Currently reading: BMW: six new front-wheel-drive models to look out for

FAAR underpinnings will encourage a gradual shift towards front-wheel drive power for BMW's smaller models

The next BMW 1 Series is the first of six upcoming models due to switch to new front-wheel drive underpinnings called FAAR (Frontantriebsarchitektur).

Each will come with either two or all-wheel drive. We run through what to expect in the list below.

Click here for our review of the front-wheel-drive BMW 1 Series saloon

1 Series hatchback

Bmw 1 series fwd 2017 final lights on 0

The first model to benefit from the new FAAR platform. Insiders indicate that it will again be offered with the choice of three and five-door layouts.

2 Series Gran Turismo

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Instead of the China-made front-driven 1 Series saloon, BMW will offer Europe a FAAR-based model that's likely to be a saloon-cum-hatchback.

2 Series Active Tourer

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BMW’s first dedicated front-wheel-drive model will switch from its existing UKL platform to the new FAAR architecture in 2021.

2 Series Gran Tourer

Bmw 2 series gran tourer 0

The successor to today’s 2 Series Gran Tourer is due in 2021. Plans are for a more luxurious model with improved comfort and space.

iX1

Ix1 0

The FAAR platform will play a key role in BMW’s electric car line-up. Pencilled in for 2022 is a junior SUV model conceived as an i3 successor.

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X1

X1 2

Having made the switch from rear-wheel drive to BMW’s UKL platform in 2016, it is no surprise that the next-gen X1 will use the FAAR platform.

More content:

Front-wheel-drive will make the BMW 1 Series better handling

BMW iX3 to introduce brand's fifth-generation EV power in 2020

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david RS 14 March 2018

I knew BMW.

I knew BMW.

It was a famous brand.

 

TheOmegaMan 14 March 2018

absolute disgrace

Might as well buy a Skoda

Mikey C 14 March 2018

I can't believe the Active

I can't believe the Active and Grand Tourers are worth it?

Many customers for small MPVs have moved to Crossovers and small SUVs, and it's such an unaspirational sector of the market, where cars for bought for sensible reasons, which doesn't fit in at all with BMW's brand image?

superstevie 14 March 2018

Mikey C wrote:

Mikey C wrote:

I can't believe the Active and Grand Tourers are worth it?

Many customers for small MPVs have moved to Crossovers and small SUVs, and it's such an unaspirational sector of the market, where cars for bought for sensible reasons, which doesn't fit in at all with BMW's brand image?

A friend of mine has one. She bought it as it was one of the few cars she can lift her wheelchair easily into, and get comfortable in the driving position. In most small SUVs, she couldn't get the chair in on her own

superstevie 14 March 2018

Mikey C wrote:

Mikey C wrote:

I can't believe the Active and Grand Tourers are worth it?

Many customers for small MPVs have moved to Crossovers and small SUVs, and it's such an unaspirational sector of the market, where cars for bought for sensible reasons, which doesn't fit in at all with BMW's brand image?

A friend of mine has one. She bought it as it was one of the few cars she can lift her wheelchair easily into, and get comfortable in the driving position. In most small SUVs, she couldn't get the chair in on her own

230SL 26 April 2018

superstevie wrote:

superstevie wrote:
Mikey C wrote:

I can't believe the Active and Grand Tourers are worth it?

Many customers for small MPVs have moved to Crossovers and small SUVs, and it's such an unaspirational sector of the market, where cars for bought for sensible reasons, which doesn't fit in at all with BMW's brand image?

A friend of mine has one. She bought it as it was one of the few cars she can lift her wheelchair easily into, and get comfortable in the driving position. In most small SUVs, she couldn't get the chair in on her own

That is a nice car to drive on 16"rims, it actually had steering feel and was comfortable with lively handling, unlike their 18" leaden feeling exmples (even on adaptive dampers), seems with the transverse engined cars the less you spend the better the car.

230SL 26 April 2018

superstevie wrote:

superstevie wrote:
Mikey C wrote:

I can't believe the Active and Grand Tourers are worth it?

Many customers for small MPVs have moved to Crossovers and small SUVs, and it's such an unaspirational sector of the market, where cars for bought for sensible reasons, which doesn't fit in at all with BMW's brand image?

A friend of mine has one. She bought it as it was one of the few cars she can lift her wheelchair easily into, and get comfortable in the driving position. In most small SUVs, she couldn't get the chair in on her own

That is a nice car to drive on 16"rims, it actually had steering feel and was comfortable with lively handling, unlike their 18" leaden feeling exmples (even on adaptive dampers), seems with the transverse engined cars the less you spend the better the car.