We’ve known for some time now that the next-gen BMW 1 Series will be making the switch to front-wheel drive. It’s something that has upset much of the fanbase, as front-wheel drive is essentially the devil in the eyes of many BMW fans. However, there is cause for hope, with the new 1er and that lies in the BMW M140i, the M Performance version of the 1 Series and the one that will likely restore some faith from BMW fans. It’s also just recently been caught testing at the Nurburgring and it looks promising.
In this new spy video, we get to see the BMW M140i lapping the famed Green Hell and it does so with some enthusiasm. While it’s not going to be an overly quick car, as it will be powered by a punchy turbo four-cylinder, it certainly looks quick enough, especially out of corners. Despite being front-wheel drive-based, the M140i looks to have impressive grip and doesn’t seem to understeer much at all. For those of you who fear that a front-wheel drive hatchback is only going to disappoint, look no further than the Volkswagen GTI, which is one of the most fun cars on the road.
We also get to hear a little bit of the M140i’s exhaust. Despite having just a little four-pot, it sounds quite good. There’s an angry buzziness to the way it sounds and it makes little pops on upshifts that sound fun. It’s no wailing inline-six, of course, but it sounds exciting enough to be fun and that’s really all that matters in a hot hatch.
While most BMW enthusiasts will be angry at the fact that the next BMW M140i went front-wheel drive, we’re actually excited about the new 1er. Being front-wheel drive will only make it easier and cheaper for BMW to make it, as it will be built on the same platform that underpins the X2, and it will also give it some extra interior space. Plus, after having driven the X2, we can confidently say that BMW knows full well how to make a fun-to-drive front-wheel drive-based car.
M135i
It seems BMWBLOG always defend BMW’s decision regardless of the decisions itselves.
They try their best to remain in sync with BMW but they have don’t hesitate to express their own opinion when needed.
I am glad that the moderators of this blog remain objective in their point of view.
Thank you. We absolutely do not defend BMW blindly. Personally, I’ve been criticized for being too harsh on BMW sometimes. We do try to remain as objective as absolutely possible, no matter what. So I appreciate you noticing that, Arunabh.
Thanks Nico. This work is such that everyone can’t be pleased. I became a regular here only after seeing the objectivity of the work of you guys. Difference in point of views is plausible and should be appreciated.
Keep doing great things.
Another eg https://www.bmwblog.com/2016/10/30/editorial-bmw-need-supercar/
Since my povs are always against the moderators here…
I might not be a proper BMW fan :/
We all are proper BMW fans whether our opinions match or not. Criticism when taken correctly can be a big catalyst for improvement.
Enjoy the blog, mate.
Lamenting for the loss of RWD is pointless. The space, packaging constraints in small footprint cars, overall utility of front wheel drive in day to day life can’t be ignored. Moreover, BMW has decades of experience in churning sublime FWD cars. Mini brand cars and now X1 & X2 are proof enough.
What’s more noteworthy point here is that how this car clocks in design department. This is something that’s totally in their hands and by the looks of camouflage we are most probably looking at another design dud here.
Many may hate Merc for being too flashy but there is no doubt that they are the ones who are making the rules on which this game is to be played. BMW is no more than a mere participant in this game.
Ha! BMW have ALWAYS been an ALTERNATIVE to M-B. And when they go big, as with the 745i, the outsell the standard bearer. Mercedes design has always been stodgy by comparison. Even Bracq was allowed to do superior work when he changed shops.
Re the switch to FWD/(AWD): I think it’s wrong. BMW moves into a very competitve segment with that decision while at the same time sacrificing their main characteristic feature (call it USP). The 1 series will become yet just another Golf competitor with little chance to provide a better, or more active, or more techy, or cheaper car. Wrong decision. BMW is in danger of going the way of Alfa.
Wait, are you fricking kidding me, M140i with 4-cylinder engine and FWD?! I understand, this will be better everyday car than its predecessor, bigger trunk, more space inside and so on. But, come on M140i is a hot hatch, so its all about fun! M135i was a bargain back in 2013(words of Chris Harris), it was RWD, 6-cylinder little monster. It was my favorite hot hatch, this won’t be…😞