The 1-series must attributed well to the compact class. There he stands with its rear-wheel drive quite on its own. Clearly, BMW has saved the costs of a change for all kinds of engines and transmissions, but what does the buyer of it? The manufacturer refers to the active driving experience and a steering system free of any actuation influence. Though it is narrow to the front-wheel drive competitors. In addition, one relinquish under certain circumstances in the winter on traction. And less luggage room size and the narrower space before the back seat also make clear the compromises.

But striking at the 1 series are the design and equipment, especially the ones for extra charge. Almost all of the more expensive brothers can alsoordered here. Analog to the Audi models, he is considered as a 'premium compact' vehicle. Well-heeled customers, who want a car adjustable to handel in city traffic. Undisputed the smaller cars have in recent decades in the handling caught up against the great.

And with the design is in this context an important point won over the competitors. The little BMW is perceived as a member of his brand, but has not only by his lack of notchback a different look. To this contribute the inward curved side faces and the sharp edge, which below the window line moves from the front to the rear. Also interesting how all is rounded rear. Thus, while the competitors carefully change, BMW afford courage at a minimum in the first edition, no doubt successfully, when you look at the sales figures.