Get Ready For New BMW 1 Series In 2018

Next year, we’ll see a controversial new generation of BMW 1 Series compact sport hatches launch. Already, the Bimmer faithful have declared the new cars are blasphemous, because they’ll be on the UKL platform. That means the new 1 Series will be front-wheel drive.

We all know front-wheel drive Bimmers are awful things. No, actually, that’s not true. But if you listen to the BMW fanboys, they’ll convince you it is. I’ve driven the new Mini Countryman and Clubman, plus the BMW X1. All three ride on this same platform, with front-wheel drive (unless you go with all-wheel drive, which personally I highly recommend). They handle great. Sure, I like rear-wheel drive, but I live where snow dumps for months each year, and that’s not practical. Maybe I’m biased, but I don’t see why this is so awful.

Back to the new 1 Series, it will have a longer wheelbase. That means more backseat space, which in practical terms is a good thing. Don’t expect any straight sixes in the lineup, even for the M140i, because the UKL only works with three- or four-cylinder engines. Yes, that means you just get a turbo dialed up for plenty of boost to make up for it. Again, I’ve experienced the engines that likely will be in the new 1 Series, and they’re surprisingly great. I wouldn’t call them explosive, but they’re not awful.

Oh, there’ll also be a plug-in hybrid model at some point. Now everyone just breathe, it’ll be okay.