Autoblog

BMW still has "no plans" for 1 Series hatch in States, X6-like X3 variant in the cards

Chris Paukert — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Technology, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Diesel, Luxury

We've just returned from a Detroit Auto Show media roundtable with Klaus Draeger, member of the Board of BMW AG, Development, and he's helped shed some light on both some near- and far-term developments for BMW in the States.

Draeger confirmed that BMW has absolutely no plans to expand the 1 Series lineup in the U.S. with a hatchback variant like the new generation F20 range sold in Europe. While Draeger says that the 1 Series has done a "wonderful job" for BMW, he notes that the model is positioned very differently in the U.S. and Europe. In the States, the 1 Series is a car for hardcore driving enthusiasts, but in Europe, with its fuller range of (primarily lower-power) engines and bodystyles, the 1 Series is positioned as more of a family car - an entry point to the brand (70 percent of European 1 Series buyers are new to BMW).

In the short-term, Draeger confirmed that the 740i six-cylinder model will receive the company's xDrive all-wheel drive system before the end of the year. The system is currently available on the V8-powered 750i, but with the biggest market for the 7 Series being the New York tri-state area, not having the additional foul weather performance of xDrive in the I6 has left a vacuum in the model lineup.

In more general terms, Draeger says we can expect to see electric power steering and start/stop systems in all BMWs, and indeed, a number of models in the company's portfolio already feature the fuel-saving technologies.

Also on the fuel-saving front, Draeger says that X5 diesel sales are going well in the States, accounting for roughly one-third of sales. Despite that, the X6 will not get a diesel variant, as the current model only has two or three years left in its life and it wouldn't make sense to introduce one this late in life. However, he wouldn't rule one out for the next-gen X6, nor was he willing to preclude a diesel's inclusion in the new X3. The new generation 3 Series and current 5 Series are also likely candidates for oil burning motivation, but they won't happen this calendar year.

When asked if BMW is happy with X6 sales, Draeger said "Yes. Absolutely." As a followup question, Draeger was asked if it then made sense to do a similar variant on the X3, and he said "Yes. Yes." Unfortunately, he wasn't at liberty to elaborate.

Finally, BMW officially announced yesterday that its smallest crossover, the X1, will go on sale here soon (likely not before a mid-cycle refresh), but Draeger maintains that there is "no real synergy" to justify bringing production to the U.S.

BMW still has "no plans" for 1 Series hatch in States, X6-like X3 variant in the cards originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW X1 won't be here before 2013 midcycle updo

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, BMW

The BMW X1 is coming to the United States.... eventually. We saw the compact crossover way back at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and we expected it to arrive Stateside not much longer after that. However, it appears a number of factors are keeping it across the pond, which include strong European sales and a weak Euro-Dollar exchange rate.

Constantly postponed, BMW has now decided to put the U.S. launch of the X1 on indefinite hold. It appears we won't see see a U.S.-market X1 until the crossover receives a mid-cycle refresh in 2013. BMW isn't worried about having American car shoppers waiting for their X1 since the automaker believes the X3 will remain its top-selling crossover.

BMW X1 won't be here before 2013 midcycle updo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW showcases range of police, fire and paramedic vehicles at RETTmobil

Noah Joseph — Thu, 12 May 2011 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, BMW, Misc. Auto Shows, Police/Emergency

BMW X3 emergency vehicle - Click above for high-res image gallery

With its SLS AMG first-response vehicle, Mercedes-Benz may have gotten our attention, but it's hardly the only automaker offering specially equipped emergency vehicles at the RETTmobil expo this year in Fulda, Germany. While Mercedes used the Gullwing to highlight its range of emergency vehicles, BMW is relying on the strength of its full model range to speak for itself.

Among the vehicles BMW is showcasing for the first responders and local government officials visiting the trade show this year is a 5 Series Touring with lights and sirens controlled directly from the iDrive system, and with a specially designed load floor extension with built-in fracture points that allow first responders to access all their equipment while reducing injury in case of a rearward collision.

In response to numerous fatalities caused by traffic colliding with police cars stopped on the side of the road, BMW is also showcasing a specially prepared X3 that is inherently easier to see due to its taller form, and also features additional LED lighting for increased visibility.

There's also an R 1200 RT paramedic motorcycle on display that integrates such features as radio equipment, siren, PA system, strobe lights, fire extinguisher, front crash bar and an electrically adjustable windscreen direct from the factory. Other vehicles on display include X1 and X3 crossovers and 3 and 5 Series wagons for police, fire and paramedic applications, along with the eye-catching 123d police car prepared by AC Schnitzer and the X6 ambulance we reported on back in 2009. Check 'em out in our high-resolution image gallery.

Continue reading BMW showcases range of police, fire and paramedic vehicles at RETTmobil

BMW showcases range of police, fire and paramedic vehicles at RETTmobil originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 May 2011 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW X1 won't go on sale in U.S. until late 2012

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 02 May 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, BMW

BMW X1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The BMW X1 compact crossover went on sale in Europe in November 2009, and ever since its launch, we've heard plenty of reports about the CUV's on-sale date being pushed back here in the United States. The X1 is in very high demand in Europe, and limited supplies are what's causing the crossover's launch here in the U.S. to be delayed. Automotive News now reports that the X1 will not arrive on our shores until the end of 2012. BMW had initially planned to launch the X1 in the U.S. earlier this year.

Another key factor for the X1's late arrival in the U.S. is strong early demand for the larger X3 crossover, which received a complete overhaul for the 2011 model year. BMW sold 5,710 X3s in the first quarter of 2011, compared to 1,355 units in Q1 2010. Even with its delay here in the U.S., the X1 is still scheduled to arrive at Canadian dealerships in the very near future.

Gallery: 2011 BMW X1

BMW X1 won't go on sale in U.S. until late 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 May 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW X1 will go on sale in Canada, still no word on U.S.

Noah Joseph — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, BMW, Canada, Luxury

2011 BMW X1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Call the BMW X1 what you like. A hatchback with an identity crisis. A BMW crossover with a Napoleon complex. But whatever you call it, you can't argue with its success. Since going on sale less than two years ago in Europe, the smallest of Munich's X Series has sold out in just about every market it's reached. Which is why it's not here in America yet - the Bavarian automaker just can't keep up with demand, and taking a bite out of the U.S. market is more than it can chew at the moment.

That won't stop the X1 from reaching our neighbors to the north, though. A BMW dealership in the affluent Toronto suburb of Thornhill has announced that the X1 is coming to that vast frozen landmass above the 49th Parallel, verified by the inclusion of the CUV's presence on the BMW Canada website, but not on BMW USA's.

It won't be the first time the Canucks are getting an import before America does - the Mercedes-Benz B-Class stands as another notable German example - but could this prove a precursor to the crossover's arrival in the United States? We'll just have to sit tight and see - either that or defect northwards. Thanks for the tip, Jamal!

Gallery: 2011 BMW X1

[Source: BMW Autohaus]

BMW X1 will go on sale in Canada, still no word on U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 BMW X1 xDrive28i

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Crossover, BMW, Quick Spins

A Compact Crossover For The Wagon-Averse

2011 BMW X1 xDrive28i - Click above for high-res image gallery

My wife hates wagons. Loathes them with the kind of passion and fervor normally reserved for sexual predators and real estate agents. But despite this, she drives the prototypical wagon-on-stilts, a Honda CR-V.

That unbridled disgust for any low-riding hatchback is something I've been trying to figure out for the last seven years, but it's a problem nearly every European automaker peddling its wares in the States has been dealing with for decades. The solution, it seems, is to downsize the standard CUV into a more compact package, while still providing the elevated ride-height and commanding view that consumers in a post-SUV world crave.

For BMW, the answer is the X1, the Euro-only-for-now crossover that slots in where the X3 used to reside before it blew up to near-X5 proportions. And fitted with BMW's new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which U.S. customers will sample for the first time in the Z4 sDrive28i roadster, it makes a compelling case for itself. So much so that BMW's Leipzig, Germany plant is tapped out, meaning importation into the U.S. isn't going to happen anytime soon.

Continue reading Quick Spin: 2011 BMW X1 xDrive28i...

Gallery: 2011 BMW X1 xDrive28i: Quick Spin

Continue reading 2011 BMW X1 xDrive28i

2011 BMW X1 xDrive28i originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: BMW X1 U.S. debut delayed due to high demand in Europe

Zach Bowman — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Crossover, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW X1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

American buyers may have to wait a little bit longer before sinking their teeth into the upcoming BMW X1. According to Automotive News, the CUV has been more popular in Europe than the German automaker originally anticipated, and as such, BMW is experiencing a bit of a supply crunch. As a result, North American buyers won't be seeing the X1 at the end of this year as originally expected. Instead, it's beginning to look like the vehicle won't show up here until early 2012 at the soonest. Automotive News reports that the X1 went on sale in Europe in November of 2009.

Since then, the high-riding hatch has sold out in every market it's touched. BMW says that it fully expects the X1 to be a low-volume model here in the land of the free, with sales lodged somewhere in the same realm as what the current 1 Series Coupe and Convertible. Even so, the company says that it's shooting for around 8,000 units per year. With the larger, more popular X3 just now hitting dealerships, the X1 will likely serve to fill a slot for buyers looking for a compact luxury crossover.

Gallery: 2011 BMW X1

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: BMW X1 U.S. debut delayed due to high demand in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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From Virtual to Reality: GT5's Red Bull X1 prototype jumps out of the screen

Noah Joseph — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Toys/Games, Racing

Red Bull X1 full-size model - Click above for image gallery

Polyphony's Gran Turismo games tread the line between fantasy and reality with the balance of a trapeze artist. Not only are the games themselves a close approximation of reality, but once in a while, reality jumps out of the digital world and into the tangible.

A couple of years ago the game's creators worked with the French automaker to give birth to the GTbyCitroën - a supercar designed specifically for the game. But then they made it into a concept car and put it on display. And while it never came to be, they even considered a limited production run.

The latest collaboration brought the recently-crowned world champion Red Bull Racing team on board for the X1 prototype. Again, an extreme high-performance vehicle designed specifically for the game - this time a vision of what an F1 car could be if not for all the pesky regulations. Initial reports that the car is powered by a turbine engine are now being corrected to an F1-derived, direct-injection, twin-turbo V6. Fortunately, the 1483-horsepower output remains.

Actually building the X1 into a functioning track car would be a little pointless and undoubtedly extremely expensive, but they have made a full-size mock-up that will be unveiled during the game's launch party, scheduled (don't hold your breath) for Madrid in a few weeks' time. Here's hoping GT5 can follow that same fantasy-to-reality trajectory and land in our hands on (the revised and revised again) schedule.

Gallery: Red Bull X1 prototype model

[Source: GTPlanet]

From Virtual to Reality: GT5's Red Bull X1 prototype jumps out of the screen originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Red Bull X1 prototype revealed before Gran Turismo 5 debut

Noah Joseph — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Toys/Games, Specialty, Racing

Red Bull X1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ever wonder what would happen if they threw out the rule book and created a no-holds-barred, we-don't-need-no-freakin'-badges track car? The talented (though time-insensitive) brains behind Polyphony's long-awaited Gran Turismo 5 racing simulator for the Sony Playstation 3 did. Turns out, so did the boffins at Red Bull Racing. The result is the X1 Prototype.

The Red Bull X1 is the brainchild of the team's star designer Adrian Newey, the aerodynamicist who's probably responsible for more checkered flags than any other engineer on the real F1 grid today, with input from the team's star driving talent Sebastian Vettel. We could best describe the result as looking rather similar to the Caparo T1 - that is to say, some freakish cross between an F1 car and an LMP1 racer - but the specs would eclipse both.

Instead of a conventional internal-combustion engine, the X1 packs a (theoretical - remember this exists entirely in the binary) gas turbine driving 1,483 horsepower and 527 lb-ft of torque through a CVT to the rear wheels. Simulated performance stats give it a top speed of 249 miles per hour, while lapping Suzuka in 1:11.540. (For comparison's sake, Vettel's fastest time behind the 2009 F1 car was 1:30.833.) The car's been fully detailed in the latest issue of Car magazine, which has naturally leaked its way onto the interwebs, so check out our first look at the cyber-machine in the gallery below.

Gallery: First Look: Red Bull X1

[Source: GTPlanet]

Red Bull X1 prototype revealed before Gran Turismo 5 debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gran Turismo 5 reveals virtual X1 prototype racecar to warp minds and stretch imagination [w/video]

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Toys/Games, Specialty

Gran Turismo 5 X1 Prototype - Click above to watch video after the jump

At some point in the future, Gran Turismo 5 will be available for purchase. And yes, it's taken too damn long. But making the wait that much more painful is news fresh out of Tokyo that a special vehicle will be available for thumb-thrashing fun.

It's not some uber-exotic that you pine for while staring longingly at photos on the web, nor is it some championship racecar from today or a bygone era. It's nothing you've seen or heard about before - its called the X1 Prototype.

Digital Polyphony has teamed up with Adrian Newey from Red Bull Racing to ask: What would happen if a top-tier racecar was freed from any and all technical regulations? What speeds could it achieve, what would it look like and what automotive records could it devour? The answer to those questions, and possibly many others, could be found with the X1 (virtual) prototype vehicle.

The team who produces Gran Turismo is known for their attention to detail and the realistic tracks, while cars and driving dynamics are a major part of the popularity behind this series. So it's safe to assume that the drivable concept sticks to the laws of physics while pushing technology to the limit. Think of it as a return to the turbocharged 80s-era F1 cars, with some Group B rally monsters thrown in along with a heaping helping of cutting edge technology.

Our interest in the return of GT5 has been waning after the dozens of delays, but the X1 has our interest seriously piqued, and the crew from Joystiq has snagged video of it in action. We also have a trailer video which shows off lots of the cool (real) cars, the amazing tracks and the dynamic weather we can look forward to. Take a look at both clips after the jump.

[Source: Joystiq]

Continue reading Gran Turismo 5 reveals virtual X1 prototype racecar to warp minds and stretch imagination [w/video]

Gran Turismo 5 reveals virtual X1 prototype racecar to warp minds and stretch imagination [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeremy Clarkson on BMW's X1: It isn't just bad, it's 'rubbish'

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Crossover, BMW, Humor, Luxury

2010 BMW X1 - click above for high-res image gallery

Most of us weren't too thrilled when we first saw the BMW X1 last year in Frankfurt. The reasons were many and varied, but they can basically be lumped into one of two camps. First up is the aesthetics camp. Cries of "ugly" cropped up in the comments faster than they would have in a Susan Boyle Playmate layout.

While BMW's particular brand of crossover design has never been anything but controversial, we think the X1 looks pretty much okay. But the second, and maybe more vocal camp, can best be summed up as, "Why?" As in why would BMW bother? According to Top Gear ace Jeremy Clarkson, they shouldn't have.

No stranger to stinging reviews, even of BMW products (here's Jezza calling the 335 a "dog turd"), Jeremy really seems to particularly dislike the new X1. He hates the ride, the interior, the name (sDrive in particular), the diesel motor and the way it drives. Is there anything he likes about the small crossover? In a word, no. Read his scathing Times Online piece for yourself.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 BMW X1

[Source: Times Online]

Jeremy Clarkson on BMW's X1: It isn't just bad, it's 'rubbish' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Audi TT RS headed to Canada in limited numbers, as is rear-drive BMW X1

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Crossover, Audi, BMW, Canada

Audi TT RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Audi launched the TT RS, we were initially told that the automaker had no plans to bring it to the States. And while rumors have cropped up that suggest otherwise, we still don't have the official word from Audi about whether we'll ever get the chance to experience the 335-horsepower TT. However, our friends to the north can apparently rejoice - Audi will reportedly be bringing the TT RS to Canada, albeit in very limited numbers (250 units, to be exact). It is not yet clear whether those 250 units will be in coupe or convertible form - or both.

Additionally, Monvolant reports that Canadian consumers will be able to spec a rear-wheel drive BMW X1 when the crossover goes on sale next year - a configuration that will not be available in the States. Canada is likely to only receive X1s equipped with BMW's 3.0-liter inline-six, good for around 260 horsepower.

We aren't very upset about the fact that U.S.-spec X1s will only have all-wheel drive. However, if Audi is going to tease us by bringing 250 examples of the too-hot TT to this continent, the least it could do is spec a few for U.S. (or just Autoblog) consumption. Thanks for the tip, Martin!

Gallery: Audi TT RS and Roadster

Gallery: 2011 BMW X1

[Source: Monvolant (translated)]

Report: Audi TT RS headed to Canada in limited numbers, as is rear-drive BMW X1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: 2010 BMW X1 shows up

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 04:40:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, BMW, Diesel

2010 BMW X1 - click above image for hi-res gallery

While us Americans will probably never get the three- and/or five-door 1 Series, we will be getting the new BMW X1. Here's your pudding proof. For some this is a maddening reality. For others it's like music you dislike. Still, we were a bit surprised by how much we liked the looks of the X1, especially in brown. With a grill lifted right off the 7-Series and a sinister set of angel eyes, the X1 is easily twice as handsome as big brother X3. Which might very prove to be the X1's major selling point. Just like the 3 Series and the 1 Series, the X3 and X1 are very closely related, not only in terms of powertrains, but mechanicals and chassis, too.

Engine choices are the usual BMW fare, ranging from the 258 hp double-VANOS straight-six in the xDrive28i to the 295 lb-ft of torque twin-turbo and common-rail diesel xDrive23d to less powerful diesel models like the 258 lb-ft xDrive20d/sDrive20d. There's also the sDrive18d which can get up to a BMW claimed 54.3 imperial miles per gallon. If you've somehow forgotten, the "x" in BMW-speak stands for AWD and the "s" stands for RWD. BMW claims the latter is the "most efficient rendition of spontaneous driving pleasure." If you can figure out what that means, let us know.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 BMW X1

Frankfurt 2009: 2010 BMW X1 shows up originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 04:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: BMW reveals 2011 X1, confirms sales in the States [w/VIDEO]

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:30:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, SUV, Europe, Crossover, BMW

2011 BMW X1 - Click above for a massive high-res image gallery

As expected after this morning's initial leakage, BMW has released a staggering amount of images of the 2011 BMW X1 showing the brand's new soft-roader in every conceivable environment before it's officially revealed at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

Along with the pics, BMW put out a brief statement (below the fold) confirming the X1's arrival in the U.S. sometime in 2011 and its plans to offer both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive (xDrive) versions, along with "a wide variety of gasoline and diesel powertrain choices." BMW won't officially confirm what mils will make the trip across the Atlantic, but the automaker says the X1 will use its EfficientDynamics system and that one gasoline engine and three diesels will be available when the X1 launches in Europe this fall. Check out all 183 high-res images in the gallery below and expect official U.S. market information to be released closer to the X1's launch in the States.

Gallery: 2011 BMW X1

Continue reading Officially Official: BMW reveals 2011 X1, confirms sales in the States [w/VIDEO]

Officially Official: BMW reveals 2011 X1, confirms sales in the States [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LEAKED: High-res shots of 2010 BMW X1 hit the information superhighway

Chris Paukert — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:55:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Crossover, BMW

2010 BMW X1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Although it is isn't slated to be officially revealed until this fall's Frankfurt Auto Show, it feels like we've been seeing the wraps come off BMW's X1 baby crossover for years now. Thanks to a steady stream of spy shots over the last 18 months or so, we feel like we ought to be able to tell you not only the shape and size of the glovebox, but the material its walls are made of. Regardless, these are the first official shots of the X1 that have leaked out on the web, apparently because of German magazine FOCUS online.

As we've already seen almost all elements of the X1 already, the final shape doesn't surprise us, which appears much like a shrunken X5 mixed with styling cues from the bull-nosed 7-Series, 5-Series Gran Turismo, and of course, last year's X1 Concept.

The inside is typical Bimmer fare as well, with a sober but handsome and well-screwed-together look. The usual accoutrements are present in the photo models' driver oriented instrument panels, including iDrive, USB ports, and thumb-shifters for the automatic.

We're already tired of BMW's awkward model naming conventions, but regardless, the CUV is expected to launch in Europe in xDrive18i and xDrive 18d configurations, along with an xDrive20d model whose 177 hp diesel is apparently good for 60 mph in 8.4 seconds, an xDrive23d model with a 204 hp oil-burner (0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds, top speed of 139 mph), as well as the xDrive28i, which is apparently good for 143 mph. No word yet on what models we'll see in the U.S. just yet, but we'd be surprised to see anything less powerful than the xDrive28i in Stateside dealers, and we'll keep our fingers crossed for a diesel variant.

According to current scuttlebutt, the X1 will launch in autumn exclusively paired with all-wheel drive, but rear-wheel drive versions are expected to come on line soon thereafter. Check out the gallery below and keep checking back with us for further details as they become available.

Gallery: Leaked 2010 BMW X1 Images

LEAKED: High-res shots of 2010 BMW X1 hit the information superhighway originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW plans assault on the premium entry-level segment with X and Y models

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Crossover, BMW, Rumormill

BMW's equivalent of Deep Throat has divulged a host of information on the marque's coming plans for its premium entry level range incorporating the 1-Series and Z2, and a new line of Y vehicles. According to the mole, Scott26, the 1 will break into three different levels: Traditional, Lifestyle, and Sporting. They will be underpinned by a modular platform that could be differentiated among models and also serve as the basis for the next MINI.

The Traditional line will include the 1-Series along with Active Hybrid and Sport Compact versions. Sporting will comprise the 1-Series and Z2 coupe and cabriolet, plus a Supersports version of the 1 and a 135i Lightweight Performance Concept. Lifestyle counts the 1-Series Gran Turismo, the X1, X2, and the Y1.

As Scott27 breaks it down, the full lineup will advance the capabilities of Efficient Dynamics, and a hybrid version of each car will be offered. As well, the cars will "resist the usual jump in weight by using lightweight materials and sophisticated bonding techniques." What would be weighty at that point is the number of BMW's offerings, with 12 cars alone mentioned here, not counting the hatch models.

And what is the Y1? Strictly a proposal at this point, the line would be for those who want more "identity and creativity" in their Sports Activity Vehicles. A "dynamic , lighter and more personal" SAV than the X6, the Y1 is laid out as a 2-door, 2-seat "hybrid of an X with the aura of a Z." Think of a de-Bangled X Coupe. Thanks for the tip, Andrew!

[Source: 1 Addicts]

Rumormill: BMW plans assault on the premium entry-level segment with X and Y models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW X1 spotted on location in Germany

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, BMW

The BMW X1 has been spied doing doing close-ups for some sort of video shoot in Germany.

While the little guy could even be called cute in this photo, and the darker color does it tremendous favors, it's still a strangely proportioned little beast - like one of those cuddly-yet-awkward babies you see on Animal Planet. Maybe it looks best on the trot, but the mass of the rear still visually dwarfs that of the front, and the mirrors jut out like the ears on a hippo.

When the video does run, it will be joined by the tagline, "This is your world." The question is: is this your BMW? We'll see the official version later this year in Frankfurt.

Gallery: BMW X1 LIVE

[Source: BMW Blog]

Spy Shots: BMW X1 spotted on location in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW X1 varies little from concept

John Neff — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, BMW

BMW X1 spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW unveiled the X1 Concept at the 2008 Paris Motor Show to our bewildered eyes, and spy photographers have just surfaced with photos of the production version that do little to address our concerns for this littlest of soft roaders from Munich. As you can see, the production version will hardly differ at all from the concept, which means the swollen nose from the new 7 Series remains, along with all the surface pinching and odd details that we were so not fond of in Paris.

Styling aside, we question whether there's a market for another BMW sport or crossover utility vehicle, considering that the brand is already loaded with the X6, X5 and X3. The X1 also appears just plain redundant being so similar in size to the X3. That said, it will be built on the same platform as the 3 Series and offer a heaping helping of BMW gas and diesel engines, so it should be the Ultimate Driving Honda CR-V.

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: BMW X1 varies little from concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW kills X7 to focus on X1 and MINI SAV

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, BMW

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.]

BMW kills X7 to focus on X1 and MINI SAV originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: BMW X1 concept

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:04:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Paris Motor Show, Crossover, BMW

Click above for a high-res gallery of the BMW X1 concept

We're trying to find some redeeming qualities in the BMW X1 concept, but after staring at it on the show stand and navigating our way through BMW's lengthy press release (after the jump), we're at a loss.

Built atop the 3-series platform and likely motivated by a handful of gasoline and diesel powerplants when it hits the road next year, the X1 has all the charm of the X3 (as in very little), will feature similar interior dimensions to its lower-riding cousin, the 1-series five-door, and has to make due with the new 7-series' upright schnoz. The X1 isn't quite ready to board the failboat, but it's on its way to the docks.

Gallery: BMW X1 LIVE

Gallery: BMW Concept X1

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Paris 2008: BMW X1 concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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