BMW 1 Series Sedan Launches in China

[MikeyV]

Originally Posted by vladberca

I can't see this car being sold outside China ��
If they want a small refined little sedan, a RWD 2 series GC is the way to go!

I can, Russia, Eastern Europe, Brazil, India all prefer small sedan to hatches, this would sell like crazy in those markets.

[Weiman]

Originally Posted by MikeyV

I can, Russia, Eastern Europe, Brazil, India all prefer small sedan to hatches, this would sell like crazy in those markets.

True dat. Case in point:

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

The 1st sets of renders to try to make the car (somewhat) more attractive...

I will be doing a deeper modification of the car (give it a rear wheel drive stance by modifying front and rear overhangs, wheelbase) in a few days...

Check my render project thread here for more updates: http://f20.1addicts.com/forums/showt...4#post21352214

[E30M3Brill]

Originally Posted by JRobUSC

"we"? Do you work for BMW?

Anyway, "they" are building their version of an Audi A3 and Mercedes CLA, and I have absolutely zero problem with that. Actually, I have one problem with it -- they aren't bringing it here.

Audi and Benz each sell 2-3k A3's and CLA's per month in the U.S. That's 4-6k units per month their competitors are sharing that BMW has nothing competing with. Enter the 1er sedan, a vehicle that looks like a BMW, is as nice or nicer than either, is as tech laden or more than either, and is likely dynamically superior to both (all based on the fact the X1 is superior in all those ways to the Q3 and GLA). If BMW had that car here last year, and simply split that 6k unit monthly sales pot three ways between the 1er, A3, and CLA (i.e. taking 1k units/mo from Benz and Audi and adding 2k 1-Series units to BMW's tally), BMW would have been #1 luxury sales for the year, without all the minuscule niche splitting they've been relying on. And as a fan of the brand, I'd rather see them increase sales by coming out with desirable cars people actually want than by splitting off variants of cars that they end up having to give away.

Yes - I feel I am at liberty to say "we" - from a current ownership standpoint of a 535is to a L6 to a e30 M3 to a e92 to a e90 M3. Let alone past ownership of a e30 318i. All I was remarking on as its similar looks/characteristics of a VW Jetta. And oh yeah I owned a Jetta too!

[e92miami]

So let me get this right, you can have a pano roof on a 1 series and 7 series but the new 3 & 5 you are stuck with the 1980's sunroof. You also get the 1980's side mounted exhaust on the smaller motor cars but in the 1 & 7 series you have more modern dual pipes...

[snipe]

Originally Posted by ron_jeremy

the concept was so promising, then this.
A boring FWD UKL solution.
It´s not a core BMW, some will make a case this is a new modern E46, far from it. It´s a cheap easy way out, leaving the core BMW values in the dust.
But hey, maybe the notorious copycat area deserves nothing more.
On a different note, why is it everyone accept the unique and protective way of doing business with China?
Trump got that one right.

"leaving the core BMW values in the dust"

You mean that core value of producing and selling things, in a great variety from rebadged Austins to sportscars and from motorcycles to aeroplane engines, and trying to make money with it for the shareholders of the company?

[SCOTT26]

I have driven the 1er Sedan in China against many of its competitors.
Sorry but this car is very good to drive, responsive and fluid. Much better than the abysmal CLA, above the A3 and pales numerous Volkswagen's and competitors I compared it with.

The M35i xDrive shows promise with an M3-esque aerodynamics packet and relevant performance.
But next up is the M Sport Packet.

[Weiman]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

I have driven the 1er Sedan in China against many of its competitors.
Sorry but this car is very good to drive, responsive and fluid. Much better than the abysmal CLA, above the A3 and pales numerous Volkswagen's and competitors I compared it with.

The M35i xDrive shows promise with an M3-esque aerodynamics packet and relevant performance.
But next up is the M Sport Packet.

I'm not a bit jealous
Can you share anything about the 35i engine (B48TU?)? Release outside China?

[Tallest]

Always like when the front seats are moved forward to the max, in order to show large rear legroom... we all know what this looks in real life