BMW has issued patents for the design of several body panels on its all-new and highly controversial 1 Series sedan. The upcoming car has already been previewed by the Concept Compact Sedan (CCS) in November 2015, so everybody knows what the leaked images represent.
The CCS was our first look at the first front-wheel drive sedan in the history of the German company most famous for RWD models. We expect an emotionally charged response along the lines of "it's ugly and stupid" from many fans and haters of the BMW brand.
Frankly, we don't really see what the big deal is. The company already makes several models on this new FWD architecture, and they are much more practical. While the 2 Series Active Tourer we tested wasn't so great, the newer X1 is much improved. As for handling, MINI makes all its cars on the UKL1 platform without souring the taste.
According to these renderings, the design may be even bolder than on the concept. For example, the rear wing has a deep crease that should travel all along the car. The rear bumper has a design that hints towards M-Sport packages on other models. Unfortunately, there's only room for one exhaust pipe.
The CCS was presented at the 2015 Guangzhou Auto Show, but they re-painted it in gold and showed it in Beijing this week as well. Down below, you will find the latest video footage of it and the long-wheelbase version of the new X1.
Many expect the compact car that will compete with the Audi A3 and Mercedes CLA to copy all its engines from the 2 Series Active Tourer. These will include 1.5 and 2.0-liter turbo units with up to 231 horsepower. However, it's possible that BMW will develop a performance version that uses the 300-ish hp turbo from the next Clubman/Countryman JCW. It would make a decent rival for the S3, don't you think?
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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