One of the most exciting BMWs in 2019 is the third generation of the BMW 1 Series which will bring major changes to the popular hatchback. After two generations of fun driving from a rear-wheel drive platform, the high-selling BMW will now switch over to a front-wheel drive platform.
The new FAAR(Frontantriebsarchitektur) front-wheel drive architecture will provide the new 1 Series with a lower kerb weight and improved packaging, together with simplified production processes and greater profitability than its rear-wheel-drive predecessor. An xDrive all-wheel drive system will continue to be offered in the 1er lineup.
This new rendering from Carscoops aims to guess some of the design lines of the new F40 1er. Design wise, the 1er hatchback builds atop the current BMW design language, but with a small twist – the headlights are slimmer and more angular, and full LED lights are standard. The front grille takes its cues from the recent BMW models, with the upside down kidney grille, and a more aggressive bumper paired with large air intakes.
BMW will give the five door hatch a front-wheel drive platform paired with three and four-cylinder engines. Models like the 116i, 118i, 120i, 116d, 118d and 120d will appear in the lineup, including a BMW 130iX which will likely replace the current rear-wheel drive M140i.
The new M130iX will take on the Volkswagen Golf R, Audi S3 and upcoming Mercedes-AMG A35 and it’s scheduled for launch in 2020.
The top model of the range will be the M130iX M Performance which replaces the current fans’ favorite – and ours as well – BMW M140i xDrive.
