If you were shaking your head and asking yourself, “What’s next?” for BMW after the FWD 2-Series Active Tourer, the answer is a baby 3-Series in the guise of the 1-Series Sedan.
This wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing for driving enthusiasts given how much the 3-Series has grown over the years if BMW based the compact saloon on the RWD 2-Series Coupe, but the car will be built on the UKL front-wheel drive platform that underpins the BMW 2-Series AT, the Mini Hatch and the next BMW X1.
Notice that we emphasized “driving enthusiasts”, because let’s be honest, for the rest of the world, it doesn’t really matter which axle provides the drive, as long as there’s a blue-and-white roundel on the hood. Moreover, the 1-Series will also give the option of all-wheel drive.
The first prototype of the 1-Series sedan caught on the road is under heavy camouflage, but it looks like BMW blended in the shape of the 3-Series sedan with details from the 2-Series Coupe
Powertrains will be shared with the other FWD-based models from the BMW Group, so expect 1.5-liter three-cylinder and 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged lumps. An M Performance version with a 300hp+ four pot could be added to the range down the line.
The direct competition will include the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi A3 Saloon, but we suspect that BMW’s salespeople will try to steal some sales from mainstream mid-size sedans if space isn’t a top priority for buyers.
BMW’s new entry sedan model should come into the market in late 2016 – early 2017.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops
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