The second-gen 1-Series is currently seven years
old, so, naturally, BMW has an entirely new one in development, and it could be
introduced as early as this year. Leading the pack will be the M140i, a hot
hatch that will battle the Mercedes-AMG A45, Audi RS3 Sportback, Ford Focus RS
and others.
The range-topping model is believed to have as much
as 400 horsepower from a new turbocharged engine, in addition to a sporty
suspension, large brakes, twin exhaust pipes and body kit. Thus, given that
this prototype spied testing in and around the Nurburgring appears to tick most
boxes, it’s very likely that it is the new M140i.
The biggest change however is beneath the skin, as
unlike the current iteration’s rear-wheel drive platform, the new one will be
based on the front-wheel drive UKL2 architecture that already underpins the
2-Series MPVs and the X1 and X2 SUVs. Still, the M140i will benefit from a
tuned xDrive all-wheel drive system, which will help it put all that power down
without any problem.
As far as the rest of the 2019 BMW 1-Series range
goes, it’s expected to use a host of three- and four-cylinder petrol and diesel
engines. Most will be updated variants of the existing mills, and they will
likely be joined by a PHEV.
Finally, BMW is allegedly looking to compete against
the Audi S3 Sportback and upcoming Mercedes-AMG A35, too, with a lesser version
of the M140i. It could be dubbed the M130iX and use a turbo’d 2.0-liter engine
with around 300 HP.
