Browse over 9,000 car reviews

BMW 1 Series 2020 teased, promises uncompromising FWD

The end of the rear-wheel drive hatchback is nigh, with front-drive confirmed for the next 1 Series.

BMW has revealed initial details of the next-generation 1 Series hatchback, which is due in Australia in 2020, including the first official confirmation that it will be offered with both front- and all-wheel drive drivetrains.

These first official pictures of disguised development mules also give us a reasonable idea of how it's going to look, with what appears to be evolutionary styling treatments front and rear. The carefully chosen angles seem to hide whether it's kept its trademark long-nose proportions though.

While full details are still to come, BMW has released important info such as a switch to the brand’s front-wheel drive UKL platform that also underpins the existing 2 Series Active Tourer, X1, X2 and entire Mini range. All-wheel drive will be offered for the first time in the Australian market.

In an attempt to hose down the popular enthusiast notion that a front-drive 1 Series is a backward step for the "ultimate driving machine" brand, BMW Driving Dynamics boss Peter Langen pledges that it still be a genuine BMW. 

“Our customers will directly feel the fast and precise responsiveness that provides for an optimised driving experience," he said.

The new 1 Series will be offered in front- or all-wheel drive. The new 1 Series will be offered in front- or all-wheel drive.

BMW claims that the new 1 Series takes much of its technology from the i3 electric car, with that car’s ARB advanced stability control tech being used with a non-EV for the first time. 

Headlining the global range initially will be the M135i xDrive, which takes its 225kW 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine from the X2 M35i SUV. The 225kW peak power is also identical to the new Mercedes-AMG A35, which also features a 2.0-litre turbo and all-wheel drive.

Lower-spec engines will follow, including lesser-powered 2.0-litre engines, as well as an upgraded version of the 1.5-litre turbo three cylinder that’s currently used in the 118i. 

Traditionally one of the 1 Series’ weaker points, BMW is quick to point out how much extra interior space the new model will offer. Boot space has been increased to 380-litres (up 20-litres) to match the Volkswagen Golf, and rear cabin space has also increased: the rear legroom is now 33mm larger, along with 19mm more rear headroom.

The new 1 Series will offer tech from the i3. The new 1 Series will offer tech from the i3.

BMW has confirmed that the new model is in the final stage of development, with these pictures taken at the brand's Miramas proving ground in the south of France.

Do you think it will be a loss that the 1 Series is going front-drive? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.