BMW’s new CEO, Norbert Reithofer, has confirmed that the compact 1-Series will be sold in the United States, but not in its current form.
Unlike Europe, where premium hatches are particularly popular, the U.S. version will likely follow its larger 3-Series sibling with the introduction of three distinctive shapes including a sedan, coupe and convertible.
Last year, a barely disguised BMW test mule was caught by spy photographers that resembled a 1-Series but with a sedan-like trunk. Originally, the car was rumored to carry 2-Series badges, but it now appears the car was a version of the 1-Series that is destined for sale in North America.
BMWs sold in the U.S. are already significantly cheaper than most other markets around the world, in many cases less than half price. The introduction of a new car priced even lower than the current 3-Series may further dilute the brand, but we'll have to wait and see.
Stay tuned.