Is BMW's new concept the compact car of the future?

The BMW Concept Compact Sedanis aimed at the next generation of drivers in China. (BMW Group)

BMW's latest concept car blends on-road practicality and poise without sacrificing backseat comfort in order to show the next generation of drivers that an aspirational automobile needn't be big to have huge appeal.

"The BMW Concept Compact Sedan reveals the potential we see in a compact sedan," said Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design when the concept was unveiled at the Guangzhou Auto Show in China on Friday.

And the choice of venue -- BMW is also currently out in force at the LA Auto Show -- is as important as the car itself. That's because the Concept Compact Sedan's development is based on research into how the premium compact car segment is being influenced and will evolve due to the changing priorities of the next generation of Chinese car owners.

Traditional demands - quality, aesthetics, levels of equipment and rear passenger room -- will become even more crucial but at the same time so will an understanding that as cities grow and more people opt for personal mobility, automotive agility and maneuverability will be of equal importance. "It not only gives the driver and passengers generous amounts of space within a compact area but does so while providing the sporting ability you'd expect from BMW," said van Hooydonk.

Like its latest X1 SUV production car, this concept is a triumph of packaging. Though shorter than a 3 Series sedan, the car is wider, its hood shorter and the wheel overhangs minimal to create as much cabin space as possible without diluting BMW's signature styling cues. "The characterful design of the BMW Concept Compact Sedan embodies the driving pleasure offered by a sporting car with minimized exterior dimensions. It is as distinctive as it is essential -- and, as such, it injects new life into the compact segment," explained Karim Habib, Head of Design BMW Automobiles.

Inside, the sense of space is amplified by clever use of strong unbroken horizontal lines, minimal visual clutter, contrasting colors and a panoramic roof. These lines also appear to pull everything towards the driver so that he or she feels like they're at the center of the automotive universe.

Meanwhile, the rear passenger space is cocoon-like with all handles and other extrusions replaced with flush-fitting touch screens and touch-sensitive surfaces. Integrated ambient lighting and an ivory-colored headliner also help reflect and retain more light into the car's rear section.