The combustion-engined 1 Series is expected to continue using BMW’s UKL2 architecture, which is frontwheel-drive based.
ACCORDING to British motoring publication Autocar, the next-generation BMW 1 Series will follow a similar strategy to the upcoming 3 Series, where the electric and combustion models share the same name and design direction, but sit on separate platforms.
The combustion-engined 1 Series is expected to continue using BMW’s UKL2 architecture, which is frontwheel-drive based.
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Meanwhile, the electric 1 Series, likely to be called the i1, will use BMW’s new Gen6 EV platform.
That also means the electric 1 Series could bring rear-wheel drive back to BMW’s entry-level hatchback.
The current 1 Series has been frontwheel drive since the third-generation model, while earlier generations were rear-wheel drive.
The EV version is expected to use a rear-mounted electric motor, with outputs potentially reaching up to around 322 hp in its most powerful standard form.
The Gen6 platform can also support dual-motor layouts, leaving room for a more powerful M-badged version later.
Design-wise, the next 1 Series is expected to adopt BMW’s Neue Klasse design language, already seen on models such as the iX3 and upcoming i3.
However, BMW says each Neue Klasse model will have its own character, rather than simply looking like a scaled-down version of a larger car.
Inside, the new 1 Series is also expected to receive BMW’s latest Neue Klasse cabin layout, including a large central touchscreen and Panoramic iDrive display that replaces the conventional instrument cluster.
For combustion versions, powertrain options are expected to include updated versions of BMW’s current 1.5-litre three-cylinder and 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engines.
A plug-in hybrid option is also expected to join the range. The next-generation BMW 1 Series is expected to arrive in 2028.
