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BMW X7 dropped in favor of compact crossovers

 
7 28,120 views Oct 6, 2008
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2008 mini crossover concept live paris 019

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New X1 is expected to arrive in North America by early 2011

New X1 is expected to arrive in North America by early 2011

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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 Show
2008 BMW Concept X1

HI-RES GALLERY: 2008 mini crossover concept live paris 019

HI-RES GALLERY: 2008 bmx concept x1 009 1




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Comments (7)

  1. mlevere1992 Posted: 8/4/2008 9:19am PDT

    will there ever be one day that other models than their SUVs will be produced in the US?
     
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  2. Andrew Posted: 8/4/2008 12:21pm PDT

    Come on. The X6 isn't working well, what makes you think the X4 will?
     
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  3. Rollin' Posted: 8/4/2008 3:14pm PDT

    "Come on. The X6 isn’t working well, what makes you think the X4 will? "

    isnt working well? are you kidding me :D ?
    as far as i know is the whole production of 2008 sold out...
     
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  4. NoNameDenton Posted: 8/4/2008 4:18pm PDT

    Oh goodie, selving the X7 for an X4 yay, just what the world needs another crossover. Come on BMW, bring us those utrbo 4 cylinder gas engines the 1 series gets in Europe and more diesels.
     
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  5. HECTOR Posted: 8/4/2008 6:54pm PDT

    Just when you think BMW (and the other German powerhouses) can't get any sillier you read about the X4.

    So that's the X3, X4, X5, X6 & the (on hold for now) X7. I've also heard of an X1 and just give the X2 time.

    At least I'm old enough to remember the days BMW had some self respect.
     
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  6. NoNameDenton Posted: 8/4/2008 8:53pm PDT

    Hector the X1 is confirmed, it will share parts with the MINI crossover and there is a rumor about the X2 floating around.

     
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  7. Dandan Posted: 8/8/2008 2:59pm PDT

    stop complaining guys...jeez!

    BMW is just making these cars because people want them. They may downsize from n X5 or X6 into an X4 or an X3. Little teenage girls will want the X1 because it's a cute little 4x4 with a BM badge so they think they're the nuts at school. BMW to do all this is simply recycling parts therefore having an economy of scale.

    They're just targeting the 2dr Wrangler with the X1 and X-Min, the X4 is for people who want a X3 but hate the look of the X3 and the current X5 and X6 are gunning for the Cayenne and Range Sport...the X7 would be going for the Range Rover and Q7 so you can't blame them for trying to get more market share by looking at what people are buying and ding their own version of it. Consider that in 5-15years time there may not even be any American car companies anymore then someone is going to have to supply their suv fettish.

    I am aware it says comment and not essay and that I've rambled but as all the X-Mini drivers will be saying "whattttevaaa"
     
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