The second generation of the BMW 1-Series is on sale from the end of 2011, but the most significant update of the current  BMW 1-series was done by the Bavarians in 2015. Now BMW is preparing something more – a new generation of 1-series, and the spy photographers have caught an early glimpse of the car during the tests.

Despite the complete camouflage and additional false panels, it is already noticeable that the new BMW 1-series will have a smoother body shape. A lot will be changed: from the shape of the headlights and rear lights, to the very proportion of the car. The wheelbase has probably been slightly enlarged, since the rear doors look a little longer than the current model. This means that the new BMW 1-Series will have a more spacious interior, especially for people sitting in the rear seats.

Changes, preparing for the third generation, will be really very serious. According to rumors, the hatchback will not even be rear-wheel drive. And this is logical: given that the next 1-series will use the UKL1 platform, which is the basis of the front-drive duo Active Tourer and Gran Tourer.

It is not yet clear whether this change will affect on the price, although, most likely, this will not happen. Moreover, according to a study conducted in 2010, 80% of 1-series owners believed that their car had a front-wheel drive. Perhaps during these seven years people have become better informed, but it is unlikely that the transition to UKL1 will somehow radically affect the demand for the smallest BMW car. After all, there are a lot of people who simply do not care whether the car they drive is front-, rear- or all-wheel drive: this is perfectly proven by the sales of the two above-mentioned MPVs. But keep in mind that not all models of the 1-series will be front-wheel drive, as more expensive equipment will almost certainly be delivered by the xDrive all-wheel drive system.

Another rumor associated with the new platform: Aside from going FWD, the new one might be offered only with three- and four-cylinder engines like the UKL-based 2 Series Active Tourer minivan, which would mean today’s six-cylinder M140i will cease to exist.

Most likely, BMW will introduce the new generation of 1-series by the end of 2018 or early 2019. And since there is still a lot of time before a full-fledged debut on the market, it is quite possible that BMW will introduce another major update of the current version of the car even before the release of the third generation of the model.

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