BMW is preparing for major changes within its model range . For the first time ever, a sedan smaller than the 3 Series will appear in its offer, but more important is the use of front-wheel drive in the third generation of the 1 Series.
The sedan with the code name NES (New Entry-level Sedan, translated as a new basic sedan) will become one of the first models of the brand to receive a platform with front-wheel drive . That platform is called UKL (Unter Klasse) and we will see it for the first time in less than two months under the coat of the new generation Mini .
The premiere of the new model will take place in 2017 , making it the first member of the third generation 1 Series family . It will also be equipped with a platform with front-wheel drive.
Under the hood of the new sedan, three- and four-cylinder petrol or diesel engines will be installed transversely, which will probably be supplemented by plug-in hybrid versions . Main competitors include the Audi A3 Sedan and the Mercedes-Benz CLA – both of which also offer front-wheel drive.
The novelty will be important especially for the Chinese and American markets , where the segment of small premium sedans is on the rise. Production could take place in Germany, China or Brazil.
Source: autonews.com
