BMW goes FWD

In a move that might alienate some fans of the brand, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer has revealed plans for a range of small BMW cars that will share a front wheel drive / all-wheel drive platform with Mini.



This is a major paradigm shift. Up until now, BMW has stuck to either rear or all-wheel drive for its entire line-up, on the basis that only those layouts would deliver the superior handling balance that’s central to the marque’s reputation. How else could BMW provide The Ultimate Driving Machine / Sheer Driving Pleasure / Freude am Fahren etc, etc?



The new BMW models will sit below the 1 Series, which is to retain its RWD architecture, and be between 3800mm and 4300mm long.



To put those figures into context, the Mini hatch is 3699mm, the Mini Clubman is 3937mm and the BMW 1 Series hatch is 4239mm. So it seems the new range is going to have to squeeze into a tiny gap between those existing models.



A fairly safe assumption is that the next generation 1 Series will grow slightly, creating space to accommodate the newcomers. It’ll still be interesting to see whether the new FWD range has more interior space than the 1 Series, though. Unlike the 1 Series, it won’t need an engine bay that can take a longitudinally-mounted straight six engine, a consequence of RWD that certainly affects packaging.



Will the advent of FWD really bother potential customers? That’ll probably depend on who you ask.



The majority probably won’t understand the question. According to a recent survey of 1 Series drivers carried out by BMW, a shocking 80% thought their car was driven through its front wheels. So, as long as the new range handles fine, they really won’t care. It works for BMW’s competitors. Audi, for example, manages quite happily using FWD for all of its cars except the A8, R8, Q5 and Q7.



Admittedly, it’s debateable whether an Audi ultimately offers as good a driving experience as its equivalent BMW. For some of the remaining 20%, such arguments might make them a bit sceptical of FWD. However, Mini has already proven that BMW can engineer a very capable FWD chassis. The Mini’s handling prowess combined with the better ride that a longer wheelbase should give sounds like a pretty good recipe.



That leaves the third, most likely smallest, group. Those who think FWD is the work of the devil, who would rather walk than drive such a creation. OK, in a fit of pique they may decide to boycott the rest of the BMW range, but they should be reminded that the market isn’t awash with RWD cars smaller than the 1 Series. The only mainstream alternatives are the Mazda MX-5 or Lotus Elise / Exige, 4020mm and 3785mm respectively. Not exactly direct competitors to the BMW, then.



One of the biggest problems facing BMW will be what to call its small car. 0 Series?