Tell Me About it
So if you haven’t heard, BMW has just released details on the all-new 1-series. Enthusiasts, prepare to be disappointed, because it’s mostly front-wheel drive. Shocked? You shouldn’t be. There has been talk of the next 1-series being FWD for several years, and now it’s finally here. But honestly, front-wheel drive? Who cares.
What’s That You Say?!?
You heard me. Who cares if it’s front-wheel drive. It’s not the first BMW that drives the front wheels. The 2016 X1 debuted on a modified Mini platform that was primarily front-wheel drive with AWD optional. And you know what? The car drove great, still does, in fact. The X1 has topped Car and Driver comparison tests even. The X1 spawned the sportier X2, which might be a confused style statement (it does look rather good in the right spec, but lacks any practicality associated with an SUV), but nonetheless is a surprisingly good car to drive with proper BMW DNA inside.
Furthermore, front-wheel drive can be fun. The Ford Fiesta ST is a fabulous driver’s car and it’s “wrong-way-drive.” The Golf GTi remains a perennial favorite, as well. So given that BMW has made a front-wheel drive SUV decent to steer, I’m sure they are more than capable of infusing some pizzazz into a small hatchback.
And also, the 1-series will be cheaper for it, making it more attainable to those who have not been able to afford to get into a Roundel-badged car. before.
It’s Also AWD
Like the X1 and X2, which are FWD to start with, there will be an all-wheel drive option. So yes, if you really don’t want FWD and a dose of torque steer, there is a car for you. However, unlike the Focus RS, I doubt there will be a ‘drift mode.’ See below though for the real B-road hunter though…
An M135i?
Yes. AWD, and over 300 horsepower. Sounds fun, no? I will miss the outgoing M140i and it’s prior, the M135i. Rear-wheel drive, turbocharged six-cylinders (the new 1-series will be 3 and 4-cylinder engines only), and a standard manual transmission. All that, but in a highly practical, attractive hatchback shape. Okay, it was slightly awkward in some angles, just as the Z3 coupe was, but a seriously cool car to those in the know. Seeing an Estoril Blue example in Scotland once warranted a well-deserved 5 minute walk around to indulge in this crazy curiosity from across the pond. The USA only got the coupe version, the 2-series. Why more Americans don’t like hatchbacks and estate cars is beyond me. They’re cool! And Practical!
It’s Not Even Coming Here
Yes, for us in the United States, currently plans do not appear for the new 2020 1-series to be sold in the United States. Why could that be? BMW has hired enough researchers to determine the demand would be too little, surely. America has never embraced the hatchback quite like Europe. Though, why are Golfs, Focuses, and Fiestas so dang popular?