2018 BMW 1-Series sedan exclusively for China

The compact sedan segment is a fast-growing playground leveraged by many luxury brands to add cheaper entry-level models to their range. BMW is now offering a new 1-Series sedan in China. The new model will be pitted squarely against the German flag-bearers, the Mercedes CLA and the Audi A3. Even though they had a long-standing base to use in the form of the 1-Series hatchback, BMW has taken their time to create the sedan. For now, the 1-Series sedan will be a China-exclusive model. But in the future, it might make its way into other markets as well.

The design of the 1-Series sedan is similar to the hatchback and the 2-Series coupe. The kidney grill flanked by the double halo LED headlamps is the focal point of the design. The front fascia looks almost exactly like that of the hatchback but with some neat 2-Series-inspired touches.

Inside, an 8.8-inch central LED screen is offered as a part of the infotainment system with BMW’s iDrive. Other features on offer include a heads-up display, dual-zone climate control, leather trim and more.

The engine range offered in China include a 136 hp 1.5-litre turbo petrol in the 118i, a 192 hp 2.0-litre turbo petrol in the 120i Luxury, and a 231 hp 2.0-litre turbo in the 125i Sport. Expect the engine range to change a bit if the 1-Series sedan makes it to our market. The current 1-Series hatchback comes with a surfeit of engines which ranges in capacity from 1.5 to 3.0 litres.

The new 1-Series sedan will be released in China by mid-2017. Plans for the UAE, GCC or any other country haven’t been talked about by BMW yet. But the success of the Audi A3 and Mercedes CLA around the world may already have persuaded BMW to lay some international plans out for the compact sedan.