BMW’s upcoming 2019 1-Series will gain a
range-topping four-wheel drive M130iX M Performance version in around 2020 to
compete with the likes of the Audi S3 and the also upcoming Mercedes-AMG A35.
The new front-driven BMW 1-Series will be a turning
point for the German automaker and its more powerful all-wheel drive derivative
is crucial, as it wants to prove that they can offer a class-leading
performance model with the engine transversely mounted.
Power will come from an upgraded version of BMW’s
turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit, making around 300 hp that will be
channeled to all four corners via a multi-plate-clutch xDrive four-wheel-drive
system.
The 2019 BMW 1-Series will become the company’s
first model to ride on the new front-drive FAAR (Frontantriebsarchitektur)
platform, which in turn is an evolution of the UKL platform found in the
2-Series Active Tourer as well as in all the Mini models, but now has the
ability to support fully-electric powertrains.
The adoption of the new platform also means that the
third-generation 1-Series will be lighter and more spacious, thanks to the
infinitely better packaging of the front-drive architecture. Offering a proper
fun driving character should also be no problem as the new layout will also
allow BMW’s engineers to lower the center of gravity and perhaps even use some
tricks from their colleagues at Mini.
Cr : Carscoops
