BMW
Compact Sedan Concept
At Guangzhou Auto Show, BMW unveiled the Compact Sedan concept. The new compact sedan, which is likely to be called a 1-Series, or though we may see the automaker break with tradition and call it a 2-Series, is set for a reveal sometime next year. The basis for the vehicle is the BMW Group’s UKL platform, which means the car will come with front-wheel drive. Of course, an xDrive all-wheel-drive option should be available.
The reveal of the
Compact Sedan concept in Guangzhou is a strong indication that the production
version is being developed primarily for the Chinese market, where there is
strong demand for small, premium sedans.
One the concept, the
front section looks elongated like on one of BMW’s larger sedans and there is
also a slightly set-back greenhouse, which BMW says gives the vehicle a sense
of sportiness. This is contrasted by a stubby rear section complete with a
Hofmeister kink. It’s clear the design has been influenced by BMW’s Gran Lusso
Coupe concept from 2013.
Glance into the
interior of the concept and as we saw with the exterior the design has strong
BMW family ties. The cockpit radiates a clear driver focus: all the lines,
forms and controls are geared towards the person behind the wheel and their
needs. Here we also find the typical Nappa leather trim, iDrive controller,
8.8-inch main display and a head-up display. A bench seat is found at the rear
but BMW says it fits two only.
The BMW Concept
Compact Sedan reveals the potential we see in a compact sedan. BMW Group design boss, Adrian van Hooydonk said at the
reveal. “It not only gives the driver and passengers generous amounts of space
within a compact area but does so while providing the sporting ability you’d
expect from BMW and an elegance otherwise only available in large BMW
sedans."
