BMW Debuts a MINI Based Front Wheel Drive Sedan for China
Ever wonder what a MINI sedan would look like? Well this isn’t quite it. But the UKL based architecture underneath is all MINI making this 1 Series sedan the closest thing we have to a modern MINI send. Will MINI build one? And would it be more MINI-like and smaller than what we see above? More important would you be interested? Let us (and MINI) know in the comments below.
Official 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.
<p>I feel like the four door hardtop fills that role well enough. I don’t see the need for a MINI sedan.</p>
<p>The 1-series Sedan uses the longer and wider BMW UKL2 platform, which currently underpins more BMW models than MINI. In other words, it’s not actually MINI based.</p>
<p>UKL2 Platform Based BMWs:</p>
<p>X1 SAV
X1 Long wheelbase 7-seat (China only)
1-Series Sedan (China only – for now)
2-Series Active Tourer 5-seat
2-Series Gran Tourer 7-seat
X2 Crossover (On sale 2017)
1-Series 3/5-door Hatchback (On sale 2018)</p>
<p>UKL2 Platform Based MINIs:</p>
<p>F54 Clubman
F60 Countryman (On sale late 2016)</p>
<p>In the context of people who know and own MINIs (who read this site) it’s based on the car they know. On a site like BimmerFile or more generic automotive site, it would likely stated the way you mention.</p>
<p>You make a fair argument, but there is no harm in providing MINI fans with a broader view of the world :)</p>
<p>It’s a perspective not a position.</p>
<p>The X1Li is still only a 5-seater (it is shorter in length and wheelbase than the X3)</p>
<p>Thanks for that Gerald. I had confused the X1 Li with the 2-Series Gran Tourer, both of which share the same wheelbase length, which is 11 cm longer than the X1 and Active Tourer. Unlike the 2er Gran Tourer, the extra wheelbase length in the Li is used exclusively to increase rear seat passenger legroom.</p>
<p>I sat in an X1 Li at the dealership a few weeks ago, it is surprisingly roomy in the back. I would consider it for our next vehicle but will wait to see what the F60 is like first.</p>
<p>We too are waiting to see the F60 ‘in the metal’ before deciding what to buy next. The F60 gets its first public debut at the Paris Motor Show on October 1st, but is expected to get a digital launch sometime in September.</p>
<p>I would love to see this offered in the US.</p>
<p>Drive a Hyundai.</p>
<p>No thanks.</p>
<p>In view of China’s liking for long-wheelbase cars – the F30 3-series is sold in China exclusively with a longer wheelbase (see attached photo) – I would not be surprised if the 1-series Sedan is built on the same long-wheelbase as the X1 Li.</p>
<p>If BMW decides later this year that its fifth MINI model is to be a Sedan, it would most likely be built on the short-wheelbase version of UKL2 platform., which currently underpins the F54 Countryman. Such is the ‘scaleability’ of the UKL platform.</p>
<p>According to Autocar, BMW could join its long-time rival Mercedes-Benz in the growing luxury pick-up truck market.</p>
<p>Asked whether rumours suggesting BMW had plans to enter the pick-up ranks were on the mark, BMW Australia managing director Marc Werner said: “We are looking at this closely,” before adding: “a ute is certainly an interesting proposition.”</p>
<p>Werner’s comments are the first acknowledgment that BMW is looking at the possibilities of launching a pick-up truck.</p>
<p>How about a MINI pick-up. The original was a big hit, and today eminently collectible.</p>