The imminent switch of the BMW 1 Series from RWD to FWD is a blow. There’s no way to sugarcoat it, even if we were good at sugarcoating things (which we’re not 😊)
you cannot be serious!
The brand-new BMW 1 Series due next fall, shares the FWD underpinnings with Mini, the peaceful CUV BMW X1 and the 2 Series minivan. This, according to BMW officials, should be fine... a win-win situation sort of. But in John McEnroe words, you cannot be serious!
the new 1 Series will be a good hatchback. But say goodbye to its mojo
It’s now roomier than before and way more profitable for the OEM (because the old model shared components with the expensive 3 Series).
Our main concern if we were BMW, is that customers don’t choose a BMW for stuff like the marginally increased legroom for the rear passengers of 3,3 cm.
BMW customers (more often than BMW itself think) desire to drive a car that puts a smile on your face during some spirited driving. I.e. a rear wheel drive car featuring a 50-50 weight distribution.
(Ok, some people buy it just because it’s cool… but that’s why this brand is perceived as cool.)
Even in the event the new Series 1 was faster than the current Series 1 – that is everything to prove- with about 60% of the mass now on the front axle… can BMW refer to it as the ultimate driving machine as they did in the past?
In all fairness, they effectively managed to mitigate the natural FWD under-steer.
That’s it.
Our main concern if we were BMW, is that customers don’t choose a BMW for stuff like the marginally increased legroom for the rear passengers of 3,3 cm.
BMW customers (more often than BMW itself think) desire to drive a car that puts a smile on your face during some spirited driving. I.e. a rear wheel drive car featuring a 50-50 weight distribution.
(Ok, some people buy it just because it’s cool… but that’s why this brand is perceived as cool.)
Even in the event the new Series 1 was faster than the current Series 1 – that is everything to prove- with about 60% of the mass now on the front axle… can BMW refer to it as the ultimate driving machine as they did in the past?
In all fairness, they effectively managed to mitigate the natural FWD under-steer.
That’s it.
like the Audi A3
In short, while the RWD 1 Series used to play in a different league thanks to its exclusive architecture, the new 1 Series will just get a fancy styling and, for a premium price, will be possibly as good as a Volkswagen Golf. Perhaps slightly better, just like the Audi A3 is.
In the end, if you wonder whether the new 1 Series can battle with its previous version when it's about the sheer driving pleasure, the answer is…nope.
In the end, if you wonder whether the new 1 Series can battle with its previous version when it's about the sheer driving pleasure, the answer is…nope.
* SHEER DRIVING PLEASURE IS A PAYOFF USED BY BMW
