BMW 1 Series set to plug in

MINI’s highly-touted plug-in hybrid drivetrain is set to find its way into the next-generation BMW 1 Series.

BMW’s small-car brand this week announced it was close to rolling out the long-awaited plug-in drivetrain on its next-generation Countryman. More than five years after conducting its first field trials, the British marque said its development process was almost complete.

MINI’s development is likely to spawn a similar plug-in drivetrain in the next-generation, front-wheel drive 1 Series, motoring.com.au understands. The all-new model is set to be built on the same 'UKL' platform that underpins the MINI range and the 2 Series Active Tourer, making the exercise a relatively easy fit.

Speaking at the launch of the updated 1 Series and 2 Series range this week, BMW Australia head of market product planning, Shawn Ticehurst, hinted at more plug-in hybrid models across BMW’s local range.

“In the future yes, but not in the immediate future,” he said. “There is nothing confirmed yet but potentially in the future.

Asked specifically about the 1 Series, which is also subject to a global sedan derivative, Ticehurst said this of a plug-in version: “Let’s see ... there’s nothing officially announced at this point.

“Certainly plug-in hybrids will grow [in sales]. The announcement that MINI is getting the plug-in hybrid just reinforces that the technology is going to roll out – whether you’re talking 7 Series or MINI.”