STUD OR DUD? BMW Teases New Front Wheel Drive 1-Series On Twitter

BMW did something different when it launched the first 1-series 15 years ago. Unlike all of its rivals, the 1-series hatch was rear-wheel drive – an interesting diversion from the norm that also helped justify its ‘premium’ price tag, if not its lack of interior space. Now, after two generations, BMW appears to be turning its back on yet one more aspect of its distinct personality with the launch of an all-new front-wheel-drive 1-series hatch later this year.

Plainly obvious from its proportions the new 1-series, as spotted here in camouflaged form, is being pitched as a more closely aligned rival to the hugely successful Audi A3 and Mercedes A-class. We’ve already been given a reasonable idea of what to expect design-wise thanks to the Chinese-market 1-series saloon, but this will be the first time BMW has launched a European-market 1-series hatch on this new platform.

dumpsty - 5/16/2019 3:28:42 PM

+4 Boost

BMW is going to make so much cash from the FWD platform!

dlin - 5/16/2019 3:44:30 PM

+2 Boost

BMW is gonna team up with Honda on next 1 series

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 5/16/2019 11:09:52 PM

+2 Boost

@Aspy11 - Do your homework. Honda had sales of $36B last year. BMW had sales of $97B. Honda will never be able to write a check that big...Honda is only a little bit ahead of Mazda at $29B in revenue globally. Both will get bought up or disappear at some point.

MDarringer - 5/16/2019 6:21:46 PM

0 Boost

The FWD Series 1 should habe been a thing 10 years ago.

valhallakey - 5/16/2019 11:49:55 PM

+3 Boost

I totally disagree, there are some things that make a brand what it is, distinct from others. RWD, ultimate driving machine etc... BMW should not try to be Toyota or Mercedes or Audi, just as Cadillac should not try to be a German car, Mercedes should not try to be BMW etc... these brands all have distinctive characteristics which define them and to loose that looses their distinctive market differentiation.

TomM - 5/18/2019 6:03:40 AM

+2 Boost

I agree

For a "Brand" to be an icon - it has to be true to its "FORM" throughout.

That the major German tier one and two brands now use FWD for "utility" simply points to a cash grab.

Yes - they might sell more of them - have more space inside -they are not true to the mission.

Bmw has Mini to sell FWD cars - and they have proven that they do not know how to make them worthwhile - why tarnish their most major asset?

Hawk - 5/17/2019 5:15:31 PM

+1 Boost

FWD or RWD, it doesn't matter. They'll sell a shitload of 'em.

Tiberius1701A - 5/17/2019 5:36:31 PM

0 Boost

Just a Mini underneath. And the crap that comes with it.

MDarringer - 5/18/2019 8:11:28 AM

+1 Boost

Yes and that includes the darty platform with its torque steer problems. Funny how VW has tamed those.