Following a mid-cycle facelift performed in 2007, the next generation BMW 1-Series is due to arrive in 2011. Prototype mules using the current 1-Series body (E87) have already been spotted testing around Germany – but now we caught the real prototype in full glory – or better: in BMW’s typical psychedelic camouflage.
Despite the early stage of testing, some details have been revealed. According to AutoBild, who spoke to BMW’s product development chief, Klaus Draeger, BMW is keeping to the recent philosophy of fast developing new segments. Although a decision has not been made yet, the new 1-Series lineup may feature a type of elongated shooting-brake two-door wagon / hatch variant. Such a variant, which can accommodate adult size rear passengers unlike the current 1-Series, would allow BMW to offer it to the US market.
The existing BMW and PSA Group alliance which already produces engines for MINI would build engines ranging from 1.4-liters to 3.0-liters for the 1-Series. Turbos are most certainly on the list, but an M version of the 1-Series is out of the question again. Instead, we are expecting green models such as low-polluting diesels and possibly a hybrid!
05/28, 12:53 PM
posted by:
A4
when they send the U.S. a hatchback version ill give a crap about this car.
05/28, 12:54 PM
posted by:
A4
aka we probably wont see this regardless of the shooting brake design
05/28, 1:23 PM
posted by:
Borat
Lines look clean. I doubt wagon/hatch will reach us, since nobody buys them. Sedan will come and this even through cammo looks better then current one. Cleaner and leaner, less disjointed curves.
05/28, 2:05 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Well at least it doesn’t appear to be porking up to 3-Series size since it currently is the same size as the 3 was only a couple generations ago. Has the tendency towards increased girth upon the introduction of each successive generation finally come to a halt? If so, that’s one trend I think most of us would approve of.
05/28, 2:24 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
If it looks different in any way from the current 1-series I think most of us will agree it’s an improvement.
05/28, 2:27 PM
posted by:
orangecones
the small wagon is the superior vehicle design. when will americans understand this. anyway, am I the only one who is a huge fan of their camo work? BMW/MINI always have something interesting going on, its not your usual slabs of dead cow on the bumpers.
05/28, 2:55 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
@orangecones -
I’ve owned several small wagons, so I do understand.
05/28, 3:31 PM
posted by:
atoms
no M version? hmmm, I thought they were going to do a Tii version of the 1 series
05/28, 4:28 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
That is s superb platform, the new engines are gonna be fantastic, and the supersports model with the headlights adapted from Rolls Royce are gonna be a knock out. This is exactly why BMW is the best high volume carmaker in the world.
05/28, 4:35 PM
posted by:
A4
I was just in a smaller Boston parking lot with only one SUV, and about 3 Audi wagons, 3 Saab wagons, 4 Volvo wagons, and a host of hatchbacks. It tickled me pink.
05/28, 5:20 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
BMW doesn’t get that there is nothing wrong with the current 1-Series that shedding 500 pounds and $5,000 off the sticker won’t fix.
05/28, 5:32 PM
posted by:
Borat
A4 were you parking near the South End or Tremont Street area?
05/28, 7:00 PM
posted by:
Hyperion
No M version of the 1-Series? You fail, BMW. Your 1-series is the size of the old E30 3-Series and your 3-series is the size of the old early 90’s 5-series. I’m so glad even the European volume car companies dismiss these obvious markets because if they didn’t we’d have so many great cars in a semi-reasonable price range there would be no way to keep building ever more expensive and bloated versions of former entry level sports brands.
05/28, 7:30 PM
posted by:
DrFill
Recommendations for the next 1-series
1. No wagonoids!
2. Lose 200 lbs (Let’s keep one foot in reality)
3. Add a sedan (Limit supply to 40k a year in the States, not to kill 3-series sales) at a premium
4. M1!
DrFill
05/28, 7:40 PM
posted by:
shane train
A4- Put a flag there. I have to visit next time I go into the city, only a 15 minute drive and I could see such a thing!
05/30, 1:46 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Heah’s a cah I’d pahk in Hahvahd Yahd