The second-generation BMW 1 Series hasn’t been sold in the United States, but the German manufacturer decided to sell the next-gen model in this large market. Not much is known about the new vehicle, but it will no longer use a rear-wheel drive configuration. Instead of that, the company switched to the FWD architecture, and it is the move which can bring success to the 2019 BMW 1 Series in the US. Recently, we have seen the new prototype testing on the streets, and as it turns out, BMW is bringing it closer to the production.
Spy Photos
When the 1 Series was spotted last time, it was very early in the test phase. We couldn’t tell much because of the heavy camouflage, but now, we have a better look at the car. The BMW 1 Series comes with kidney grilles which are not ready for the production at the moment, but they show the basic shape. Moreover, we have a clean look at the left corner which allows us to make out what the fascia will look like, whereas BMW used the production headlights too.
The headlight style of the newer BMW’s will be disregarded this time because the third-gen 1 Series will use a single LED projection unit located in the center of the lens. Based on the camouflage, we can conclude that the LED strips will be placed on the top and lower edges while the side/corner markers will also come with a clear lens that brings amber reflectors and bulbs. However, these could just be decoys, so take this information with a pinch of salt.
In the meantime, the kidney grilles are larger than those of the ongoing model, and they have wider but fewer louvers. The shape of the lower corners is more rounded and longer, which is a subtle but nice change. Considering that the grilles are almost entirely blocked off, meaning that this test mule isn’t about extra performance or cooling. The part of the air dam is also largely blocked off, but it features a louver in the center which is connected to the lower lip. There is some sort of camera there, hinting at a possibility of semi-autonomous features.
Furthermore, the shape of the corner vents and the overall design is clearly visible on the front driver’s side, and this vehicle appears to have vents similar to those on the BMW M2. There will be LED fog lamps on the center inserts since the ongoing generation’s circular units have been removed. The rear end doesn’t show a lot, except for a single exhaust outlet located on the driver’s side.
This could indicate that the engine of this model will be smaller, but considering that the rear part of the prototype is lower, it could be a high-performance model or even a hybrid. But, it is too soon to tell. The last thing we need to mention about this nice hatchback is that it will be based on the UKL platform, which means that power will be distributed to the front wheels, as we have already said at the beginning. Rumor has it that three-door model will not be launched and just the four-door version with a hatch out back will go on sale.
2019 BMW 1 Series Pricing
The ongoing BMW 1 Series starts at $36,000 in China. That price would be too high in the States because the 2 Series costs $33,150 whereas the 3 Series is sold at $33,450. But don’t expect the German company to offer the 1 Series cheaply, so we predict it to be priced almost like the 2 Series. In other words, the cost of the base 2019 BMW 1 Series will be around $31,000 while the range-topping version could go for as much as $43,000.
Drivetrain – 2019 1-Series Specs
With the new BMW 1 Series being the FWD vehicle, a whole new range of three- and four-cylinder engines are going to be offered to the customers. Depending on the trim, these engines will produce from 100 horsepower all the way to 360 hp coming from the M1 model. The M-branded cars will come with AWD based on a hybrid system with an electric motor positioned at the rear axle. It is possible that BMW will produce a plug-in model as well as an all-electric version in the future. Transmissions which may be used are six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifters.
Interior
The most mysterious area of the 2019 BMW 1 Series is the cabin, but we may base our guesses on the recently launched 1 Series for the Chinese market. In comparison to the ongoing model, the new generation might feature a smoother dashboard and redesigned two-gauge instrument cluster, which will be clearly visible as it is located in front of the driver. The steering wheel will be smaller, whereas the buttons on it will be modified.
Above the center stack, the same display found on most BMW cars is going to be used, but it will receive the latest software which brings 3D, street-level map rendering and a phone-like interface to the table. If semi-autonomous equipment is to come, expect either additional buttons to arrive, or an instrument cluster in a digital form instead of the standard analog readouts. The seats will be supportive and comfortable, but note that these are nothing more than speculations.
Are you looking forward to the 2019 BMW 1 Series?
