BMW’s next-gen M130iX could be sold as an AWD hot hatch

The third-generation BMW 1-Series will lead the company’s front-wheel drive push going into 2019. At the top of the range will be a M130iX M Performance model that will be four-wheel drive. The M130iX will be the front runner of the company’s attempt to overhaul to front-wheel drive cars which will be sold alongside its traditionally successful rear-wheel-drive M cars.

This move is set to free up space for better packaging, especially with cars like the new 1-series. The new setup allows for a lower kerb weight, and a simplified production process. The car will be built on the company’s front-wheel-drive FAAR (Frontantriebsarchitektur) platform. BMW’s head of development, Klaus Fröhlich, stated that this structure is a progression of the UKL platform that underpins the 2-series Active Tourer and 2-series Gran Tourer and the Mini line-up. This platform though features added modularity and can support a full-electric drivetrain and battery combinations.

Under the hood will be uprated versions of turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engines. BMW will also introduce a version with electrification.