When BMW launched the UKL platform-based 1 Series Sedan in early 2017, it said the model would remain exclusive to the Chinese market.
Time has passed and this summer we learned that Munich’s smallest sedan became available in Mexico as well. Is BMW planning to bring it to more markets in the future, including Europe? There is nothing official yet. Still, our photographers caught a 1 Series Sedan prototype testing in Munich, close to BMW’s technical center.
Why the camouflage, you ask? Well, the Bavarians are already preparing a facelift for the 1 Series Sedan.
As you can see, the entire lower half of the car is wrapped, including the front and rear ends. Apparently, the headlights and taillights will see some modifications, likely consisting of new light signatures. The grille and bumpers will be slightly refreshed as well, with the front fascia looking more aggressive than the current version. Finally, the side skirts appear to get a more muscular appearance too.
All these cosmetic changes are aimed at bringing the sedan in line with the all-new 1 Series hatchback launching in Europe next year. It remains to be seen whether the sedan will also be getting the updates made to the FWD-based UKL platform now known as FAAR.
The fact that BMW is testing the facelifted 1 Series Sedan in Munich shouldn’t be a surprise. After all, the current model has been spotted in Bavaria’s capital before. Does that mean that Europe will be getting the 1 Series Sedan as part of the all-new 1 Series family? We don’t have the answer yet but the move would certainly make sense given the recent launch of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan.
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