BMW’s upcoming 1 Series sedan (codename F52) has been spied testing in China. The test mule was fully camouflaged and was seen wearing fake headlamp and tail light clusters.
The 1 Series sedan will be underpinned by the UKL1 platform that forms a base for all the Minis and the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. The 1 Series sedan is likely to be a front-wheel-drive car like its siblings based on this modern chassis. It is highly likely that the 1 Series sedan will share its powertrains with the 2 Series Active Tourer.
The 1 Series sedan is also rumoured to get an xDrive system and its main market will be the US followed by others. It’s likely to carry frontal styling similar to the new 1 Series hatchback and a rear-end inspired by the 3 Series sedan.
BMW has taken a long time to launch an entry-level sedan as Audi and Mercedes-Benz will have a lead of more than two years when the 1 Series sedan goes on sale next year. But, BMW also has the chance to offer what the competition doesn’t. However, that might be a tough task as both the Audi A3 and the Mercedes CLA-Class are good cars and the only difference the 1 Series sedan can offer is a rear-wheel-drive layout which is unlikely.
These are early days to guess the pricing of the BMW’s entry-level sedan, but expect it to be priced close to the CLA-Class. Expect BMW to introduce it in India within six months of its global launch.
Source: auto.sohu
