[EnI]

RWD small & compact cars are compromised. Due to RWD layout the cabin & boot space is affected, and many European customers find eg 1er a turn-off due to limited space & practicality. Meaning - compared to FWD counterparts - 1er is very family-unfriendly.

And especially in Europe premium market is in trend of downsizing. People want premium product even in the tiniest car segment (size-wise).

An why offering vehicles like minivans, miniSUVs, ultraminis, compact hatches etc? To get new customers -the ones who have never purchased a BMW car before. And attracting new customers to the BMW family means there are greater chances those people (and their family members, neighbors, friends etc) buy another BMW sometimes in their life.

Sure the BMW minivan won't drive like 1er/2er Coupe, but will still be the ultimate driving machine in its segment. Yes, some people even want to drive more sporty - even in minivan segment. That's why eg. some prefer Ford minivan over VW minivan.

All these upcoming FWD BMW vehicles are aimed @ European markets mainly. But for all of you who prefer a hatch / fastback shape, sporty character & RWD ... there is something new coming for you in the future, guys ... badged as 2-Series. Since 2er won't be offered in coupe & cabrio variants only. You can expect various RWD 2ers in the future.

Think VW Golf vs VW Scirocco, Hyundai i30 vs Hyundai Veloster, etc.


PS:
Especially in Germany BMW, Audi & MB aren't considered a luxury, but a premium. Audi, MB & BMW sales trails only behind VW sales there. All three selling more cars (each brand, not combined!) more than Ford, Opel, Renault, Citroen, Peugeot, Fiat etc, not to mention Korean & Japanese brands. And even in total European sales Audi, BMW & MB sales are enormously high compared to other (even economy!) brands - with sales just behind VW, Opel, Renault, Citroen & Peugeot. And even ahead of Fiat, Skoda, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Mazda, Honda etc.
Expect many of FWD BMW cars won't make it in US market (except for next gen X1, X2 etc).
And majority of BMW vehicles (all from incl. 2er & beyond) will still be RWD, with optional AWD on most series.