Spy Shots: Is this the 2011/2012 BMW 1 Series?
by Jonathon Ramsey on May 28th 2009 at 6:27PM 
Fresh pics of what looks to be the next generation BMW 1 Series have been snapped in Germany. If it is the rumored 2011/2012 model, it adheres to the trend of nearly every new car, as it appears to be simultaneously bigger and brawnier all over. It isn't the forthcoming X1 crossover, since a quick look at those two cars side-by-side reveals different ride heights and rooflines, among other things. One of 1Addict's forum commenters said he has had his current 1 Series next to the new one and he confirms that the new one is larger. If this five-door hatch really is longer and wider, with a longer wheelbase than the current car then BMW appears to removed this car from the plan to reduce 1 Series curb weights. Hat tip to Andrew.
[Source: 1Addicts]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Kumail 6:34PM (5/28/2009)
Insideline already drove 1.
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P.V. 8:48PM (5/28/2009)
I was going to say the exact same thing. Oddly enough, they drove it with the psychedelic camouflage ON.
VW GTi 6:41PM (5/28/2009)
It looks bigger and more SUV like. It doesn't look bad, though. I kind of like it.
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homunculus 6:51PM (5/28/2009)
I hope it loses its sagging and bulging lines.
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jinsei888 7:20PM (5/28/2009)
the only thing that matters is whether this new model will look better or worse...one of these two options is easier to achieve than the other.
engineering is premier with BMW, so that won't be the main topic of controversy and concern.
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Phred 8:42PM (5/28/2009)
Aww look, they've made an itty-bitty Dodge Magnum!
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Gary Lowe 9:12PM (5/28/2009)
Ugly must be the new beautiful. It seems all BMW is capable of lately
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iDevin 11:49PM (5/28/2009)
Those tail lights remind me of the ones on the Think City. http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/thinkcity.jpg
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YouFaceTheTick 12:05AM (5/29/2009)
It's the X1. That's X and 1. Like an X3 but smaller.
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larry a 12:59AM (5/29/2009)
Too hard to tell from the camo but I hope theres some homage to the 2002/e30
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W0ut3 2:06AM (5/29/2009)
I hope they will not go for those ugly round rear lights.
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mkM3 9:53AM (5/29/2009)
I would not be surprised at all to see the next generation 5-door 1 series go by the name "1 series GT". As such, it may have a number of distinguishing factors from the normal 1 series coupe (and sedan, should they decide to build one as I suspect they will) besides the obvious form factor differences. Some of those features could be a larger wheelbase and overall length than its non-hatchback brothers.
In other words, this car may not say much about the size of the next 1 coupe.
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Kumar 9:14AM (5/29/2009)
Yet another 1 series 5 door that won't make it stateside....
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Rick 10:25AM (5/29/2009)
Wow that's 1 long hood. The a pillar is like a foot away from the front fender!! That looks strange.
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