As BMW's 3 Series continues to grow bigger and shift upmarket with each generation, so grows the void that could easily accommodate a smaller BMW sedan.
Given the positive acclaim garnered by the new Audi A3 sedan and Mercedes-Benz CLA , BMW must be itching to get in on the action - although its "better late than never" entry is still a good four years away.
Having spoken to a company insider, Autoweek revealed that BMW has given the green light to a four-door version of the 1-Series, which will see light of day in 2017.
However, here comes the kicker: the publication also reports that the new entry-level sedan will be based on BMW's new front-wheel drive architecture.
HUH? A FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE BMW?
Of course, traditional BMW petrol-heads who enjoy finely-balanced rear-wheel drive road holding will no doubt cry blue murder, but then consider that 80 percent of 1 Series owners think their car is front-wheel driven - a statistic that BMW openly admitted to a few years back.
Although the imminent 2-Series two-door range will be rear-wheel driven, it's already well known that BMW will soon launch a front-wheel drive 1 Series GT MPV, based on the Active Tourer concept . Now all the signs are pointing towards the 2017 sedan and 2018 hatchback also going the FWD route.
AWD TOO... AND M-POWER
Thankfully, this architecture allows for all-wheel drive versions, which at least opens the door for high-performance 'M' models.
Just don't expect a lusty straight-six to feature. According to Autocar, such models are set to follow the times with a highly-tuned 2-litre four-cylinder motor. And if AMG can squeeze 265kW from an engine of that size for its A45 AMG , surely BMW is not going to aim much lower than that mark.
As for the more humble 1 Series sedan and hatch models, our money is on BMW's upcoming 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbopetrol being the mainstay of the range. A lot gutsier than it sounds, the engine can be tuned to produce between 90kW and 165kW.
Of course, these smaller engines will reap an economy advantage just like the front-wheel drive layout will increase interior space and reduce production costs.
Yet one question remains: does BMW deserve a thumbs-down for straying too far from its traditional values or a pat on the back for boldly following the times? Tell us what you think…