BMW has been racing to break into all-new niche categories. First it was the X6, then it was the 5-Series Gran Turismo, then 6-Series Gran Coupe followed by a whole raft of alternative products.
It's been an interesting spectacle to watch as the blue and white claimed some victories and chalked up some losses. As you may expect, we're curious to see what's next.
Interestingly enough, it's been rather peculiar to see the company not participate in the compact luxury sedan category. While cars like the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class are doing quite alright, BMW's only shipped the 2-Series and X1.
What's been taking BMW so long to get a 1-Series sedan to market?
I guess the same thing holding the X7 back. Insert eye roll here.
Here's the thing though. BMW just rolled out a 1-Series sedan for the Chinese market. As of now there's zero indication that it will come to The States but this leaves us wondering: IF BMW ships it here, would it create a nightmare for the A3 and CLA?
What say you, Spies?
BMW's press release follows:
The all new BMW 1 Series Sedan. Exclusively for the Chinese Market.
Beijing. 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.