The next-generation BMW 1 Series will reportedly be available with rear-wheel drive for the first time in about a decade. According to Autocar the new 1 Series, which is due to launch from 2028, will be available with petrol, plug-in hybrid, and electric drivetrains. Like the current X3 and iX3, the combustion-powered 1 Series and the electric i1 will be based on different platforms. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow The i1 will use the EV-only Neue Klasse platform that underpins
the iX3 SUV and i3 sedan. The Neue Klasse architecture is rear-wheel drive by default, but there will also be a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup for more powerful variants. If this report is correct, the new i1 will be the first rear-wheel drive 1 Series model since the second-generation ‘F20’ went out of production in 2019. Those wanting a combustion engine and rear-wheel drive are out of luck, though, as the petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid variants will continue to use the UKL2 architecture that’s
shared with Mini. The UKL2 platform is front-wheel drive, but also supports all-wheel drive for those models with a few more horses under bonnet. Speaking to the British magazine, Oliver Heilmer, BMW’s head of design for compact cars and Neue Klasse models, described the Neue Klasse styling ethos as being “more a mindset rather than a design cookbook” with each model line sporting “strong, different characters”. Key interior tech elements that made their debut in the iX3, i3 (above) and the 7 Series facelift, such
as the rhomboid infotainment screen and full-width Panoramic Drive head-up display at the base of the windscreen, are likely to show up in the 1 Series and i1, with Joachim Post, BMW’s head of development, adding that BMW “can easily bring [those features] to every car”. Spy photos show the upcoming Audi A2 EV will have a tall hatch/small people mover shape, and rumours indicate the next-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class will go down this route too. Despite this, Autocar understands the 1 Series and i1 will
stick with a traditional hatchback design. A five-door body is a given, but Mr Post left the door open for a three-door model too. He said to “make a two-door, a three-door – that’s not an issue for a battery car” as it was easier to change dimensions and proportions on an EV-only platform. MORE: Explore the BMW 1 Series showroom
BMW 1 Series, rear-wheel drive, Neue Klasse, i1, iX3, i3, UKL2, front-wheel drive, dual-motor all-wheel drive, Panoramic Drive head-up display, rhomboid infotainment screen
So does this mean BMW fixed reliability or nah?
Rear-wheel drive in the 1 Series again? About time. I swear the last ones felt kinda weird to drive, like front drive in a costume. Also 2028 is foreverrr.
Wait they’re saying the i1 is rear-wheel drive by default but then the gas and plug-in are still front-wheel drive on UKL2?? So it’s basically only the EV that gets the “correct” layout. That sounds backwards to me, like why sell the fun part as the expensive one.
BMW really just keep renaming platforms like it changes the car lol. I’m trying to figure out if this is the same as that iX3/i3 stuff or if it’s totally new. Also I saw something about a three-door hatch?? EV-only platform makes it easy to change dimensions… okay sure. Meanwhile Audi A2 and Mercedes A-Class are supposedly doing the people-mover shape so I’m guessing BMW will just do the opposite for clicks.