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STORY

The BMW 1 Series is the brand's entry point, the smallest and most affordable way into a new BMW. For its first two generations it was also something unique in the class: a premium compact that kept a longitudinal engine and rear-wheel drive while every rival went front-drive.

Launched in 2004 as the E87, the 1 Series shared its platform and much of its running gear with the 3 Series, which gave it near-perfect weight distribution and genuine driving appeal, if at the cost of a cramped rear seat and small boot. The E82 Coupé and E88 Convertible followed, and the range peaked with the twin-turbo 135i and the cult 1 Series M Coupé of 2011, compact and wide-hipped machines beloved by enthusiasts. The second-generation F20 continued the rear-drive formula, offering hot straight-six versions in the M135i and M140i.

In 2019 BMW made a decisive break: the third-generation F40 moved to a front-wheel-drive platform shared with Mini and the 2 Series Active Tourer, trading the old layout's purity for far better packaging and interior space. The change was controversial among purists but commercially sound, and the current F70 continues the front-/all-wheel-drive approach with the latest technology, keeping the 1 Series as a key volume model in Europe and beyond.