2019 BMW M140i To Go After A45 AMG, Focus RS With AWD And 400 HP

BMW is out testing the new 2019 1-Series at the Nurburgring for the first time, and these are the first spy shots to prove it.

The biggest change for the 1-Series comes from the adoption of the UKL platform, which means that the compact BMW will now drive its front wheels instead of the rear.

Together with the slightly bigger dimensions and the obviously improved packaging, the new BMW 1-Series is expected to offer more space, especially for the rear passengers and luggage.

The prototype you see in the pictures also looks like to be the range-topping M140i model, thanks to its larger brakes, lowered suspension and of course the twin big exhaust pipes.

Unlike its six-cylinder predecessor though, the new M140i will be powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder that will send its power to all four wheels via the company’s xDrive system. This switch will transform the hot 1-Series to a real rival for cars like the Ford Focus RS, the VW Golf R and of course the Mercedes-AMG A45. Power is expected to be up to 400hp.

The rest of the engine range will most probably use updated versions of the existing three- and four-cylinder units, both petrol and diesel. Plug-in hybrid models are almost a given, as BMW already offers them with the UKL platform. An all-electric version is also on the cards.

The 2019 BMW 1-Series will also drop the three-door bodystyle from its range, leaving just the five-door model as the only option.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops