BMW's new Neue Klasse platform could mean the end of front-wheel drive on some models.
Like Audi with its Quattro all-wheel drive technology, BMW has been known for its rear-wheel drive for decades. However, as times change, BMW has also been forced to use front-wheel drive, which the Bavarians have long called “the wrong drive.” In 2014, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer became the brand’s first model to be driven exclusively by the front wheels, and since then, several models in the BMW range have adopted this type of drive.
It's clearly time for things to change again at BMW. BMW's new platform New Class, specifically the sixth generation of electric motorization eDrive, it seems that it will only be available in two, three and four-motor configurations, none of which are suitable for driving exclusively the front pair of wheels.
Due to the platform design New Class The electric motors mounted on the front pair of wheels are significantly different from those on the rear axle. The motors mounted on the rear axle have an integrated gearbox, while those on the front axle do not, so the possibilities for New Class The front-wheel drive BMW is ending. The engine on the rear axle is also much more powerful than the one on the front, developing 402 hp, while the latter "only" 241 hp. The reason for this power distribution lies in the vehicle's driving dynamics, BMW claims.
The end of front-wheel drive for BMW does not mean the end for smaller models like the 1 Series, however, as it is New Class a modular platform that is adapted to a wide range of vehicles, similar to Volkswagen's MEB platform. The first two generations of the 1 Series were rear-wheel drive only, so it will be interesting to see if BMW is truly returning to its roots with the new platform.
