The BMW 1 Series GT will be offered with two different wheelbases, in a move that will offer buyers both five-seat and seven-seat configurations, Autocar's spy shot of the new MPV indicates.
The key differences from the standard-wheelbase version, which was previewed as the BMW Concept Active Tourer at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, are longer rear doors and an extended roof. This indicates that the added length will be used to increase rear-seat accommodation.
With all of the driveline components sited up front, the modifications required for the extension in length are predominantly structural. Secrecy surrounds launch plans for the 1 Series GT, although the indications are that it will make its public debut in standard-wheelbase guise at next year’s Geneva motor show, with the extended-wheelbase model set to follow it into showrooms in 2015.
The decision to develop the 1 Series GT with two different wheelbases comes after Mercedes-Benz halted development of a long-wheelbase version of the second-generation B class.
The long-wheelbase version of the 1 Series GT is considered crucial to making the new car — BMW’s first dedicated front-wheel-drive model — appeal to Chinese, Russian and US car buyers. ––Paul Duchene
