On the Road to North America: BMW and its Plan for the 1-Series

Six-Cylinder Engines the Only Way for BMW in North America

BMW's 1-Series, the latest in the prestigious German manufacturer's brand extension, follows the lead of Mercedes-Benz and

Smaller and more affordable, the new BMW 1-Series follows the trend of new compact luxury/sport models. (Photo: BMW Canada)

Audi in developing smaller, more affordable compact luxury/sport models. The Munich-based automaker has reportedly embodied the new model with the same unparalleled driving dynamics as larger BMW vehicles without converting to front-wheel drive, which would detract from the company's brand image.

Initially BMW would neither confirm nor deny plans to offer the 1-Series in North America, but the announcement of Audi's

Unfortunately, several roadblocks stand in the way of the 1-Series' arrival in North America. (Photo: BMW Canada)

upcoming A3 and the potential threat of Volvo's new S40 may make it necessary.

There are, however, several roadblocks standing in the way. Company officials felt that BMW's current 1-Series lineup of small inline-fours wouldn't be able to compete against Swedish and German rivals that offer powerful 5- and 6-cylinder powerplants respectively, the former featuring a powerful turbocharged variant in top trim. Although smaller European-spec BMWs are typically powered by inline-fours in Europe, BMW dropped the 1.8-liter from the 3-Series lineup, for instance, specifically to improve its image, thereafter setting the standard bar at six cylinders.