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F52 1 Series FWD Sedan Filmed Undergoing Nurburgring Testing for First Time

Ignore what the title of the video might say; this isn't the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, although such a car would be awesome to buy. We are dealing with the compact FWD sedan that will be part of the 1 Series family.
F52 1 Series FWD Sedan Filmed Undergoing Nurburgring Testing for First Time 1 photo
Photo: screenshot from Youtube
Or at least we think it's going to be labled a 1er, but it doesn't make a bit of difference if they call it 2 Series Active Sedan or Donald Duck.

After admitting front-wheel drive is better for making a tiny SUV, the X1, BMW is now using the same platform for this car. It already has an internal codename, F52, and two debuts as a concept. The most recent of that was at the Beijing Auto Show a few months ago.

The fact that they are testing it so hard at the Nurburgring can only mean that it will also be sold in Europe. Otherwise, precision and fine handling wouldn't be demanded of it.

You can hear the car torturing its front wheels while appraching the carousel corner. But there could also be AWD involved. Such a feature will certainly be available with higher output motors.

We feel absolutely no anger towards BMW for making this sedan. It looks like it handles twice as well as the 2 Series Active Tourer. What's more, where the power goes doesn't the Golf GTI suck, now does it?

We could mention that that a performance version of the 1er sedan might be developed. That's because MINI is working on the powertrain for its JCW Clubman and Countryman.

However, at launch, it will only have average engines, ranging from about 130 to 231 PS. The gearboxes will be shared with MINI too.

Design-wise, this is one of the most interesting compact luxury cars yet. The C-pillar sits right over the rear wing, the headlights are big and the double kidney grille is a defining feature.

Of course, this being a BMW, they are going to kill you with the expensive but very cool options list. I wouldn't be surprised if this thing even comes with puddle lights.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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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.
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