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The front-drive fatidic bears truth.
What It Is: The new 1-series compact sedan—BMW’s second front-wheel-drive model—wearing production bodywork. We’ll pause even though you beat your keyboard or mobile device against your forehead as the whole “front-drive” point sinks in. This sub-3-series model is getting prepped for battle against Mercedes-Benz’s CLA-class and Audi’s slick A3 sedan, which are also front-wheel-drive-based.
The compact vehicle you see right here shares its dirty bits with BMW’s initial FWD vehicle, the 2-series Active Tourer, but it will be referred to as the 1-series to adhere to BMW’s odd-numbered badging for sedans. You could recall that BMW previously sold a 1-series here in the States, but it was a rear-drive 2-door coupe or convertible that was succeeded by the 2-series family members. Yes, we know, it’s confusing for some purpose BMW’s even-numbered naming scheme for 2-door autos and “4-door coupes” like the 228i, 6-series Gran Coupe, and 4-series somehow also applies to the front-drive Active Tourer mini-minivan. All you want to know is that unlike the 3- and 4-series and 5- and 6-series, the 1-series sedan is largely unrelated to the one particular-numeral-higher vehicle, not to mention every other BMW on sale in the U.S. right now.
Why It Matters: With its German competition spitting out new, low-priced compact sedans, BMW has to introduce a equivalent model to preserve up. BMW’s 2-series coupe is a great-driving piece, but its appeal is limited by its body style and tight back seat. The 1-series, therefore, offers BMW a appropriate entry-level model here in the U.S., exactly where even the worth-packed 320i—a de-tuned, discounted 328i—rings in at $ 33,700. The 1er also ostensibly will help boost the company’s CAFE fuel-efficiency number in the U.S.
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Platform: The 2016 1-series sedan will use BMW’s UKL compact front-drive architecture, which currently serves under the 2-series Active Tourer and the latest Mini Cooper. Comparable to the bigger 3-series, the front suspension is a strut design and style, even though the rear consists of a multilink arrangement. Getting driven the 2-series Active Tourer and numerous versions of the new Mini, we can report that the platform is stiff, quiet, and capable of delivering very good handling. We anticipate the 1-series sedan to create on those attributes and perhaps be the ideal UKL car to drive.
From what we can see on this prototype, BMW has gotten the proportions quite, extremely correct. This is no modest accomplishment generating a front-drive sedan look sleek and balanced in profile is hard function, but BMW appears to have pulled it off. The base of the A-pillar is aft of the front wheel opening, maintaining a rear-drive-like dash-to-axle profile and sustaining maximum visual length for the hood, and the front and rear overhangs are pleasingly clipped. The roofline also avoids the bubble appear that plagues several stubby sedans.
Powertrain: Given that BMW’s fantastic inline-6 is unlikely to fit transversely in the 1-series sedan’s engine bay, we have to conclude that the largest engine will be a 4-cylinder from BMWs brand-spanking-new family of modest turbocharged engines. It’s also possible that BMW could drop its new turbocharged 3-cylinder engine—which already is presented here in the base Mini Cooper—to pump up fuel-economy numbers. The 2-series Active Tourer’s most-strong turbocharged 4-cylinder puts down 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and we suspect the 1-series will get a lot more or less the identical output. Provided that the German organizations adhere to every other into any and all breaches, we’d expect an M version to come along ultimately to battle the Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG and the Audi S3.
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As for transmissions, anticipate an 8-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual, and do not be shocked if BMW stirs in optional all-wheel drive after all, Benz and Audi each offer all-wheel traction for their compact sedans.
Competitors: Acura TLX, Audi A3, Lexus IS250, Mercedes-Benz CLA-class, Volkswagen CC.
Estimated Arrival and Price: The 1-series prototype pictured here looks to be nearly comprehensive and production-prepared, meaning it could go on sale in Europe as quickly as early next year. We’d anticipate to wait an additional 12 months or so before it arrives stateside, potentially as a 2017 model. A $ 30K base value would align the tiny BMW nicely with the CLA250 and A3 1.8T. Now the only query remaining is: Would you purchase a front-drive BMW?
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