BMW expected to unveil the all-new 2020
1-Series hatchback on May 27th. The spy photographers capturing a 1-Series
prototype missing its heavy front fascia body cladding, which used to cover up
its kidney grille design. Thankfully, this particular car is a little less shy. The 2020 1-Series has gone the
way of many new BMW models by clearly adopting a considerably larger kidney grille,
to go with its more angular headlights.
There’s actually no other BMW model in the
automaker’s range right now that has this exact kidney grille design with the
distinctive three-side edge aesthetic. At least we know that its interior design takes after that of the
latest 3-Series.
The 1er promises to improve on
its predecessor in every way. But fans of rear-wheel drive will be
disappointed, as the new model has moved on to a space-front-wheel drive layout
shared with the latest X1, with all-wheel drive offered on more powerful
models. Nevertheless, BMW claims that it will set “new standards in the premium
compact class in terms of driving dynamics, whilst also offering significantly
more space inside.”
As for power units, there will be a range of
gasoline and diesel engines, plus electrified variants. BMW even confirmed a
306 PS 2.0-liter four-pot with TwinPower Turbo technology, to be used
by the upcoming M135i xDrive in its fight against the Mercedes-AMG A35.
