BMW Compact Sedan concept unveiled - IAB Report

Previews BMW's answer to Mercedes CLA, Audi A3.

At the 2015 Guanghzou Motor Show, BMW has, surprisingly, unveiled the Compact Sedan concept, which previews a production-spec model that rivals products like the Mercedes CLA and Audi A3.

The production-spec BMW Compact sedan has already been spotted testing multiple times, and was unofficially christened as the BMW 1 Series sedan. It is likely to be based on the UKL platform, making it the first ever FWD BMW sedan.

The BMW Compact Sedan is designed around the traditional proportions of a BMW sedan, but in a smaller footprint. As for the interior, it gets Nappa leather seats, a heads-up display, orange-colored accent lighting, a panoramic glass roof, touch-sensitive controls, and a freestanding infotainment system with an 8.8-inch display.

Being a concept, BMW have not disclosed powertrain details of the Compact Sedan. Being based on the UKL platform, the production-spec model is expected to source 3- and 4-cylinder engines from other UKL-based products like the 2-Series Active Tourer. While a FWD will be standard, an xDrive system could be optional in higher variants.

Given the good sales figures for entry-level compact luxury sedans like the Mercedes CLA and Audi A3, and reports suggesting that BMW India is looking to push volumes from 2017, the production-spec BMW 1 Series sedan could make its way to India. If so, it will be assembled at the company's plant in Chennai, with good localization levels.

India-bound BMW Compact Sedan concept unveiled - Press Release

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