BMW's direct rival for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi A3 is still undergoing tests in prototype form, and is expected to remain hidden well into the new year. The all-new 2019 1-Series is said to look sportier and more imposing, while leaving more room inside for occupants, especially those sitting in the back.

The extra room will come courtesy of BMW's UKL platform, which will also empower the 1-Series to switch from RWD to FWD, matching its rivals from Mercedes, Audi and Volvo.


It's also been reported that the 1-Series will shift towards a permanent 5-door body style, like the A-Class. Audi decided to do the same with the 2019 A3, mostly due to falling demand and cost-cutting.

The all-new 1-Series will have its dashboard angled towards the driver, with the infotainment display mounted above the central air vents. It also has a new center console, housing a new gear selector and the rotary iDrive knob.

As for power units, reports indicate that any six-cylinder options will be scrapped in favor of four-cylinder ones, with a range-topping M140i model sending power to all four wheels via BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system. A plug-in hybrid version is also expected to join the range at some point.

Cr : Carscoops