Although BMW recently brought its 1-Series Stateside, American buyers have only had access to the coupe and convertible body styles. However, on the other side of the pond BMW offers the 1-Series in those aforementioned body styles, but also gives European consumers the choice of 3- and 5-door hatchbacks. That lineup looks to be growing to five models as BMW is reportedly considering one more 1-Series derivative.
According to Klaus Draeger, BMW’s product development head, the German automaker is considering a ‘shooting brake’ version of the 1-Series. The shooting brake would be similar in concept to the 3-door 1-Series, but would take on the flowing lines and low-slung roof of a two-door coupe (think Mercedes-Benz Fascination Concept).
Draeger told AutoBild that the 1-Series shooting brake would be a ‘lifestyle’ vehicle for BMW , and would continue the automaker’s production theme of niche vehicles. That being said, the shooting brake hasn’t officially been green lighted for production, but looks to have a fairly good shot of being produced when the next 1-Series hits the market in late 2011. BMW brass would only put the brakes on the shooting brake if it was considered too close in competition to the company’s MINI Cooper .
Although hatch versions of the 1-Series are currently reserved for the European market, BMW would likely market the shooting brake in America. No ‘M’ model is planned but the next 1-Series should offer a new double-clutch gearbox and a new range of four and six-cylinder engines.
If the 1-Series shooting brake ultimately gets the go ahead, we could see it in U.S. BMW showrooms as soon as early 2012.
