Skip advert
Advertisement

No more front-wheel drive BMWs: brand’s new EV tech means RWD, AWD or bust

An all-electric BMW 1 Series replacement could shift back to the brand’s traditional rear-wheel drive configuration

BMW 1 Series 2024 facelift - front tracking

In a similar vein to Audi with its all-wheel drive ‘quattro’ technology, BMW is known for its rear-wheel drive layouts. In recent years, however, we’ve become used to seeing four-wheel drive ‘xDrive’ and even front-wheel drive cars from the Bavarian brand. 

Things now look set to change again with BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse technology, and in particular its sixth-generation ‘eDrive’ electric motors, set to make front-wheel drive BMW electric vehicles a non-starter. 

That is because while there will be single, dual-, tri- and quad-motor layouts in upcoming Neue Klasse vehicles, there’s no way for BMW’s new eDrive motor to power the front wheels exclusively. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The electric motor used on the front axle is different from the one on the rear in BMW’s Neue Klasse platform. The rear motor has an integrated gearbox and the front motor does not - thus ending the possibility of a single-motor front-wheel drive Neue Klasse model. 

The rear motor will also be more powerful than the front in Neue Klasse with the rear capable of 402bhp and the front 241bhp. The reasoning behind this bias of power towards the rear is “better for dynamics” - a BMW representative told us during a Neue Klasse technology event. 

However, this doesn’t mark the end of BMW's plans for building smaller models like the current front-wheel drive BMW 1 Series. Neue Klasse is a modular platform that can underpin a wide range of vehicles - including cars in the family hatchback category. We will have to wait and see if an all-electric 1 Series replacement will return rear-wheel drive power to BMW’s hatch. 

CLICK HERE FOR OUR LATEST BMW 1 SERIES DEALS

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
New cars coming soon header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
23 Jun 2025
BMW is killing carbon fibre to build its lightweight M cars from plants
Sustainable BMW carbon fibre replacement roof

BMW is killing carbon fibre to build its lightweight M cars from plants

Developed in collaboration a Swedish clean-tech firm, natural fibres are said to be just as strong and lightweight as carbon alternatives, plus more s…
News
19 Jun 2025
New BMW Concept Speedtop is an ultra-rare shooting brake with looks to die for
BMW Concept Speedtop - front

New BMW Concept Speedtop is an ultra-rare shooting brake with looks to die for

Couldn’t get on the shortlist for the BMW Skytop? Here’s the hard-top version – but only 70 will be made
News
23 May 2025
Ultra-exclusive BMW Skytop spotted on the road for the first and possibly last time
BMW Skytop - front 3/4

Ultra-exclusive BMW Skytop spotted on the road for the first and possibly last time

Only 50 examples of the elegant V8-powered two-seater will be made, each costing approximately £500,000, and they’ve all been sold
News
16 May 2025

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025