BMW 1 Series Sedan To Arrive In 2017

That BMW is prepping a front-drive small sedan to rival the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi A3 sedan is no great secret, but indications are that the 1 Series sedan won't land in showrooms until as late as 2017. 

Camouflaged prototypes have been spotted undergoing testing on both road and track, with the frequency of sightings increasing this year.

However, while it appears the vehicle is rapidly nearing production-ready status, the company won't be bringing it to market until the current generation F20 1 Series hatch comes to the end of its life in late 2017.

Speaking to TMR at last week's local launch of the 2 Series Active Tourer, BMW Australia's product planning chief Shawn Ticehurst said that the 1 Series sedan is definitely not slated for a 2015 reveal, and that it's unlikely to launch before the current 1 Series hatch reaches the end of its six-year lifespan.

"This current car was only launched in 2011 so it’s still got good life left in it, it’s still a fresh car," Ticehurst said to TMR.

"But as we replace models within that segment, starting with X1, you will start to begin seeing front-wheel drive on more cars."