SPYSHOTS: BMW 1 Series goes testing out in the cold

BMW’s development of the next-generation 1 Series continues with a spot of cold-weather testing, as our spy photographers captured a test mule in the snow recently.

Visually, the car doesn’t differ much from previous prototypes sighted in the past, adopting a significantly new profile compared to the F20. The revised shape appears larger as well, and should contribute to better interior space.

Distinct cues on display (some of which is under camo) include the brand’s trademark kidney grilles, sharp headlights and what appears to be pillar-mounted taillights. The rear hatch is also less steeply raked than the F20, giving it less of a “bread van” look than before. This test mule also sports a single exhaust tip and a higher ride height, which likely represents a lower-end variant than the assumed M140i range-topper of earlier samples.

No interior shots, but earlier spyshots reveal a significant upgrade that sees the introduction of more display screens, a new steering wheel design and reorganising of switchgear.

The new 1 Series will reportedly ride on the UKL platform, which underpins other BMW Group products such as the 2 Series Active Tourer and 2 Series Gran Tourer, along with the MINI range of models.

It will mark the 1 Series’ transition from rear- to front-wheel drive, and the model should be paired with a range of three- and four-cylinder engines in both petrol and diesel forms. The UKL platform also accepts plug-in hybrid technology, which could also debut on the entry-level model in the BMW line-up.