BMW 1-Series sedan tackles the Nurburgring for the first time

2016 BMW 1-Series sedan / S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

We've seen the BMW 1-Series sedan on numerous occasions but here are the first photos of the model on the N rburgring Nordschleife.

Set to battle the Audi A3 and Mercedes CLA, the 1-Series sedan has a prominent grille, a sculpted hood and familiar body work.  We can also see a panoramic glass roof, a dual exhaust system and attractive alloy wheels.

BMW hasn't had much to say about the model but it will ride on the UKL platform that underpins everything from the MINI Cooper to the 2-Series Gran Tourer.  This means, like its key competitors, the 1-Series sedan will be front-wheel drive.  However, higher-end variants should be offered with an optional all-wheel drive system.

Engine options remain unconfirmed but are expected to include:

• A 1.5-liter TwinTurbo Power three-cylinder engine with 136 PS (100 kW) and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque
  
• A 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder with 192 PS (141 kW) and 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque
  
• A 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine with 231 PS (170 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque
  
• A 1.5-liter TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder diesel engine with 116 PS (85 kW) and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque
  
• A 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine with 150 PS (110 kW) and 330 Nm (243 lb-ft) of torque
  
• A 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine with 190 PS (140 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque