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More details on BMW's future compact SUVs

More details on BMW's future compact SUVs

Viknesh Vijayenthiran June 5th, 2008 Viknesh Vijayenthiran By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Author June 5th, 2008
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December 31st, 1969 Consumers may be turning away from fullsize SUVs in most parts of the world but that doesn’t mean they’re completely turned-off by the SUV concept. Carmakers are counting on consumers who still want the taller seating position and better visibility, AWD safety and practical interiors that SUVs, and to a lesser extent crossovers, are known for, and are preparing a host of new small SUVs to entice new car buyers – especially those downgrading from fullsize models. Some of the most active carmakers in this segment are Germany’s luxury brands Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Both Audi and Mercedes recently revealed new midsized SUVs at the recent Beijing Motor Show, Audi with the Q5 and Mercedes with the GLK, and BMW recently announced production plans for an all-new X1 compact SUV. To make way for the new X1, due next year, BMW will position the X3 closer to the X5 by increasing the length of the next-generation model, due in late 2010, by 8cm over the current model. The X1, meanwhile, will have a similar footprint to the current four-door 1-series hatch (although it’s based on the 3-series platform), feature an AWD powertrain and be priced from €30,000. The engine lineup will start with a 165hp 1.6L turbocharged petrol four-cylinder, followed by a 204hp 2.0L turbodiesel and the award-winning 306hp twin-turbo six in a range topper. The next X3 will offer more powertrain options include a full-hybrid model with stop-start and brake-energy recovery technologies as well. The X3 will measure 4,650mm in length and have a wheelbase of 2,880mm. Engine options will include several diesels ranging from 177hp to 299hp and two six-cylinder petrol models developing 231hp and 306hp respectively. Safety features will include active steering and suspension systems as well as front and rear cameras and a night vision system.BMW X1 and next-generation X3 renderings
More details on BMW's future compact SUVs

More details on BMW's future compact SUVs

Enlarge Photo

Consumers may be turning away from fullsize SUVs in most parts of the world but that doesn’t mean they’re completely turned-off by the SUV concept. Carmakers are counting on consumers who still want the taller seating position and better visibility, AWD safety and practical interiors that SUVs, and to a lesser extent crossovers, are known for, and are preparing a host of new small SUVs to entice new car buyers – especially those downgrading from fullsize models.

Some of the most active carmakers in this segment are Germany’s luxury brands Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Both Audi and Mercedes recently revealed new midsized SUVs at the recent Beijing Motor Show, Audi with the Q5 and Mercedes with the GLK, and BMW recently announced production plans for an all-new X1 compact SUV.

To make way for the new X1, due next year, BMW will position the X3 closer to the X5 by increasing the length of the next-generation model, due in late 2010, by 8cm over the current model. The X1, meanwhile, will have a similar footprint to the current four-door 1-series hatch (although it’s based on the 3-series platform), feature an AWD powertrain and be priced from €30,000.

The engine lineup will start with a 165hp 1.6L turbocharged petrol four-cylinder, followed by a 204hp 2.0L turbodiesel and the award-winning 306hp twin-turbo six in a range topper.

The next X3 will offer more powertrain options include a full-hybrid model with stop-start and brake-energy recovery technologies as well. The X3 will measure 4,650mm in length and have a wheelbase of 2,880mm.

Engine options will include several diesels ranging from 177hp to 299hp and two six-cylinder petrol models developing 231hp and 306hp respectively. Safety features will include active steering and suspension systems as well as front and rear cameras and a night vision system.
BMW X1 and next-generation X3 renderings
Gallery
  • bmw x1
  • bmw x3 1

Tags: Spy Shots

Posted in: BMW, Spy Shots, SUVs


Comments (6 total)

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  1. By Gus #1, Posted: 6/5/2008

    I'm still not quite understanding the concept, I guess.
    Many of these smaller SUV's have the same interior space, sometimes less, than a decent sedan, and certainly less than a station wagon. They also handle worse, and use more fuel.
    So, unless you go off road (many sedans have AWD for snow and such), or need to tow something (and many sedans and wagons can tow decently) then why buy these?
    I'd rather have a 5-series wagon than an X5 if I didn't need to go off road or tow. More fun to drive on nice roads and gets better mileage...

  2. By Renton #2, Posted: 6/5/2008

    Gus, I hear that. When you are competing for visibility with behemoth SUVs and the "climb-up-into-the-seat" of a small light SUV, they can be a better alternative to a wagon.

    For high speed driving... no doubt the wagon is better.

  3. By lynda #3, Posted: 6/5/2008

    i dont like it :| x6 looks better

  4. By Alan #4, Posted: 6/6/2008

    Gus, no doubt that a 5-series wagon will be a smarter choice than a X5, but i think many people see a SUV as a cooler vehicle than a station wagon

  5. By Gus #5, Posted: 6/6/2008

    Alan, unfortunately I think you're right.
    But I'll take that 5 series station wagon wiht an "M" in the name, thanks. :)

  6. By Lue #6, Posted: 6/16/2008

    Um, they are called Station Wagons... What is so new about that...

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