Autobild says: next-gen BMW 1 Series and 2 Series will be FWD

Autobild reports that the next-generation BMW 1 Series Hatchback and 2 Series will make the the switch from a rear-wheel drive architecture to the new UKL front-wheel drive.

Earlier this year, Klaus Fröhlich is a member of the Board of Management for BMW AG, Development, said a decision on the platform of choice for the two family of cars will be made by the end of 2015. “The 1 Series is about conquest sales, so it has to be a true BMW, Fröhlich said. “We don’t have to decide until the end of this year.”

Autobild’s sources say that the decision has been made. While the 1 Series hatchback having its power sent to the front-wheels is somewhat of a logical step, the plan to move the successful and fun-to-drive 2 Series Coupe and Convertible to the same platform is highly controversial. Back in June, Fröhlich – according to Auto Motor und Sport – was advocating for the next iteration of the 2 Series sports models to be built on the company’s next-generation rear-wheel drive architecture which also supports the future 3,5,6 and 7 Series models. Initially called “35up”, the new RWD architecture was later relabeled as CLAR, short for Cluster Architecture.

If this happens, BMW enthusiasts can have a small, fun car for very low prices. Using this new platform could allow BMW to offer a true entry-level enthusiast’s car. But most BMW enthusiasts don’t like the thought of an FWD-based performance car. BMW can still change their mind and let’s take this rumor with a grain of salt.