Mini-Based Front-Drive BMW Due in 2015

BMW AG's compact multipurpose vehicle, based on the 2012 Active Tourer concept and sharing front-wheel-drive underpinnings with the newest Mini Cooper, will go on sale in the U.S. in early 2015, according to Automotive News.

AN says the new model will also share 3- and 4-cylinder engines with the next-generation Mini that debuted at the Los Angeles auto show last week. The newspaper says BMW will likely call the car the 1 Series GT.

The new vehicle, which will compete with the Mercedes-Benz GLA crossover due next September, will come in a longer-wheelbase version with a third row of seats. The new BMW/Mini architecture also is designed for all-wheel drive.