BMW 1 Series GT spy pictures

The BMW 1 Series GT will arrive in UK showrooms towards the end of 2014, and these latest spy shots show how the car’s look is evolving.

The 1 Series GT follows the BMW 5 Series GT and forthcoming BMW 3 Series GT as a more practical, spacious alternative to the car on which it's based. The 1 GT breaks with tradition as it will become BMW’s first front-wheel-drive car, as previewed by the Concept Active Tourer shown at the Paris Motor Show last year.

Like the CAT, the 1 Series GT features a relatively low-set kidney grille, while the creased bonnet rakes steeply towards the front windscreen. In profile, the 1 GT has a rising beltline, while a front quarterlight window ahead of the door mirrors aids the driver’s visibility.

The rear wing extends down each side of the rear window, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency – a feature which will also be used on the next BMW X5. The prototype seen here has roof rails, which weren’t featured on the CAT concept.

The BMW 1 Series GT will be a five-seater with dimensions very similar to the Mercedes B-Class, with the CAT concept measuring in at 4,353mm long, 1,834mm wide and 1,560mm tall. A seven-seater version is also planned to join the range at a later date.

The GT will share its platform with the all-new third generation MINI, which is slated to arrive towards the end of this year. It will be powered by BMW’s new 1.5-litre three-cylinder modular petrol and diesel engines, while a hybrid version, previewed by the CAT concept, is also expected to be offered.