It’s sort of odd for American BMW enthusiasts to feel sad about the rear-wheel drive 1 Series switching to front-wheel drive. While it’s understandable for European enthusiasts to mourn one of the brand’s best cars in ages, the 1er Hatch never made it ‘Stateside. So American enthusiasts have been deprived of the 1 Series Hatchback’s charms. Still, it doesn’t take having to drive it to realize how good of a car it is and why it’s a shame the next model will be front-wheel drive. So when we read reviews like this one from Car Magazine, of the BMW M140i, we’re a bit sad that this generation of 1 Series will soon be gone, as it’s been one of BMW’s best.
Powering the BMW M140i is the new B58 3.0 liter turbocharged I6 engine that makes 335 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque. When paired with an automatic gearbox and rear-wheel drive, the M140i can hit 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. That’s pretty damn rapid for a hatchback. It’s not as fast as an Audi RS3 Sportback or the Mercedes-AMG A45 but it’s faster than the Volkswagen Golf R and is still far fast enough to be fun. Plus, it’s the only car in the segment to have rear-wheel drive, so it’s the most dynamic, engaging and fun to drive.
But it isn’t just the speed that makes the M140i so brilliant. It’s the engine, too. That B58 engine is one of the world’s best, as it delivers silky smooth power throughout its rev-range and it sounds fantastic. “The 3.0 liter straight-six’s tenor-like noise alone can make your neck hairs stand on end, and revving it until the 7000rpm redline is hugely addictive.” said Car Magazine about the M140i’s engine.
What makes the M140i really shine, though, is its nimble handling. Combine its short wheelbase with quick steering, rear-wheel drive and a punchy I6 engine and the M140i becomes one of the most entertaining cars in BMW’s stable. The BMW M2 gets all the praise these days but the M140i offers a lot of the hooligan fun the M2 can deliver but at a far lower cost and with more practicality. The BMW M140i is properly fun little car.
We constantly get accused of being BMW fanboys here, but it’s only because it’s hard not to wax lyric about certain Bavarian products. It’s not every BMW that we’re this positive about and it’s not only us that’s positive about the M140i. Here’s what Car Magazine had to say about the M140i to close out their review. “It has so much more character than the Golf and, although it’s not as fast or powerful as a Mercedes-AMG A45 or Audi RS3, the dynamic poise and gorgeous engine will make you come back for more.” That’s about all that needs to be said.
[Source: Car Magazine]
Silly decisions! It doesn’t make sense at all. I hate those donkeys in München.
Well honestly from a financial standpoint, as we’ve seen with the X1, it makes a lot of sense.
I don’t believe for a second that the FWD Hatch will actually be cheaper. They’ll probably just make a bigger profit in them.
Not sure, but I think so too, but one thing to consider is: platform!
Actual 1er is based on 3er.
The next 3er is on one platform with 5 and 7 (luckily) – putting the next 1er on this too is close to impossible as u can imagine. And having one additonal RWD platform for 1 and maybe 2 serious (coupe and convert only) is a no brainer because of costs.
So in the end there was no choice I guess. And as I think of Fröhlich he seems to be a real BMW guy and is also not happy with it, but what else would u do?
What would a “BMW enthusiast” decide?! There are billions of dollar necessary to invest in the future how do u want to earn them?
They should probably quit altogether if they can’t afford two RWD platforms. BMW already saved kazillions under Herbert Diess. Maybe München just wants to squeeze every damn cent out of it these days?
With RR, BMW & Mini in mind two RWD platforms and one FWD platform shouldn’t be that much of a problem.
So u wanna tell me that u know how much money is needed for future investments? Do u know how much money companies like Google and Apple have? The future will be more competetive than ever before and u will need every damn cent! Especially as an AG u have to fulfill also investors needs.
I can understand that someone from “outside” doesnt understand that, but thats a fact. All OEMs will have that problem.
No, I don’t. I just don’t buy into that argument. If the new Z4 can be RWD, so can the 1 Hatch.
That thing is only possible because of Toyota…
The 1 Series is not moving to FWD only because it’s too small or because the UKL is cheaper, it’s that there are two much compromises in terms of space (cabin, boot) that are not worth it considering that the majority of the target audience doesn’t know/care. Moving to FWD will actually improve the car, like the X1.
Also like Max pointed out, without the Supra there most likely wouldn’t have been a Z4.
The donkeys who have quadrupled volume since the ’80’s, and now announce another 50% increase. Hilarious typists who want to live in the past but don’t actually buy the product.
I sincerely apologize to all donkeys worldwide. ;-) (but I actually do own a 5-door 1 Series)
Then quit bitching & hang onto it since BMW were the only manufacturer to produce a rwd. 5-dr. hatch.
Duly noted
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lol
Adjust your pie plate.
What does it mean?
Bidness side of this just makes a bunch of data sense. Sure, they can stick to RWD but FWD/AWD(xDrive) is a lot more feasible for the 1er hatch’s longevity.
If this move can be the catalyst to finally sell it here in the US (i wish!) then i’m all for it.
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