

Which has the higher top speed, the 2026 Nissan Leaf 52 kWh FWD or the 2025 BMW 1 Series 120?

2025 BMW 1 Series 120 has the higher listed top speed at 230 km/h (143 mph), compared with 160 km/h (99 mph).

Which has more horsepower, the 2026 Nissan Leaf 52 kWh FWD or the 2025 BMW 1 Series 120?

2026 Nissan Leaf 52 kWh FWD has more power at 177 hp, a 7 hp advantage over 2025 BMW 1 Series 120.

Which has more cargo or boot space, the 2026 Nissan Leaf 52 kWh FWD or the 2025 BMW 1 Series 120?

2026 Nissan Leaf 52 kWh FWD has more listed cargo space at 437 litres (15.4 cu ft), versus 380 litres (13.4 cu ft).

Which is heavier, the 2026 Nissan Leaf 52 kWh FWD or the 2025 BMW 1 Series 120?

2026 Nissan Leaf 52 kWh FWD is heavier at 1,794 kg (3,955 lb), while 2025 BMW 1 Series 120 is listed at 1,420 kg (3,131 lb).

Which is better, the 2026 Nissan Leaf 52 kWh FWD or the 2025 BMW 1 Series 120?

2026 Nissan Leaf 52 kWh FWD leads in more of the shared headline fields, but that is not a universal verdict: a buyer should weight price, performance, range and utility rather than simply count category wins. This comparison is based on recorded specifications rather than a road test, so the right choice depends on the buyer's priorities.