BMW kills X7 to focus on X1 and MINI SAV
Click either image for a high-res gallery
For better or worse, the BMW X1 "concept" and MINI Crossover are destined for production. BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer maintains that both models will do well in these economic and fuel-conscious times, but the X7 – originally slated for production in 2013 – has been killed due to the CUV's inability to "generate sufficient growth," according to Automotive News.
The MINI is expected to hit the market in 2010, while the X1 will arrive in the U.S. later that year or in early 2011. While Reithofer admits that the X6 is a niche vehicle, he contends that the X1 has the ability to be a more mainstream player in the market. To which we ask: how? While a biggie MINI may be a contradiction in terms and execution, the crossover at least has some nostalgia and style on its side. On the other hand, the X1 doesn't seem to bring much to the table and risks cannibalizing sales of its slightly large sibling (X3) and even a few 3-series wagon buyers – if it even sells in the first place.
Gallery: BMW Concept X1
Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Kumail 6:01PM (10/06/2008)
should've killed them all...
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Torrent 6:02PM (10/06/2008)
lmao. they really had an x7?
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Beastage 6:04PM (10/06/2008)
Utterly and redoubtably repulsive ...
Not only these cars are redundant and ugly, I would not befriend the people who will buy them.
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ugg.tryptophan 6:05PM (10/06/2008)
i kind of like the mini, but the X1 shouldnt exist
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Mobius_1 6:15PM (10/06/2008)
Shoulda killed X1 as well, or had an abortion while it wasn't too late...
I wonder if their market research department have got charts showing sales for SUVs and such? Versus attractive hatchbacks?
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THINKER 6:24PM (10/06/2008)
Yeah, not sure what the attraction is to a large MINI and crossovers in general for that matter. Bite the bullet and get a minivan. They drive badly and look even worse, but at least they have multiple uses. I'm with Torrent, they all should be axed, and they may get the axe yet. Global finacial meltdown may slow the progress of these useless vehicles.
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Alex 6:34PM (10/06/2008)
Not a big BMW fan & I know I'm alone but I like the X1, much better looking than the awkward & cheap X3.
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3seriesisking 6:36PM (10/06/2008)
Damnit!!! What have I done to deserve this?
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Brandon 6:44PM (10/06/2008)
Wouldn't the X7 have more of a market than the X1? I mean granted no one is really into buying an SUV but I'm sure it would look WAY better than the X1...
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EuropaCar 6:44PM (10/06/2008)
Glad they're killing X7 in favor of a small car but I'd rather not have another one anyway
I dunno why but this X1 gives me the impression of a chinese copy-cat car.. almost like bmw is poorly copying themselves
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AirZurk 8:32PM (10/06/2008)
I couldn't agree more about the Chinese styling.
Nismodev 6:59PM (10/06/2008)
I wonder if designers set out to create hideous cars out of spite or if they are just incompetent children with crayons locked in studios until they come up with something remotely resembling a vehicle.
I'm not a fan of crossover design at all, but these two take home a shared "Ugliest of all time" award.
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casey 7:14PM (10/06/2008)
the idea of an X1 is sound nowadays, but the execution is awful. Europacar has it right-it's almost like a knockoff of a BMW. i know there is no chance of it, but i would love BMW to go back to a tight, crisp design language like they had in the 80sno fat, nothing extraneousjust tasteful design executed with high quality. there is a new BMW ad showing a 1980 3 series, and a new one. i'd take a mint condition 1980 320i any day over the new one.
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Tim666 7:22PM (10/06/2008)
Man what's up with BMW
stupid
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Hamud 7:31PM (10/06/2008)
Hey BMW, since you are killing models, do yourself a favor and kill the X1, please...
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JF 8:38PM (10/06/2008)
BMW
Say it with me: W-A-G-O-N.
That wasnt so hard now, was it?
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jj 9:18PM (10/06/2008)
Too bad,
the X7 could have been a good GL fighter. The X1 is as ugly as sh*t. And though the Mini SAV is a good idea, it's butt ugly.
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ken_aisin 10:19PM (10/06/2008)
How about killing both the hideous X1 and Mini SAV, the new 7, and all future BMWs that will be sharing the same ugly front end as the X1 and new 7. If possible, fire Chris Bangle and all the current BMW designers.
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Richard 12:12AM (10/07/2008)
Ya! Ve vill vin by making ze automotive vorld unbearably ugly.
Take zat you English kniggets.
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Flea 3:29AM (10/07/2008)
wow, that crossman is the new most revolting car I have ever seen. Seriously, it's worse than a nissan navara.
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