"Something is changing at BMW": the next Series 1 will be front-wheel drive

The BMW 1 Series has been a great success since it was first launched in 2004. To date, it has been the only compact in its class to offer rear-wheel drive, but something is changing at BMW…

The next generation of the 1 Series will replace its rear-wheel drive system with a front-wheel drive layout. This model will reach the market in early 2019 and will be built on the same platform as the BMW X1 (also front-wheel drive) and the MINI models.

The German compact will be built on the same platform as the BMW X2 and the MINI models. With this move, BMW will be able to reduce production costs for the third generation of the 1 Series, which will also feature a much more practical interior layout. The current longitudinal engines force the dashboard to be pushed back into the cabin, while the transmission tunnel and rear-wheel drive shaft took up space both in the rear seats and in the boot. The new model will have a longer wheelbase, which will also translate into more interior space.

While all of the above is true, the 1 Series will no longer offer the drive layout that set it apart from its rivals (Mercedes A-Class, Audi A3, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf), a substantial point for any lover of driving, although the Bavarian brand has probably noticed that the buyer profile for this model is not as enthusiastic as that of a 3 Series, for example.

Another consequence of this change in drivetrain will be the type of engine offered by the next 1 Series. The German compact will no longer be fitted with the sonorous six-cylinder engine in its top-of-the-range version – M140i – and will instead use four-cylinder engines in all its variants; the UKL platform – the same as the X2 – is not compatible with large engines such as a six-cylinder.

Nevertheless, not everything is lost for those who want their 1 Series to have a sportier character. All-wheel drive will be available on the M Sport versions of this model.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackBMW Serie 15 versions · from 35,150 €