The BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) joint venture had added the 1 series sedan to its locally-built range, noting the premium compact car segment is the fastest growing segment both in China and worldwide.

As with the specially developed, China-specific long wheelbase models further up the range, local engineers have made, BMW said, “a lot of specific fine-tuning and improvements according to the Chinese customers’ habits and vehicle-use environment”.

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Reflecting its maker’s future plans for the market, the sedan made its world debut at the 2015 Guangzhou motor show 2015.

“Comprehensive” ‘ConnectedDrive and infotainment technologies are included in the Chinese specification and engines are also produced locally in the new engine plant in Shenyang.

BMW now produces five model series in China.

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