Even though it’s intended for and manufactured in China, the BMW 1 Series Sedan has just been spotted in Munich. A test mule featuring little to no camouflage was seen on the Bavarian streets fueling the idea of a future release for European markets. When the 1 Series Sedan was first unveiled, BMW executives reiterated how the compact premium sedan is solely intended for the Chinese market. In time, the rhetoric softened and the door was left open for the European market as well.
The development and testing of the new car was taken place in the BMW headquarters with the involvement of Chinese engineers. With the BMW 1 Series Sedan, BMW engineers have made a lot of specific fine-tuning and improvements according to the Chinese customers’ habits and vehicle-use environment. Based on the BMW Concept Compact Sedan, the 1 Series sedan features the typical double kidney grille as well as LED double round headlamps and the characteristic BMW design language, including the iconic Hofmeister kink.
The BMW 1 Series Sedan’s interior features a familiar layout seen on the company’s other latest UKL platform-based cars – the BMW X1, BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer.
The UKL platform allows the 1 Series Sedan to actually be fun to drive, despite its front-drive nature (xDrive will also likely be available for those who absolutely cannot have FWD). The BMW 1 Series Sedan measures 4,456 mm in length, 1,803 mm in width and 1,446 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,670 mm. Three engine models will be available: 118i, 120i and 125i. The 118i will draw power from a 136 hp 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, the 120i will be powered by a 192 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and the 125i will sport a 231 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Transmission choices are a 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic.
Whether BMW will bring the 1 Series Sedan to other parts of the world is currently unknown, but likely that decision will be based off the success of the compact sedan in China.
[Source: Bimmertoday]
