BMW 1 Series Will Get Sedan to Take on A3 Sedan and CLA

BMWBMWGermany, 1918 > present87 models
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is working on a front-wheel drive, sedan version of the 1 SeriesBMW 1 Series Gen.2 [F20] Germany, 2011 > present130 versions
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under the internal name New Entry-level Sedan that will be aimed against the A3 Sedan and CLAMercedes-Benz CLA-Class Gen.1Germany, 2013 > present63 versions
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. It is tentatively scheduled to go on sale in 2017.

"The NES is integral to our growth plans. It will be an important pillar in the future 1-series lineup, particularly in the U.S. and China, where sales of small premium-brand four-door sedans are on the rise,” said a BMW spokesperson.

BMW believes that smaller premium cars are the next hot niche in in the market. Its new UKL platform will be used for BMW’s next generation of front-wheel drive models that will start with the third generation MiniMINI (BMW) MINI VisionGermany, 2013 > 2013 next year. It has also been previewed on the Concept Active TourerBMW Concept Active TourerGermany, 2012 > 201240 photos
. The Mini is scheduled to debut at the LA Auto Show on November 20.

The new platform will necessitate a switch to transversely mounted engines, and it will use BMW’s new modular engine family with three-cylinder and four-cylinder versions for the entry-level cars.

Like the A3 Sedan and CLA, the 1-Series sedan’s front-wheel drive platform will also support an all-wheel drive option.

When the 1 Series is replaced, all versions will use the new front-wheel drive platform, but BMW will release front-wheel drive variants in the meantime.

Source: Automotive News Europe