BMW is gearing up for the addition of yet another model in its rapidly growing lineup, the 1- or 2-Series sedan that is previewed by the Concept Compact Sedan at this week’s Auto Guangzhou 2015 in China.
The style-led compact saloon that will rival the likes of Mercedes-Benz’s CLA and Audi’s A3 Sedan will be based on the same front-drive platform as the current 2-Series Active Tourer models and the next generation of the 1-Series hatchback, possibly offering BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system as an option.
Visually, the concept incorporates BMW’s current design language with chiseled surfaces and a bold front, with a silhouette that splits the difference between the more conventional 3-Series and the sportier 4-Series Gran Coupe in a smaller package and with a longer front overhang due to the drive layout.
It’s not clear if BMW plans to develop a single compact sedan or two different proposals in the segment following the example of the aforementioned 3-Series and 4-Series GC, but as of now, we’ve only caught the Germans testing what is believed to be a 1-Series Sedan and which looks like a softened-down version of the Concept Compact Sedan study pictured here.
“The BMW Concept Compact Sedan reveals the potential we see in a compact sedan,” said BMW Group design boss, Adrian van Hooydonk. “It not only gives the driver and passengers generous amounts of space within a compact area but does so while providing the sporting ability you’d expect from BMW and an elegance otherwise only available in large BMW sedans. The quality and intrinsic value of the BMW Concept Compact Sedan are clear signals of our premium intentions for the car.”
BMW was coy on what powers the car, but a front-drive production model would offer similar engines to the 2-Series AT, including a range of transverse, turbocharged three-cylinder and four-cylinder gasoline and diesel units.
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