The second generation of the BMW 1 Series consists of the BMW F20 (5-door hatchback) and BMW F21 (3-door hatchback) subcompact cars. The F20/F21 generation was produced by BMW from 2011 to 2019 and is often collectively referred to as the F20.

For the second generation of 1 Series, the coupé and convertible models marketed separately using the new BMW 2 Series nameplate.

The F20/F21 was initially powered by inline-four petrol, inline-four diesel and inline-six petrol engines. In 2015, inline-three petrol and diesel engines were added to the model range. All engines are turbocharged.

Unlike most hatchback competitors, the F20/F21 uses a rear-wheel drive (rather than front-wheel drive) for most models. The F20/F21 is the first 1 Series to offer an optional all-wheel drive (called "xDrive" by BMW).

In July 2019, the BMW 1 Series (F40) began production as the successor to the F20.

The vehicle was unveiled at the Auto Mobil International Leipzig 2012. The exterior styling was overseen by Nicolas Huet.

The launch models consisted of the petrol-engined 114i, 116i, 125i and M135i models, and the diesel-engined 114d, 116d, 116d EfficientDynamics Edition, 118d and 125d models. The inline-six M135i model was unveiled in the 3-door body style at...