These latest spy shots of the BMW 1-series GT show the interior of the car for the first time. Only the steering wheel appears to remain unchanged from the current 1-series, with most panels being redesigned in some way.
The CD/radio unit has undergone a major redesign, while the AC controls have been moved to behind the gearbox.
The as-yet-unconfirmed LWB version was also recently caught testing in Germany - ahead of a planned 2015 sale date. The car will act as a rival to the Mercedes-Benz B-class.
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 UK 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.
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BMW MPV
When I read 1-Series GT, I thought it would be a car in the ike of the 3-Series GT or the 5-Series GT. I was not expecting an MPV.
The 1-Series could do with a bit more leg-room in the rear.
Triumph
I'd like to have seen BMW use a relaunched Triumph badge to launch cars like this, sitting between Mini and BMW. Perhaps more Alfa/Honda/Subaru/Volvo than BMW.
Could we come back in the
Could we come back in the 90's?
To the BMW that I knew...