Autoblog

BMW planning Zhi Nuo Chinese sub-brand, may export models

Chris Paukert — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Crossover, BMW, Shanghai Motor Show

Automakers continue to pour big money into the developing market that is China, and new sub-brands born of joint ventures with domestic partners crop up on what seems like a weekly basis. The latest? According to reports, BMW and its Chinese ally Brilliance are forming a new sub-brand called Zhi Nuo ("The Promise") that will likely rely on existing or older BMW products as a basis for new models.

Previous reports had indicated that the sub-brand could build its offerings based on an older 3 Series model (presumably the E90 series), but newer rumors have the X1 crossover (shown) factoring in. The Zhi Nuo brand could receive its official unveiling as soon as later this month at the Shanghai Motor Show.

Perhaps most interestingly, Automotive News Europe reports that the automaker's ambitions for Zhi Nuo may extend beyond China's borders. It's not clear what markets BMW may be eying, but executives admit the company hasn't ruled out Europe.

BMW planning Zhi Nuo Chinese sub-brand, may export models originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Apr 2013 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

X1, 3 Series power BMW back into global luxury autos sales lead

Zach Bowman — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, BMW, Earnings/Financials, Luxury

BMW managed to eke ahead of Audi for the global luxury sales crown in February. According to Bloomberg, BMW saw deliveries swell by 7 percent in February, besting the 3.2 percent jump enjoyed by Audi and giving BMW a 407-unit delivery lead over its rival last month. Mercedes-Benz, meanwhile, continued to falter, with the brand selling some 37,229 fewer machines than BMW, whose factories are running at full capacity to keep up with demand. Models like the X1 (shown above) enjoyed a sales increase of 40 percent in February while the company's bread-and-butter 3 Series jumped by 26 percent.

Mercedes-Benz hopes to stem its continued market share loss with the addition of the entry-level CLA sedan to its portfolio in April. The company is set to roll out an updated version of its cash-cow E-Class at the same time, and a new-generation S-Class will follow along shortly thereafter. Meanwhile, the company is increasing production to meet demand for its A and B-Class models.

X1, 3 Series power BMW back into global luxury autos sales lead originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BMW Concept K2 Powder Ride and 2013 X1 Powder Ride Edition are ready to hit the slopes

Zach Bowman — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Europe, Crossover, BMW, Design/Style, Luxury

BMW is celebrating the North American launch of its X1 compact crossover with a special edition and the new lifestyle-oriented concept shown above. The Concept K2 Powder Ride is the summation of a three-year partnership between BMW and sports-equipment manufacturer K2. The companies have slathered the exterior of an X1 with a special graphics package lifted from a limited-edition K2 ski and designers bolted on a custom roof rack to accommodate all sorts of gear. The rack also features a Harman Kardon speaker system for impromptu dance sessions. Or something.

More importantly, the Concept K2 Powder ride features a little extra ground clearance and 19-inch wheels. Indoors, BMW has graced the machine with a custom interior, complete with black Nappa leather held together by orange contrast stitching.

Back in the real world, the soon-to-be-at-dealers BMW X1 Powder Ride Edition is based on the X1 xLine, complete with aluminum-trim roof rails, a ski and snowboard bag, all-weather floor mats and a pair of special K2 LTD Powder Ride skis. The skis are only available on the X1 Powder Ride Edition. Look for the limited-edition model to show up on dealer lots starting next month. Check out the press release for more info.

Continue reading BMW Concept K2 Powder Ride and 2013 X1 Powder Ride Edition are ready to hit the slopes

BMW Concept K2 Powder Ride and 2013 X1 Powder Ride Edition are ready to hit the slopes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Oct 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Translogic learns how BMW kept the London Olympics rolling

Jeff Sabatini — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Videos, BMW, UK

BMW was one of the biggest corporate supporters of the 2012 London Olympics, earning the right to be its official car sponsor. But it wasn't just ponying up a few dozen 7 Series for the IOC that got it this plum gig. BMW made a commitment to meet specific CO2 emissions targets for the vehicles it provided.

BMW supplied about 4,000 vehicles to the London Olympics organizers, everything from motorcycles to electric Minis to hybrid 5-Series sedans to diesel X5 SUV's. Our sister site Translogic went to the Olympics to get a taste of the breadth and depth of the BMW Olympic fleet.

Scroll down to watch the full episode, wherein Translogic goes for a ride in a diesel X1, then rides an i Pedelec electric bicycle.

Continue reading Translogic learns how BMW kept the London Olympics rolling

Translogic learns how BMW kept the London Olympics rolling originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2013 BMW X1 [w/video]

Matt Davis — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Crossover, BMW, First Drives

We Finally Get It. Was It Worth The Wait?

The X1 is BMW's ultimate compromise machine in the car-as-truck-as-SUV-as-wagon-as-city-vehicle category. It's aimed at undecideds who want a BMW that's attractive and can carry stuff while sitting high up, but not too high up. Being able to park it easily, even in downtown New York, is good too, as are the fuel and emissions efficiencies. The X1 has been a huge success elsewhere, and we ourselves thought it was a pretty good idea when we drove one last year.

Since shipments began worldwide from BMW's factory in Leipzig, Germany, the X1 has quietly sold over 300,000 units, almost all of those in Europe. For a small sport activity vehicle that costs a BMW-style premium, that really is a huge number of units. BMW is pretty accustomed to this sort of success with its Sports Activity Vehicles, as it likes calling them. When it started out in late 2003 and was the only small premium crossover vehicle out there, the original BMW X3 sold nearly 250,000 units through 2007, and the general public didn't seem to notice.

But other premium automakers did, and now everyone offers a small SUV or crossover. Either that or they're stupid because they don't. When we first drove the X1, we immediately understood what BMW was saying about its big plans for this trucklette. The X1 (no matter what you personally feel about its smallness) has nearly perfect proportions, the design details are solid overall, and it frankly makes a much better original X3 than the actual X3 did back at the end of 2003. And just ahead of the X1's imminent arrival on our own shores, this smallest of BMW activity vehicles has received its first mid-life update.

Continue reading 2013 BMW X1 [w/video]

2013 BMW X1 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jul 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pair of diesels headed for BMW U.S. dealers

Michael Harley — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: BMW, Diesel

BMW first introduced the North American market to diesels way back in 1983, with the introduction of its 524td. Under the hood of the E28 5 Series was the automaker's M21 turbocharged diesel, a 2.4-liter inline-six rated at 115 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. It was mated to a standard four-speed automatic transmission. At the time, BMW claimed it was the world's fastest production diesel-powered car, but its numbers (0-60 in about 12 seconds and a maximum speed of 112 mph) look rather pathetic today. It was sold for just one model year.

In a renewed effort to convince buyers that diesel was a sporty alternative to gasoline, BMW reintroduced a potent diesel powerplant to the States in 2009. It was the automaker's M57 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six rated at 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque. Mounted in the nose of the E90 3 Series sedan and mated to a six-speed automatic, the 335d helped the automaker redefine oil-burning performance (0-60 in 5.3 seconds with a top speed governed to 130 mph) here in America. The X5 35d crossover, fitted with the same engine and strong performance (0-60 in 6.9 seconds), soon followed.

But BMW doesn't really need to prove diesel's performance anymore, as fuel economy sells. With that comes the announcement of two fresh, and more efficient, oil-burning powerplants. A new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder will likely be rated at 180 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, while a new turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder is expected to make 255 horsepower and undisclosed torque. According to our sources, the 2.0-liter (similar to the one pictured above) will find its home in the 3 Series and X1, while the new 3.0-liter will replace the M57 under the hood of the X3 and X5 (with eight-speed gearboxes). Expect the engines to spread across the BMW lineup if well received.

Pair of diesels headed for BMW U.S. dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Next BMW X1 to share platform with Mini Countryman

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 10:45:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Crossover, BMW, Luxury

When the next generation BMW X1 arrives sometime around 2015, it will be based on a front-wheel drive architecture, sharing its platform with the Mini Countryman. This isn't new news - stories and editorials have been parsing BMW's FWD strategy for more than a year, and in April of 2011, now-CEO Ian Robertson proclaimed there could be six to nine new BMW and Mini models as part of a "compact car family" based on a shared platform.

A report in Autocar about the switch adds a few more details, though. In addition to the cost benefits from this arrangement, the next X1 will lose its six-cylinder engines but offer more room. The tranverse-mounted engines preclude the six-pot unless BMW redesigns it, so plans are for nothing any larger than four cylinders and possibly the 1.5-liter, three-cylinder powerplant slated for the 1 Series GT. A Haldex clutch will continue to provide AWD capability, and the upshot with the smaller engine bay and firewall moved forward is more room for passengers and cargo.

The platform is referred to as "UKL," for Unter Klasse (Under Class), and its place in the product portfolio is apparently more complex than simply saying it will form the basis for small Mini and BMW models: stories suggest it has been built with the flexibility to underpin the next generation 1 Series as well as the next generation 3 Series. No, that does not mean the advent of a front-wheel drive 3 Series, since the UKL platform was reportedly designed with features like a movable firewall support enabling transverse and longitudinal engines as well as FWD, AWD and RWD powertrains. It does, however, mean the ads proclaiming "This is why we don't make front-wheel drive cars" will probably never surface again.

Next BMW X1 to share platform with Mini Countryman originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jul 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2013 BMW X1 configurator is maddeningly complex

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, BMW, Luxury

The cupboard of virtual options has opened itself yet again with the appearance of the 2013 BMW X1 configurator. There are three choices of X1 to choose from, the sDrive28i, xDrive28i and xDrive35i, and then three trim levels beyond that: X Line, Sport Line and M Sport Line.

It takes $30,650 in Internet money, plus $895 for destination, to open a configurator account with the sDrive28i. It might appear that the starting price is $31,545 then, but strangely, you must order one of the trim lines and that adds another $1,900 for the X and Sport Lines, or $2,500 for the M Sport Line on the sDrive28i and xDrive28i, and $3,000 on the xDrive35i. We don't know why BMW didn't factor the two lower trim prices into the base price and only charge for the M Sport Line. Regardless, the result is a listed base price of $32,350 for the xDrive28i that's an effective price of $35,145, and a listed base price of $38,450 for the xDrive35i that effectively comes to $41,845 before any options are selected.

Continue reading 2013 BMW X1 configurator is maddeningly complex

2013 BMW X1 configurator is maddeningly complex originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BMW releases slew of 2013 X1 photos, details fuel mileage and pricing

Jeff Sabatini — Fri, 04 May 2012 15:44:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, BMW, Luxury

It's hard to believe that BMW has been selling SUV's for 13 years now. When the BMW X5 launched to great controversy in 1999, "crossover" had yet to be coined and not a soul on this planet would have predicted that one day BMW would be offering the two-sizes-smaller X1. Yet it hits dealer lots this fall, in multiple models with a long line of options and trim packages.

The most basic choice when it comes to the X1 is whether you want a four- or six-cylinder engine. The two-liter, turbocharged four delivers 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque and is available exclusively with an eight-speed automatic, though both rear-drive (X1 sDrive28i) and all-wheel-drive (xDrive28i) versions are available. BMW says rear-drive four-cylinder X1 models can do 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, while the all-wheel-drive model is a tenth slower. Projected EPA fuel economy numbers are 24 mpg city, 33 highway, and 27 combined for the rear-drive model and 22 city, 30 highway, and 25 combined with all-wheel-drive.

Then there's the six. With three liters of displacement and a single turbocharger, the N55 inline-six makes 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Available exclusively with a six-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive, the X1 xDrive35i does 0-60 in 5.3 seconds, but you'll pay for that power at the pump. EPA ratings are just 18 mpg city, 27 highway, and 21 combined. The real world fuel economy difference between the four- and six-cylinder X1 models could prove to be even greater than what's reflected in the EPA numbers, as the four-cylinder models include start-stop technology and eco modes, which are not part of the xDrive35i package.

And before we move on to trim packages, note that there is no manual transmission available in any X1. Keep reading for more ruminations on the 2013 X1.

Continue reading BMW releases slew of 2013 X1 photos, details fuel mileage and pricing

BMW releases slew of 2013 X1 photos, details fuel mileage and pricing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 May 2012 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2013 BMW X1 becomes America's most affordable Bavarian CUV

Noah Joseph — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:46:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Crossover, BMW, Luxury

Opinions found at the Autoblog table of most auto show press rooms are usually in concert, but every once in a while, we fail to come to a consensus. This 2013 BMW X1 is one such cause of discord, you see, as some of us think it belongs only on European streets, while others insist it will find enough homes here in North America.

The smallest of Bavarian crossovers has been available in overseas markets for a while now, but with its unveiling here at the New York Auto Show, BMW is preparing to launch it in the North American market. And along with it, the tallish wagon has received a facelift and interior rework.

When deliveries begin at American BMW showrooms this coming September, buyers will be able to choose between two twin-turbo engines - the 245-horsepower sDrive28i (in rear-wheel-drive) or all-wheel-drive xDrive28i, and the 306-hp X1 xDrive35i. The first and last are U.S. exclusives.

Pricing? Glad you asked. The X1 sDrive28i will carry a $31,545 price tag - including $895 in delivery fees. The churns-at-all-fours xDrive28i commands $33,245, and the 306-hp xDrive35i can be yours for $39,345.

Continue reading 2013 BMW X1 becomes America's most affordable Bavarian CUV

2013 BMW X1 becomes America's most affordable Bavarian CUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2013 BMW X1 coming to U.S. this fall, priced from $31,545

Chris Shunk — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:45:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Crossover, BMW, Luxury

The BMW X1 has been leaked ahead of its official announcement at the New York Auto Show, and it seems to boast a fresh face and a reasonable price tag. The smallest of BMW crossovers will feature a revised front fascia that includes tweaked headlights and a new bumper with silver-painted accents. The LED highlights and light rings are available only as part of the optional xenon light package.

More body-color trim pieces are in place for 2013, and BMW has penned new side-view mirrors. The rear also received a revamped bumper, plus fresh taillights. Inside changes include a shallower center console that has been tilted towards the driver, while chrome touches have been added for a more premium feel.

Under the hood, U.S. buyers will have a choice of turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines. The X1 28i will feature the powerful 2.0-liter turbo four, boasting 240 horsepower. The X1 xDrive35i will up the ante with BMW's tried-and-true turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, which will be good for 300 horsepower.

Those well-regarded powertrains should provide enough punch to make the X1 a blast to drive, and luckily we won't have to wait long to find out for sure. The X1 28i will arrive Stateside beginning in September with a palatable $31,545 price tag that includes the $895 destination charge. The xDrive28i tips the sales at $33,245 and the xDrive35i can be had for as little as $39,345. Not bad for an attractive little BMW, though we're sure a few options will send the MSRP to $50,000 and beyond. Hit the jump to read over the BMW press release.

Continue reading 2013 BMW X1 coming to U.S. this fall, priced from $31,545

2013 BMW X1 coming to U.S. this fall, priced from $31,545 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BMW promises updated X1 in U.S. dealers this summer

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, New York Auto Show, Crossover, BMW

Keen European demand was the expected reason for us not getting the BMW X1 until the Summer of 2013, when it would get a mid-cycle refresh. And at the time it was reported, few wagers would have been put on that timetable since U.S.-market delivery had repeatedly been delayed and the exact wording used was "postponed indefinitely."

But in a press release announcing its wares for the New York Auto Show, BMW slipped in this line: "The updated BMW X1 will be available in U.S. showrooms in summer 2012." For now that's all there is to know, although we'd expect more details to be given out at the Javits Center, perhaps even pricing. The model's stying elicits strong opinion, but for those of you with X1 lust you now know what to circle on the calendar.

Continue reading BMW promises updated X1 in U.S. dealers this summer

BMW promises updated X1 in U.S. dealers this summer originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Mar 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments