The second-generation 1 Series has been around since 2011, when BMW redesigned the compact it first introduced in 2004. Unlike its predecessor, the current 1 Series consists of only three- and five-door hatchbacks since the two-door coupe and convertible was renamed the 2 Series back in 2011. Essentially a competitor for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi A3, the 1 Series stands out as the only vehicle in its niche to use a rear-wheel drive architecture. The hatchback is available with more than 10 gasoline and diesel engines world wide.
For the 2017 model year, the 1 Series will, for the first time, receive a four-door sedan body style.
Previewed ahead of its official debut later in 2016, the 1 Series Sedan is heavily based on the Concept Compact Sedan that BMW showcased at the Guangzhou Motor Show in 2015. Details are still scant as of this writing, but the German brand did say that the 1 Series Sedan will be a China-exclusive model. Unfortunately, this means that the company’s smallest sedan yet won’t be sold in Europe or the United States. At least not for a few years.
It remains to be seen whether that will change sooner or later, but until it happens, let’s have a closer look at what we already know about the upcoming BMW 1 Series Sedan.
Updated 07/18/2016: BMW dropped the first official details on the 1 Series Sedan – a model that apparently will only be offered on the Chinese market.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 BMW 1 Series Sedan.
Exterior
BMW has released just one picture of the 1 Series Sedan as of this writing, but it’s enough to notice that it is heavily based on the Concept Compact Sedan. Although instantly recognizable as a BMW, the four-door’s exterior has plenty of features that set it apart from the 1 Series hatchback.
Although instantly recognizable as a BMW, the four-door’s exterior has plenty of features that set it apart from the 1 Series hatchback.
While the grille and most of the nose are identical, the headlamps are narrower, which gives the front end a sportier look. The bumper is also a lot more aggressive to look at thanks to the trapezoidal lower grille and the larger vents on each side. The apron is almost identical to the concept car, but it also shares many cues with the larger 3 Series. Speaking of which, the side panels and the waistline are also similar to the 3 Series.
Not surprisingly, the 1 Series is pretty much a shrunken 3 Series aside for the grille, headlamps, and some rear fascia details which we can’t see until BMW unveils the sedan in full form.
Interior
Spy shots of the sedan’s interior suggest that most features will be borrowed from the hatchback. Unless BMW 
made significant changes to the test cars we’ve seen in recent months, the center stack, steering, wheel, instrument panel, and door panels should be about the same. Naturally, some features will be slightly different, but the infotainment screen, the A/C vents, the radio, and even the gear shifter appear to be identical to those seen in the 1 Series hatch.
According to BMW, the sedan will be equipped with ConnectedDrive technologies
According to BMW, the sedan will be equipped with ConnectedDrive technologies and the company’s latest safety features and infotainment system.
Design and technology aside, the 1 Series sedan will be quite different behind the front seats. Legroom and shoulder room should be significantly better compared to the hatch, while access should be easier with the extra rear doors.
Drivetrain
BMW had nothing to say about the sedan’s drivetrain expect the fact that the powerplants will be produced at BMW Brilliance’s new local engine plant in Shenyang. Given that this model will be sold in China, BMW’s focus will be on fuel economy.
The base model should get the 1.5-liter three-cylinder, which produces 109 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, while the 1.6-liter four-pot will generate more than 130 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of twist. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at more than 200 horsepower is also likely.
On the diesel front, BMW will most likely offer just one powerplant at first — the 1.5-liter three-pot that generates some 120 horses and close to 200 pound-feet.
Transmission choices should include a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic from ZF.
Should BMW unleash the sedan in Europe and the U.S., a higher-performance M140i model with a 3.0-liter inline-six under the hood is also likely. This model should be followed by a full-fledged M version, most likely with the M2’s six-cylinder mill under the hood.
Prices
Our best guess is that the 1 Series sedan will be a tad more expensive than the hatchback. With the five-door model priced from CNY256,000 (about $38,180), the sedan will probably have a starting price of around CNY280,000 (around $41,760) in China.
Should BMW bring the 1 Series Sedan to the U.S. at some point, which would make sense given the immense success Mercedes -Benz has had with the CLA, expect the base model to have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder under its hood and a sticker around the $36,000 mark.
Competitors
Mercedes-Benz CLA
Mercedes was the first of the three German automakers to introduce its compact sedan. Launched at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, the CLA differs from the A3 Sedan and the 1 Series Sedan by featuring a coupe-like design. Sleek and aerodynamic, the CLA is actually a smaller CLS, which gives Stuttgart credit for inventing yet another niche. Thanks to its attractive design and luxurious interior, the CLA is already a success in both Europe and the United States.
The American version of the sedan can only be had as the CLA250. This means power is provided by a turbocharged, 2.0-liter, inline-four rated at 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque that is mated to a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission. The powerplant also comes with a stop/start function to help push fuel economy to 38 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg in the city. Pricing starts from $32,050 for the 2016 model year. In China, it is available with three powerplants. The CLA 200 with 156 horsepower and 250 Nm, the CLA 220 with 184 horses and 300 Nm, and the CLA 260 with 211 horses and 350 Nm. Pricing starts from CNY266,000.
Read our full review on the Mercedes CLA here.
Audi A3 Sedan
Audi joined the compact sedan party at the 2013 New York Auto Show by launching the A3 Sedan. Slightly wider and lower than the A3 Sportback, the sedan comes with a reconfigured rear end that includes a traditional trunk area. Unlike the CLA, the A3 Sedan is available in more guises and a choice of three engines. The gasoline range begins with the 1.8 TFSI that generates 170 ponies and 200 pound-feet of torque, resulting in a 0-to-60-mph sprint of 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. The fastest A3 is powered by a 2.0 TFSI unit that churns 220 horses and 258 pound-feet. The added power slashes exactly two seconds of the sedan’s 0-to-60-mph benchmark, dropping it at 5.2 seconds. Lastly, the A3 Sedan can be had with a diesel powerplant too. The 2.0 TDI is good for 150 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of twist. It’s a little slow from naught to 60 mph at 8.1 seconds, but its EPA-estimated 43 mpg on the highway make it the most efficient vehicle in its class. Pricing is nearly identical to that of the CLA, as the A3 retails from $30,900. The Chinese version can be had with the 1.4-liter four-cylinder rated at 147 horsepower and the 1.8-liter four-pot with 177 horses. Pricing starts from CNY190.900, making it significantly more affordable than its competitors.
Read our full review on the Audi A3 sedan here.
Conclusion
It may seem that the 1 Series sedan is a bit late to the party given that the Mercedes-Benz CLA has been around for five years already, but it’s never too late to bring a sedan that’s luxurious and affordable to the market. It’s definitely way too early to draw a conclusion here, but we are sure that if BMW plays its cards right with the 1 Series sedan, the Mercedes CLA and the Audi A3 sedan could suffer a serious blow in the long run. On the other, for that to happen BMW needs to make the 1 Series Sedan available outside China as well.
Updated History
Updated 09/11/2014: We have prepared a new rendering for you showing the future 1 Series Sedan. It features the latest BMW design language, that includes the updated headlamp style that run into the grill. Check it out after the jump.
Spy Shots
January 27, 2016 – BMW 1 Series sedan starts loosing camouflage
September 9, 2014 – First testing session
Press Release
The BMW Group and BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. (BBA) will further explore the premium compact segment in China with the BMW 1 Series Sedan – the first compact sports sedan under the BMW brand. This makes BBA’s product range in the compact class even more comprehensive with premium entry-level cars covering segments of the Active Tourer, Sports Activity Vehicle, and Sports Sedan, attracting new customer groups to become premium car owners. The premium compact car segment is the fastest growing segment worldwide and in China.
The BMW 1 Series Sedan is the most sporty and emotional sedan in segment. It is an exclusive model tailored and aligned to the needs of Chinese customers, solely produced and specifically sold in China. The development and testing of the new car was taken place in the BMW headquarters with the involvement of Chinese engineers. The new car also performed intensive road tests in respect to different circumstances of road conditions and climate situations on different terrains in China. With the BMW 1 Series Sedan, BMW engineers have made a lot of specific fine-tuning and improvements according to the Chinese customers’ habits and vehicle-use environment.
The BMW 1 Series Sedan is originated from the concept car BMW Concept Compact Sedan, which made its world premiere at Guangzhou Motor Show 2015. As a model ready for production, the BMW 1 Series Sedan maintains design elements of the concept car, including BMW’s typical body proportion. The BMW 1 Series Sedan is instantly recognisable as a BMW. It has a concise BMW face with double kidney grille as well as LED double round headlamps and brand emblem in a very present, sporty and modern interpretation. The characteristic BMW design language is also shown in the sporty, emotional and modern-looking silhouette with Hofmeister kink.
The BMW 1 Series Sedan is the latest proof of BMW Group’s strength in innovation and is superior in terms of connectivity. Its comprehensive BMW ConnectedDrive technologies provide all customers unparalleled convenience, rich infotainment, and significantly enhanced safety. The latest powerful and technology-leading engines with hi-tech electronic technology from BMW are produced at the new local engine plant in Shenyang and guarantee unparalleled driving pleasure.
After the successful launch of the BMW X1 and the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, the BMW 1 Series Sedan is added to the model range, which now comprises five locally-produced BMW model series in China. With that BMW offers even more attractive entry-level models for its customers. This will further help to expand the company’s product substance and competitive advantage.