German car makers BMW and BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. (BBA) have unveiled the 1 Series Sedan – the first compact sports sedan under the BMW brand. The 1 Series sedan will be exclusive to the Chinese market for now and will be manufactured only in China.
BMW says the development and testing of the new car had been undertaken at the company's headquarters with the involvement of Chinese engineers. The 1 Series Sedan has originated from the concept car, BMW Concept Compact Sedan, which made its world premiere at Guangzhou Motor Show 2015. As a production-spec model, the 1 Series sedan is instantly recognisable as a BMW with double kidney grille as well as LED double round headlamps.
BMW, in a statement, said that the sedan will be equipped with BMW ConnectedDrive technologies that provide customers unparalleled convenience, rich infotainment, and significantly enhanced safety. The 1 Series sedan will be based on the UKL1 platform that underpins all the new Minis and the X1 crossover. This also means that the sedan will be front-wheel-driven and it is expected to get a range of three-and four-cylinder petrol as well as diesel engines. BMW has officially not revealed specifications of the car.
With the arrival of 1 Series sedan, BMW's Chinese portfolio comprises five locally-produced models. Though there are no plans to bring it to India as of now, it cannot be written off. BMW's rival Audi offers A3 sedan, which is based on the A3 hatchback in India, while Mercedes-Benz has CLA sedan. BMW already sells the 1 Series hatchback in India and it won't be difficult for the company to manufacture the 1 Series sedan here.
