2019 BMW 1 Series Looks Better in Latest Nurburgring Spy Video

Our latest spy video is from the Nurburgring and depicts the 3rd-generation 1er, codenamed F40. Its pinched headlights remind us of another new German hatchback, which we'll mention later in the story.

Besides being the all-new 1 Series, this prototype also happens to be the M135i, which will replace the M140i. Instead of a 3-liter turbo mounted longitudinally under the hood and mostly powering the rear wheels, this new car has a 2-liter a la Golf R.

The M135i holds virtually no secrets. It's going to have 300 horsepower and somewhere around 350 to 370 Nm of torque. This will be delivered to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic.

In the past few weeks, we've also learned about one of the M135i's rivals. Mercedes-AMG's boss has confirmed the A35 hot hatch, which we believe will have 299 HP or slightly more and will feature the EQ Boost system as an added perk.

Of course, both companies are playing second fiddle to hot hatchbacks that have existed for generations, like the Golf R, Focus RS, and Civic Type R.

Don't get us wrong; we don't hate the current M140i, the one with the big six-cylinder. But it's more of a shrunken 3 Series or a combination between a GT and a compact car. If BMW plays its cards right, the replacement model will be lighter, more agile while also adding practicality to the mix.

Of course, not everybody will want the M version of the 1 Series. Most will be happy with BMW's smaller 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engines, the ones that are also used in the MINI Clubman.