In the history of BMW, the F40 1 Series is the first front-wheel drive passenger car made available globally. Although there will be “xDrive” four-wheel drive choices, front-wheel drive is presently the majority of the lineup. This is like sending Damien to church in The Omen, or The Snappening for proper vehicles, to people for whom all cars must be manual, with a huge, non-turbo engine, and rear-wheel drive, even though they weren’t intending to buy one in the first place.
It’s a part of the brand’s transition to front-driven vehicles. However, this does not spell the end of one of the oldest driving customs. BMW largely continues to produce rear-wheel drive vehicles. The recognizable “Hofmeister Kink,” a design element you’ll see on the C- and D-pillars of BMWs, still serves as a visual cue for the brand’s RWD orientation and isn’t going anywhere.
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With the release of the first 1 Series front-driver, the German automaker enters a new era.
pure enjoyment while driving. For the past fifteen years, BMW has vowed to live by this slogan. As the German automaker resisted the front-wheel-drive trend that gained traction in the 1990s, it has also been used as code for “rear-wheel-drive cars are more fun.”
However, the business has now created the first-ever front-drive BMW 1 Series. The new 1 Series, the entry-level model in the BMW lineup, was introduced this week in its hometown of Munich and will reach Australia in late 2019.
Its foundation is the same as that found under vehicles like the BMW X1 and X2, as well as the Mini Countryman; this foundation is referred to internally as UKL2.
Although the brand has long been known for its rear-wheel-drive vehicles, as cars get smaller, compromises must be made. For instance, the engine of a rear-wheel-drive car must be mounted longitudinally, or “north-south,” in order to align with the gearbox and driveshaft.
In order for the cabin of the car to fit within the same measuring “footprint,” the length of the cabin must be reduced. Additionally, the driveshaft requires a longer tunnel through the center of the vehicle, taking up interior space.
In contrast, a FWD car operates its engine “sideways” or transversely in the engine bay, which requires less space under the hood. Likewise, its driveshafts and gearbox.
The expense and complexity of manufacturing are further considerations. The UKL2 platform supports the BMW group’s compact vehicles as well as a portion of the Mini lineup.
Since the company already has the engines, which include both three- and four-cylinder petrol turbocharged units, additional cost is eliminated.
As a result, the new 1 Series is generally 30 kg lighter, 20 mm shorter overall, 34 mm broader, and has significantly greater internal room.
According to BMW sources, it represents a significant sidestep for the company but is required.
According to Florian Moser, BMW’s press representative for the 1 series, “driving a front-wheel or a rear-wheel drive car currently, there is almost no way to detect the differences, not like 15 years before.” “It was undoubtedly the best course of action 15 years ago, but circumstances have changed.
By switching to front-wheel drive, we were able to advance significantly in the tiny market, where every millimeter counts.
He assures us right away that this is not the tip of the wedge that will lead BMW to a front-driven future.
Christian Bock, the BMW 1 Series’ powertrain project manager, claimed that the firm had been inevitably moving in this direction for the previous few years and that the necessary infrastructure was in place to facilitate the shift for the new 1 Series.
“We now have access to the Mini architecture and engines with the third-generation model. It was a logical development.
Making the powertrain of this car even better than the one of the predecessor, which is a very good powerplant, was, in my opinion, the most challenging and exciting assignment I have ever faced in business.
Surprise Success for BMW’s First Front-Wheel Drive Vehicle
The 2014 launch of the front-engined, front-wheel drive BMW 2 Series Active Tourer centered on the Countryman and the understanding that minivan customers couldn’t care less about oversteer or anything even remotely as juvenile. They desire comfort, convenience, safety, fuel efficiency, and, in the case of BMW buyers, a coveted logo.
All of it is offered by the 2 Series Active Tourer, in addition to optional all-wheel drive and a limited amount of electric range. Gain? Gain.
Naturally, in 2004, the marketing team at BMW was busy persuading everyone that their smallest product to date, the somewhat unusual 1 Series hatchback, provides at least as much “sheer driving pleasure” as their larger models. So they started photo-editing.
Although the Cooper S version of the 2001 Mini Hatch wasn’t bad to drive at the time, the true front-wheel drive speed demon from BMW didn’t appear until the 2006 model year. 2000 units of the original John Cooper Works, which was assembled by hand at Bertone in Italy, were produced.
From that point on, it was fairly clear that BMW could handle front-wheel drive on its own. However, it remained doubtful that they would ever go so far as to put a BMW badge on a front-wheel-drive vehicle. The 2 Series Active Tourer genuinely experienced a breakthrough when it finally did.
Of course, BMW appears to have a quick response for all those enraged fanatics out there: M2.
That’s a strong claim.
As much as some enthusiasts would want to think, BMW’s move into front-wheel-drive vehicles isn’t a radical change for the company. One such example is the BMW X1. The new 2020 BMW 1 Series, on the other hand, departs significantly from the present model thanks to a new platform and a front-wheel drive drivetrain. BMW claimed that it was necessary for the market segment without sacrificing driving characteristics.
“Not like 15 years ago,” said BMW spokeswoman Florian Moser, “there is almost no way to discern the difference” between front- and rear-wheel drive. That assertion’s veracity will depend on how well you drive. With the switch to front-wheel drive, BMW has made progress in the compact market. Moser was keen to point out that the decision will not herald the arrival of numerous new front-wheel-drive BMW cars. Offering the appropriate package for the market is what the front-wheel-drive 1 Series is all about.
There will be six additional BMW front-wheel drive variants.
Recently, we talked a little bit about the future BMW 1 Series and its anticipated BMW M130iX M Performance model. Many aficionados are displeased that the new 1 Series will be built on BMW’s new FAAR front-wheel drive architecture. Unfortunately, there will be a few more front-wheel drive BMWs in the range, which will disappoint those disappointed fans. Some of them are brand-new models, while others are updated iterations of earlier models. Buckle up, then.
According to a recent Autocar article, BMW will ultimately release no less than six new front-wheel drive vehicles in the upcoming years. The BMW X2 is not included because it has already been released. In addition, future releases of additional models are also being discussed.
The aforementioned BMW 1 Series is the first of these. The next 1 Series will come standard with front-wheel drive and be offered as a sedan or hatchback. Naturally, there will be the previously announced BMW M130iX as well as xDrive all-wheel drive. The latter will be the top-tier M Performance model and will come standard with all-wheel drive. Although there is a lot of criticism around the incoming 1 Series, we are actually fairly confident that it will be a fun little pocket-rocket based on our experience driving the new X2.
A BMW 2 Series Gran Turismo will follow. It’s true that BMW will produce yet another hunchback-hatchback, and this one will also be based on the FAAR architecture. However, don’t see that as a sign that the upcoming 2 Series will be front-drive. Probably the 2 Series Tourers will serve as its foundation. Oh, and there will be more of those as well.
The 2 Series Gran Tourer and Active Tourer are the following two brand-new front-wheel-drive Bavarians. Although the 2 Series Tourers are essentially front-wheel drive vans, they perform pretty well in Europe. They offer those who need size and comfort but also want luxury and technology superior, useful, and economical transportation. Although we are obviously not great lovers, BMW will be producing more since there are many others who are.
The BMW iX1 is the next vehicle on the list, and it’s probably the most significant one. This fully electric crossover will likely be the BMW i3’s replacement and successor. It won’t arrive until at least 2022, but it will. It will help BMW get into the mainstream of EVs and will be crucial for the future of the company.
Last but not least, an FAAR replacement will take the place of the upcoming BMW X1 in a few years. Since it’s fun to drive, attractive, and surprisingly comfy, the latest BMW X1 is one of my favorite BMW SUVs (sorry, BMW, SAVs). Although it’s hardly the pinnacle of driver engagement, it’s hard to top as a regular family vehicle. Therefore, we’re eager to see what BMW will provide with a new one.
There is a lot of front-wheel drive. Fans won’t be happy, but if BMW wants to continue competing with Mercedes-Benz and Audi, it must make these changes.
backwards-wheel drive
- Cars with rear wheel drives power the vehicle’s rear wheels.
- These vehicles are tough and rarely need costly repairs because of their ability to withstand a lot of damage. There’s a good likelihood that nothing will break if you run into a curb or a pothole. In a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the likelihood is substantially higher, and you would probably have to pay a significant sum of money to fix the damage.
- Cars with rear wheel drive have superior balance, which leads to better handling. This is so that the weight of the powertrain is distributed more evenly from front to back in rear wheel drive vehicles.
- The disadvantage of a rear wheel drive is traction; while driving in the rain and snow is not difficult, you will need to drive more carefully to avoid accidents.
Although there are front wheel drive and even all-wheel drive variants coming in 2020, BMWs are recognized for having rear wheel drive. Before deciding, you should weigh the advantages and disadvantages outlined above and choose the option that best fits your driving style.
I’m Scott, a huge fan of BMWs and a long-time owner of these incredible vehicles. I’m here to chronicle my encounters with BMWs over the years and, hopefully, to be of use to others.