BMW is just months away from revealing its first front-wheel-drive model, which for all intents and purposes is likely to be labeled a 1-Series Gran Turismo. The car will be available in a variety of forms, such as five- and seven-seat versions, and come with the choice of gasoline, diesel and hybrid powerplants.
We were given a preview as to how the 1-Series GT will be styled with 2012’s Concept Active Tourer, and now we have a good idea as to how it will perform at the track thanks to this latest spy video of a prototype testing at the Nürburgring.
From the video, the 1-Series GT doesn’t look to be as sharp a handler as your typical BMW but then again your typical BMW buyer isn’t the target of the vehicle. Buyers of the 1-Series GT are likely to be older buyers looking for a vehicle that’s fuel efficient, easy to drive around town, and easy to get in and out of.
Currently, these buyers would opt for the likes of the Volkswagen Golf Plus and Mercedes-Benz B Class, both which do particularly well in Europe. Interestingly, BMW has hinted that a version may even be sold in the U.S.
Underpinning the car is the same front-wheel-drive platform that will spawn the third-generation MINI range. Front-wheel and all-wheel drive will be available, as will the choice of three- and four-cylinder engines.
We expect the 1-Series GT to make its official debut later this year, most likely at September’s 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show, with sales beginning in Europe sometime in 2014.
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See more videos on our YouTube sites: The Car Connection, Motor Authority, and Green Car Reports.
