In 2019, BMW will retire its rear-wheel drive platform for the 1 Series hatchback and replace it with the new FAAR (Frontantriebsarchitektur) front-wheel drive architecture. Along with the change in architecture, the new 1 Series will also offer a lower kerb weight and improved packaging, together with simplified production processes and greater profitability than its rear-wheel-drive predecessor. An xDrive all-wheel drive system will continue to be offered in the 1er lineup.
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But before its retirement, BMW is keen on releasing a series of special models. Today, the Bavarians just unveiled the BMW 1 Series Edition Metropolitan. The Edition model, available as a BMW 1 Series 3 door and a BMW 1 Series 5 door, has numerous equipment features that are specifically designed to enhance comfort and driving pleasure in urban traffic.
These include the navigation system Business, Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear of the vehicle, rear view camera, parking assistant, road sign detection, Speed Limit Info, Comfort Access and an instrument cluster with extended features.
The Edition model is available in conjunction with the Urban Line model and all engine variants with the exception of the BMW M140i.
> Despite the change in architecture, the new 1 Series will offer a lower kerb weight and improved packaging
“Despite”?
The FAAR architecture is stupid in the light of the transition to EVs. Make those small cars all electric-only. EVs don’t benefit from FWD like fossil cars do. Oh and did I mention this is supposed to be a BMW?! They can stick that FAAR up…
The ultimate driving machine will now just be like every one else………totally mainstream……..boring……..and not worth the premium cost. BMW are just greedily chasing extra profit on top of being very profitable to the detriment of their customers. Somewhere in Munich is a memo that says …”just go front wheel drive and people’s short memories will forget all about our heritage and what makes us different”. And I have an estoril blue 220d msport coupe. Are they going to mess with that next? Alfa might be bringing back rwd to their smaller car range on the back of the Giulia platform. At least those cars have personality (yeh…and quirks). I also have a Giulietta 2018 in Misano blue….in rwd it would be a scream. With italian flair……