BMW to develop front-wheel drive 1-Series sedan

In order to attract more buyers in the developing nations, where customers want luxury at competitive price, luxury carmakers are launching affordable luxury vehicles. We have already seen BMW 1 Series, Mercedes-Benz A Class, Audi Q3 Sport. Audi India is also gearing up to launch an entry level A3 premium sedan in the country to cater to young generation. According to some media reports, BMW is planning for a new front wheel drive entry level sedan, which will sit below the current 3-Series sedan.

The company has given a title NES (New Entry-level sedan) and will soon going to join the BMW lineup. The 1 Series sedan will compete against the likes of Audi A3 and the Mercedes CLA, both of which are based on the front-wheel drive underpinnings. The new vehicle is likely support the standard front-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive.

BMW is working on the company's new UKL (Unter Klasse, or entry-level) structure, which will accommodate various entry level or low cost models. The next generation Mini hatchback is also based on the UKL structure, which is due to make its global debut at the Los Angeles auto show in November.

The new BMW 1-Series sedan will make its public debut by 2017. The vehicle is expected to be developed in Germany, China and Brazil. By seeing the current market condition, it is also expected that it will make its way to the Indian market as well. The new 1-Series sedan will get a transversely mounted three- and four-cylinder inline direct-injection petrol and common-rail diesel units. It is also likely to house a plug-in gas-electric hybrid driveline, which will be offered at a later stage under the BMW's EfficientDynamics initiative.

Source : europe.autonews.com 

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