The second-gen 1-Series is currently seven years old, so, naturally, BMW has an entirely new one in development, and it could be introduced as early as this year.
Leading the pack will be the M140i, a hot hatch that will battle the Mercedes-AMG A45, Audi RS3 Sportback, Ford Focus RS and others.
The range-topping model is believed to have as much as 400 horsepower from a new turbocharged engine, in addition to a sporty suspension, large brakes, twin exhaust pipes and body kit. Thus, given that this prototype spied testing in and around the Nurburgring appears to tick most boxes, it’s very likely that it is the new M140i.
The biggest change however is beneath the skin, as unlike the current iteration’s rear-wheel drive platform, the new one will be based on the front-wheel drive UKL2 architecture that already underpins the 2-Series MPVs and the X1 and X2 SUVs.
Also Read: 2019 BMW 1-Series Shows Its Interior For The First Time
Still, the M140i will benefit from a tuned xDrive all-wheel drive system, which will help it put all that power down without any problem.
As far as the rest of the 2019 BMW 1-Series range goes, it’s expected to use a host of three- and four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Most will be updated variants of the existing mills, and they will likely be joined by a PHEV.
Finally, BMW is allegedly looking to compete against the Audi S3 Sportback and upcoming Mercedes-AMG A35, too, with a lesser version of the M140i. It could be dubbed the M130iX and use a turbo’d 2.0-liter engine with around 300 HP.