When you think of BMWs, you probably think of a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) ultimate driving machine. Before the launch of the 2 Series Active Tourer, BMWs have always been RWD. RWD has classically been the configuration that offers up the most desirable driving characteristics. The idea of a front-wheel-drive (FWD) BMW may even seem sacrilegious to some people.

Earlier this year, BMW announced it would be adding several FWD vehicles to their lineup. A collective sigh echoed around the world and an extra large bucket was needed to collect the tears of all of us RWD fanatics out there. Things will never be the same.

That being said, there are plenty of FWD vehicles out there that are plenty of fun to drive and since BMW now includes Mini in its family, expect the new baby BMWs to retain solid and balanced driving dynamics.

RM Design have just released a rendering of BMW’s second FWD offering – the FWD 1 Series sedan. Looking at the photo, we can see the baby BMW looks like the sedan version of the 2 Series Active Tourer or the Gran Tourer. The 1 Series sedan will ride on the UKL platform and will undoubtedly be doing battle with Mercedes-Benz’s CLA and Audi’s A3 sedan.

Expect the North American 1 Series sedan to be a four-cylinder of some sort, most likely with a hybrid or diesel (we hope) option. It’ll likely be debuted at the end of the year at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show.

Photo Courtesy of RM Design

Photo Courtesy of RM Design

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