When BMW launched the UKL platform-based 1 Series
Sedan in early 2017, it said the model would remain exclusive to the Chinese
market and this summer we learned that Munich’s smallest
sedan became available in Mexico as well. Is BMW planning to bring it to more
markets in the future, including Europe? There is nothing official yet. Still,
Carscoops photographers caught a 1 Series Sedan prototype testing in Munich, close to
BMW’s technical center.
As you can see, the entire lower half of the car is
wrapped, including the front and rear ends. Apparently, the headlights and
taillights will see some modifications, likely consisting of new light
signatures. The grille and bumpers will be slightly refreshed as well, with the
front fascia looking more aggressive than the current version.
Finally, the
side skirts appear to get a more muscular appearance too. All these cosmetic changes are
aimed at bringing the sedan in line with the all-new 1 Series hatchback
launching in Europe next year. It remains to be seen whether the sedan will
also be getting the updates made to the FWD-based UKL platform now known as
FAAR.
The fact that BMW is testing the facelifted 1 Series
Sedan in Munich shouldn’t be a surprise. After all, the current model has been
spotted in Bavaria’s capital before. Does that mean that Europe will be getting
the 1 Series Sedan as part of the all-new 1 Series family? We don’t have the
answer yet but the move would certainly make sense given the recent launch of the
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan.
