Filed under: Concept Cars, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, BMW, MINI
BMW to show X1 and MINI CUV in Paris
With last week's news that BMW will begin producing the new X1 at its Leipzig facility, it was just a matter of time before the Bavarian boys gave us an indication as to when its compact CUV would be unveiled. As suspected, the wraps will be pulled off an X1 concept at the Paris Motor Show this September, but as is often the case with BMW, the "concept" is almost exactly what we'll see when it goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2009. The new model will be built off the 1-series platform (a shortened 3-series) and according to an unnamed source quoted by Automotive News, "will use the two highest spec gasoline and the two highest spec diesel engines from the 1-series."
The source also confirmed earlier reports that the MINI SUV/CUV will debut in Paris with power provided by the Cooper S' turbocharged 1.4-liter or the Cooper D's oilburner. Sales of the MINI 'ute will begin in the second quarter of 2010.
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Chris 6:52PM (6/02/2008)
yawn.
so much for the 1 series being a more affordable BMW... many of them hit 3 series pricing if not exceed....
so what was the point of the 1s again?
Oh, the 40k self styled millionaires could no longer get leases on 3s
Reply
LeRobert 1:14AM (6/03/2008)
BMWs are luxury cars. The notion of a BMW being affordable to the masses is a contradiction.
k.w.a 1:49AM (6/03/2008)
bmws should definitely be exclusive, but their lineup shouldn't be stepping on each other's toes. the 1 series and the X3 should've been priced lower... just makes sense... even though the person shopping for a 1 series probably isn't the same person shopping for a 3. The X3 has no excuse though
ASEVENSEE4 5:34AM (6/03/2008)
BMW's are not exclusive, please! Porsche is exclusive, even with their Cayenne.
Audi is more exclusive than BMW.
BMW needs to get a grip, the 1 series is a serious mistake, WHY is it so expensive and heavy?!
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mbasi 6:27AM (6/03/2008)
The 1 Series sells like pancakes over here in Europe, being a efficient RWD compact. I cant's see a mistake.
It's expensive because it is a brand product with a so-called USP, and loads of technology like micro-hybrid brake energy regneration.
It's heavy for the same reason all nowadays cars are heavy. Security & Options.
You're right on the Audi comment though. They're quite exclusive for what they are: volkswagons.
greetz
ASEVENSEE4 1:21PM (6/03/2008)
Yeah, Audi's are VW's. Riiight. Audi's are Audi's, if you've ever driven one and a VW back2back you would know that.
The 1 series has no reason to be so heavy and closely priced to the 3 series.
john 11:40AM (6/03/2008)
IMO, the 1 Series is a brilliant decision. It's impossible to find a small luxury car in the US. I'm looking for a convertible and don't need the extra size of the 3. The 1 Series is smaller, lighter, faster than the 3 Series, making it worth consideration in my book.
Too bad the other luxury marques won't bring their small cars over here.
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john 11:41AM (6/03/2008)
...Should have been a reply to ASEVENSEE4 above...
ASEVENSEE4 1:47PM (6/03/2008)
Brilliant how? It really isn't that much faster at all, and it's an ugly smashed down little thing. Spend the extra money and get a 3 series, the only reason to buy the 1 coupe is if they put an LSD on it, but that would induce the question of not putting it on other non-M cars.
john 2:38PM (6/03/2008)
Yes, $10,000 (128i convertible base: $33,100; 328i convertible base: $43,200) and 1100+ pounds (128i convertible: 3494 lbs; 328i convertible: 4674 pounds). Same engine.
You are so right! Those figures are completely negligible The 1 Series ~2/3 the cost and ~2/3 the weight. Gosh, it must be great to be so wise.
john 2:47PM (6/03/2008)
Sorry, ~3/4 the cost and ~3/4 the weight... should have proofread.