最近谍照记者拍到了宝马1系顶级款M140i照片，该车专门提供了xDrive全驱系统，或许最终量产版会更名为M130iXwithMPerformance。记者看到有多辆原型车在纽伯格林进行测试，这些车的车身都进行了重度伪装。1系掀背车采用五门布局，这表明3门版车型已经被砍掉了。与现行版M140i搭载六缸引擎不同的是，新车将搭载四缸引擎。即便如此，这台2.0升四缸引擎功率预计扔可达到335马力。有报道称功率在320至340马力之间。在轻量化车身的加持下，1系掀背车扔将是一款富有驾驶乐趣的车型。由于采用前驱平台，因此车辆实用性提升，内部空间，特别是后排乘客，更为充裕。而进一步增加的轴距将形成更宽敞的空间。同时增大的行李箱也使1系更适合长距离旅行。预计宝马将在巴黎车展发布2019款1系，不过车厂将提前发布这款车。不要指望再有M1了，宝马已经明确表示不会推出基于前驱平台的M车型。

2019 BMW M140i Prototypes Spotted Torturing Tires

Here we have the top dog in the next-gen 1 Series lineup, the M140i likely to be offered exclusively with xDrive and possibly to be sold under a different name: M130iX with M Performance branding. A couple of prototypes have been spotted undergoing testing at the Nürburgring and these still had a generous amount of camouflage on their bodies. As with every other spy photo or video showing the new 1 Series, the hatchbacks were seen in five-door guise, and that could be a sign the three-door model will get the axe.

Unlike today’s six-cylinder M140i – which you can still have with RWD – its successor will lose two cylinders, but even so output from the rumored 2.0-liter four-cylinder is expected to be in the same region as the current 335-horsepower model. Reports are indicating it will have anywhere between 320 to 340 hp. Corroborated with a lighter body granted by the new platform, it means the new 1 Series will still be a fun-to-drive hatchback.

The switch to a FWD platform won’t be all bad news since it will pay dividends in terms of practicality by enabling BMW to engineer a more spacious cabin, especially for passengers sitting on the rear seats. A longer wheelbase will further contribute to a roomier cabin, while an enlarged trunk is going to make the 1 Series easier to live with during extended trips.

As to when we’ll get to see it, BMW could have the 2019 1 Series ready for a Paris Motor Show premiere in October. We might not have to wait more for the M140i as it could debut from day one – fingers crossed. Don’t hold your breath for an M1 as the Bavarians have made it clear they won’t ever launch a full-fat M model based on a FWD platform.