First ever FWD sedan from BMW.
BMW is currently testing a compact luxury sedan that will be based on the UKL FWD platform, and slot under the BMW 3 Series. The test mule of the upcoming model has been spotted in China, and although it is wrapped in camouflage with temporary elements, it cannot hide its intentions.
The 2017 BMW 1 Series sedan (name unconfirmed, could be branded the BMW 2 Series sedan) will be designed around the traditional proportions of a BMW saloon, but in a smaller footprint. The design elements such as the headlamps, grille, lower bumper and taillamps could borrow cues from the 2015 BMW 1 Series hatchback, or feature a new design altogether.
Coming to the cabin, we're not sure if this is the actual interior design of the BMW 1 Series sedan, since previous spyshots have revealed a slightly different look. For instance, in the older spyshots, the test mule featured a taller gear selector, while the new one features a shorter and stubby selector. The dashboard follows a design akin to the bigger sedans, while older spyshots have indicated a BMW 2 Series Active Tourer-inspired dashboard.
The BMW 1 Series sedan is likely to get engines compatible with the UKL platform, which include a 1.5-liter turbocharged three cylinder petrol engine. In the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, the same engine delivers 136 hp engine and 220 Nm of torque.
Higher variants of the BMW 1 Series sedan will pack a range of 2.0 turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, available in power outputs between 150-231 hp. An xDrive AWD system could also be offered for the top variants as well.
Also Read: Exterior and interior of the BMW X5M snapped in India ahead of launch
BMW will reportedly make the 1 Series sedan official in the second half of 2016, as a 2017 model. It will be exclusive to the Chinese market initially. As for its arrival in India, it's a product worth considering for BMW India, given that they have no model to rival Audi’s A3 and Mercedes’ CLA in the segment.
[Source: auto.ifeng]
