Motor Authority - blog Tag: BMW X1

Way back at the beginning of July, BMW revealed full details and images of the BMW X1. People immediately began to ask, "Why?" It's not without good reason the question is raised; it's uncomfortably close in size to the X3, and though Europeans will get a range of small and efficient diesel engines, it's not clear how Americans--BMW's biggest market--will benefit from the just-barely-smallest SUV in the brand's lineup.

Live photos from the Frankfurt auto show taken today reveal the car as it looks from eye-level, rather than in the often distorting light of the studio, and it has to be said it looks smaller than the X3 in person.

Marketing...

Way back at the beginning of July, BMW revealed full details and images of the BMW X1. People immediately began to ask, "Why?" It's not without good reason the question is raised; it's uncomfortably close in size to the X3, and though Europeans will get a range of small and efficient diesel engines, it's not clear how Americans--BMW's biggest market--will benefit from the just-barely-smallest SUV in the brand's lineup. Live photos from the Frankfurt auto show taken today reveal the car as it looks from eye-level, rather than in the often distorting light of the studio, and it has to be said it looks smaller than the X3 in person. Marketing for the X1 is also playing up the vehicle's split city-sporty personality, casting it as a more youthful alternative to the other SUVs and crossovers in the BMW range. And that may be the key to BMW's desire to sell a slightly smaller, slightly decontented X1 alongside the X3: pricing, and market position. Whatever the reasoning behind the X1, however, it's an attractive vehicle inside and out. Check out the gallery below, or read up on our coverage of the official release of the 2011 BMW X1. Read More

The next couple of years will be very busy for BMW as it launches a handful of new models including new versions of current top sellers and some models we’ve never seen before. The new X1 falls into the latter category and will take the carmaker into the compact SUV market currently dominated by the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.

The X1 has been conceived with the flexibility to offer traditional RWD and xDrive AWD configurations, as well as a wide variety of petrol and diesel powertrain choices. It will debut in Europe this fall with a choice of four engines - one petrol and three diesels - and will be available in both RWD... The next couple of years will be very busy for BMW as it launches a handful of new models including new versions of current top sellers and some models we’ve never seen before. The new X1 falls into the latter category and will take the carmaker into the compact SUV market currently dominated by the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. The X1 has been conceived with the flexibility to offer traditional RWD and xDrive AWD configurations, as well as a wide variety of petrol and diesel powertrain choices. It will debut in Europe this fall with a choice of four engines - one petrol and three diesels - and will be available in both RWD and AWD. The most efficient of the range, the RWD sDrive18d achieves fuel economy of up to 45.2mpg (5.2L/100km) while still being capable of reaching speeds of up to 124mph. It was also revealed today that the X1 will go on sale in the U.S. in 2011, likely with two new petrol engines. Every X1 will also be available with BMW’s EfficientDynamics technology helping to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. These will include brake energy regeneration, engine stop-start technology and a gearshift point indicator. The initial model range will include the 258hp (190kW) and 228lb-ft (310Nm) of torque xDrive28i 3.0L petrol model, which can accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 127mph while returning fuel economy of 25mpg (9.4L/100km). This is followed by a 204hp (150kW) and 295lb-ft (400Nm) of torque xDrive23d, a 177hp (130kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) of torque xDrive20d and sDrive20d, and finally a 143hp (105kW) and 236lb-ft (320Nm) of torque xDrive18d and sDrive18d. BMW family traits can also be found in the styling of the front and rear lights, which resemble the recently revealed 5-series GT and the 7-series sedan, respectively. The shots also confirm that BMW designers have stuck closely to the lines of the Concept X1 showcased at last year’s Paris Motor Show. Three full-sized seats in an elevated position at the rear offer generous space and the backrest is adjustable for angle and folds down in a 40/20/20 split. Luggage compartment capacity may be increased from 420 litres/14.7 cu ft to a maximum of 1,350 litres/47.3 cu ft. An electrically operated Panorama glass roof is available as an option. Production volume is expected to top the 100,000 mark and will take place at a BMW plant in Leipzig. The X1 will be priced higher than the 1-series, likely starting close to the $30,000 mark, and will be revealed for the first time in the metal at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show.2010 BMW X1 SUV Read More

The next couple of years will be very busy for BMW as it launches a handful of new models including new versions of current top sellers and some models we’ve never seen before. The new X1 falls into the latter category and will take the carmaker into the compact SUV market currently dominated by the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Just a couple weeks ago BMW revealed a set of official teasers, but today we can bring you spy shots of the new X1 almost undisguised.

The latest round of spy photos reveal the vehicle in the least amount of camouflage yet, going beyond outlines and curves to show off the detail of the bodywork and... The next couple of years will be very busy for BMW as it launches a handful of new models including new versions of current top sellers and some models we’ve never seen before. The new X1 falls into the latter category and will take the carmaker into the compact SUV market currently dominated by the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Just a couple weeks ago BMW revealed a set of official teasers, but today we can bring you spy shots of the new X1 almost undisguised. The latest round of spy photos reveal the vehicle in the least amount of camouflage yet, going beyond outlines and curves to show off the detail of the bodywork and front-end treatment, with only a few lines of masking tape down the sides and around the rear tail light area. The checkered cladding on the promo shots released by BMW earlier this month obscured the details, but left the grille completely uncovered, as well as the sporty new front and rear bumpers. Family traits can also be found in the front and rear lights, which resemble the recently revealed 5-series GT and the 7-series sedan, respectively. Comparing the latest spy shots to the official video clip (below), as well as the previous renderings and spy shots, shows that BMW designers have stuck closely to the lines of the Concept X1 showcased at last year’s Paris Motor Show. The new X1’s running gear is based on the 1-series compact car but its ride height will be taller. The car is actually expected to use a mixture of 1-series and 3-series parts, sort of bridging the size gap between the two - not that the gap was large to begin with. BMW’s X-drive AWD system will also feature. The range will kick off with two base models: the xDrive18i and the xDrive18d, and these will be followed by an xDrive20d with 177hp (130kW), a 0 - 60mph sprint time of 8.4 seconds and fuel economy of 40mpg (5.8L/100km), as well as an xDrive23d with 204hp (150kW) and a 0 - 60mph sprint time of 7.3 seconds. Topping out the range will be an xDrive28i model. Production volume is expected to top the 100,000 mark and will start at a BMW plant in Leipzig by the middle of the year. The X1 will be priced higher than the 1-series, likely starting close to the $30,000 mark. Much of the car’s components will also be shared with an upcoming SUV model from Mini to save on development costs, although the BMW model is expected to be significantly larger than the Mini. Expect to see the X1 unveiled for the first time at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show with sales to follow shortly after.2010 BMW X1 Preview2010 BMW X1 SUV official teasers2010 BMW X1 spy shots June 20092010 BMW X1 spy video Read More

It was reported in August that BMW had canceled plans for a new full-size SUV positioned above the current X5 and X6 to take on rivals like the Range Rover and Mercedes Benz GL. The carmaker’s CEO Norbert Reithofer has now confirmed that development of the luxury SUV, which was to be called the X7, has been discontinued in favor of a range of compact crossover vehicles as well as the introduction of more efficient diesel models in North America.

The new crossover lineup will include production versions of the Mini Crossover and BMW Concept X1 show cars, which made their debut at last week’s Paris Motor Show, while the new ... It was reported in August that BMW had canceled plans for a new full-size SUV positioned above the current X5 and X6 to take on rivals like the Range Rover and Mercedes Benz GL. The carmaker’s CEO Norbert Reithofer has now confirmed that development of the luxury SUV, which was to be called the X7, has been discontinued in favor of a range of compact crossover vehicles as well as the introduction of more efficient diesel models in North America. The new crossover lineup will include production versions of the Mini Crossover and BMW Concept X1 show cars, which made their debut at last week’s Paris Motor Show, while the new diesel models will be added to the X5 and 3-series lineups. The new Mini crossover is expected to be called the ‘Crossman’ and go on sale in 2010. The X1, meanwhile, will arrive in 2011 and will be marketed as a high-volume model, Reithofer explained to Automotive News. Before the arrival of the new crossovers, BMW will launch versions of the 2009 3-series sedan and X5 SUV with a twin-turbo 3.0L straight-six diesel engine. In North America the diesel engine will be rated at 265hp (198kW) and peak torque of 425lb-ft (575Nm), and is expected to account for about 15% of sales in the coming years, according to Reithofer. The decision to the ditch the X7 was made as a direct response to declining profits, falling demand (especially in the U.S.) and tough new emissions and fuel-economy standards being rolled out on both sides of the Atlantic. During the interview, Reithofer also mentioned future vehicles still under discussions such as the Project i “mega city car” as well as a possible X4 based on the next-generation X3. However, he said neither vehicle had been approved for production.2008 Mini Crossover Concept at the Paris Motor Show2008 BMW Concept X1 Read More

The next couple of years will be very busy for BMW as it launches a handful of new models including new versions of current top sellers and some models we’ve never seen before. One of these brand new models will be a compact SUV called the X1, and today BMW has released full details for a concept version of the car that will be on display at this week’s Paris Motor Show.

In true BMW tradition, the Concept X1 is expected to be almost identical to the final production version due towards the end of next year. It resembles a shrunk-down version of the X5 SUV with some elements from the X6 thrown in, and a healthy share of typical... The next couple of years will be very busy for BMW as it launches a handful of new models including new versions of current top sellers and some models we’ve never seen before. One of these brand new models will be a compact SUV called the X1, and today BMW has released full details for a concept version of the car that will be on display at this week’s Paris Motor Show. In true BMW tradition, the Concept X1 is expected to be almost identical to the final production version due towards the end of next year. It resembles a shrunk-down version of the X5 SUV with some elements from the X6 thrown in, and a healthy share of typical BMW styling to fill in the rest. At the front, six contour lines and the three-dimensional shape of the bonnet project a sporty appearance. The inner lines taper out sharply to the front towards the BMW kidney grille, whilst the outer lines continue into the shoulder contours at the side. The Concept X1 comes with dual round headlights cut off at the top and accented with a white-colored horizontal cover at the top edge. Typical of BMW X models, the fog lamps are positioned far to the outside, just above the air intake scoop. The side view of the BMW Concept X1 also comes with all the typical features of a BMW X model, with short front overhangs, large wheel arches with almost square contours and the waistline made slightly lower around the A-pillars. Black plastic body surrounds emphasize the wheels, while silver roof rails adds a sporty look. The concept also features BMW’s new L-shaped rear light clusters, featuring LED light tubes. Like the front, the rear features underfloor protection finished in silver. As a special design feature specific to this model, three-dimensional contours encompass the headlights and rear light clusters to make them stand out. Measuring 4,457mm in length, the BMW Concept X1 is 108mm shorter than the X3. Its wheelbase measures in at 2,760mm. The wheels measure 19in in diameter and feature a two-tone ten-spoke design. No details about the concept’s powertrain have been revealed but the production model due next year is expected to feature a similar lineup to BMW 1 and 3-series ranges. At launch the X1 is expected to feature two engines: a 170hp (126kW) 2.0L petrol unit and a 177hp (132kW) 2.0L diesel. Production of the X1 is expected to top the 100,000 mark and will start at a BMW plant in Leipzig by the middle of next year. The X1 will be priced higher than the 1-series, likely starting close to the $30,000 mark in the United States. Much of the car’s components will also be shared with an upcoming SUV model from Mini. A concept version of the Mini SUV will also be in Paris, but you can see the vehicle in our previous story by clicking here.2008 BMW Concept X12008 BMW Concept X1 teaser Read More