The upcoming BMW X1 will be the company’s first foray into the premium entry-level SUV segment, likely to do battle with VW’s Tiguan and to a bigger extent, the MINI Crossman. Today, BMW announced the vehicle will be produced at the company’s 111-acre Leipzig plant in Germany.
The X1 will share many mechanical components with the compact 1-series hatchback, coupe and convertible, all variants of which are also produced at the Leipzig plant, alongside the 3-series sedan.
“The exact time point of production start and the market launch of the X1 will be revealed at a later date,” BMW ’s statement said, according to Automotive News Europe.
In related news, BMW will invest some 100 million euros ($155 million) into the plant, which employs more than 5,400 who produce 700 cars on a daily basis. Most of the money will go towards a new stamping line, while the remainder will be spent on expanding the body shop where doors, hoods and trunk lids are produced, with both revisions expected to be completed and operating by 2009.
