Car magazine releases details on the BMW X1

About a month ago, Autoblog reported on the possibility of BMW attacking the small SUV market with a new model that would could proudly bear the X1 moniker. Today, Car Magazine released details on the soon-to-be, eco-minded baby Bimmer.

The X1 is expected to weigh in at 3377 lbs, about 440 lbs lighter than the X3, and measure about 10 fewer inches in length. No word on fuel mileage or performance yet, but the Werks will be offering a wide range of power plants which includes three diesels...

• 1.8i - 145bhp 1.8-liter gas-powered 4-cylinder
• 2.0i - 175bhp 2.0-liter gas-powered 4-cylinder
• 2.5si - 220bhp 2.5-liter gas-powered 6-cylinder
• 1.8d - 135bhp 1.8-liter diesel-powered 4-cylinder
• 2.0d - 180bhp 2.0-liter diesel-powered 4-cylinder
• 3.0d - 231bhp 3.0-liter diesel-powered 6-cylinder
  

As you may have guess, we should see a plethora of BMW features such as stability control, HDC hill descent control, DBC dynamic brake force distribution, CBC cornering brake control, TSC trailer stability control and DTC dynamic traction control. What you may not have expected is that BMW plans to offer three different roof modules. The customer will be able to choose from full-length tinted glass, two sunroofs or a targa-style roof with a removable mid-section.

In Europe, the X1 is targeted to sell in 2010 for less than 30,000 Euros which is about 3,500 Euros less than an entry-level X3.

Car doesn't mention whether or not the X1 will be sold in America, but given success of the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V, I'd be surprised if we didn't see it. The larger question is which engine choices we'll get. And just maybe, the little X will bring along the rest of its 1-series friends to American shores.

[Source: Car Magazine]