2017 BMW 1 Series Sedan Revealed As China-Only Model

BMW has officially revealed its smallest four-door today, with the 1 Series Sedan making an online debut ahead of its market introduction later this year.

But as yet there’s just one market that will get to enjoy it: China.

While BMW has long suffered without a compact entry-level sedan in its lineup, the company will only sell the new 1 Series Sedan to its mainland Chinese customers. Meanwhile its main rivals Audi and Mercedes-Benz sell their small sedans (the A3 Sedan and CLA-Class respectively) globally.

Why? Besides Chinese preferences for sedans over hatches, BMW describes the 1 Series Sedan as being “tailored and aligned to the needs of Chinese customers”. Reading between the lines, its China-specific specification may not suit the tastes of a global audience.

The 1 Series Sedan will be built exclusively in China as a joint venture between BMW and Chinese automaker Brilliance Auto, and will be the fifth BMW model to be built in China after the X1, 2 Series Active Tourer, 3 Series and 5 Series.

BMW Showroom - Prices, Features and Specifications.