Small Front-Wheel-Drive BMW Coming

By | March 9, 2010

BMW isn’t known for making small vehicles. The x5 isn’t exactly a space saver and the 7-series was based off of original blueprints for Noah’s Ark. But with Audi’s recently unveiled pocket-sized and incredibly attractive A1, BMW has officially announced to Autocar magazine that they too plan to enter the small car segment.

What does this mean?

Just like Audi and their A1, BMW will most likely offer a premium B-segment hatchback with front-wheel-drive and a typical German price tag. However, unlike the Audi the BMW will probably look better (even though the A1 is mmm mmm good) and forgo the electrical problems that come standard with every Vdub and their premium counterparts. And because of their ownership of Mini, BMW already has the hardware to jump straight into the B-segment end of the pool.

Now take a seat because here comes the buzzkill. We won’t see these cars till mid-2013 at the very soonest, and that’s if everything goes according to plan…which it won’t. But hey, that just means two years of spy shots and BMW teaser commercials that we get to report to you!

[AutoCar, Chad Waite]

  • Tyson

    Could you explain exactly what you mean by B segment? I don’t think the A1 is B segment, unless I misunderstand the term.

    I thought it was understood that the A1 was going after what BMW already established with their 1 series hatch and the MINI. We don’t have the 1 hatch here, but they exist. Granted they are rear wheel drive, not front like this new car.
    http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2010-audi-a1.htm

  • http://dailyderbi.com Chad Waite

    Not really. The Audi A1 may be going after the 1 series at the moment, however, the 1 series isn’t really a B-segment car. It’s to big- more of a small C-segment.

    A B-segment car is essentially a subcompact vehicle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermini) and that’s exactly what the A1 is.

    Now the A1 going after Mini- that may be spot on but the Mini and Audi are two completely different brands. Audi probably isn’t to concerned with Mini as a threat.

  • FB_1234097888

    “Larger than a city car but smaller than a small family car” was the line that helped me the most. That makes sense.

    I guess I always thought of it kind of like b movie– of lower class or production value.

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