BMW finally allowed the public to view its upcoming X1 small SUV earlier today at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Set to bow in the United States during calendar year 2011, the X1 slots below the X3 in BMW’s lineup.
BMW hasn’t announced just what powertrains will make their way to North America, though a diesel remains a distinct possibility. The base X1 sDrive18d achieves an average of 45.2 US mpg combined, according to BMW. In Europe, the X1 will be offered with three diesels, ranging from the 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 143 horsepower and 236 lb-ft. of torque to a 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 204 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque.
In Europe, the X1 will receive the auto start-stop technology used in the 3-Series and in various Mini models. It marks the first time that BMW will use the technology in one of its crossovers.
A platform mate to the Mini Crossman, the new X1 takes design cues from across the BMW lineup. The taillights resemble those of the facelifted 3-Series, while the grille reminds us of the redesigned 7-Series. The headlights are angular and unique, and the foglights are positioned relatively high on the front fascia. The upward sweeping shoulder line and sloped rear window give the impression of an X6-like rear, despite a relatively conventional storage area.
The X1 will go on sale in Europe later this year, as early as September in the German market, and it will make its first show appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
09/15, 8:12 AM
posted by:
ChuckTown86
BMW is starting to confuse me. Does the X5 compete more with the GL or the ML. Does the X5 also compete with the Q7? The X3 competes with the GLK and Q5, right? So the X1 would compete with what? I am all for being the leader of making new segments but this is getting out of hand. IMO the X1 makes the 3-series wagon obsolete and the upcoming 5-series GT not even needed. BMW what are you doing?
09/15, 8:25 AM
posted by:
cjwright94
I don’t see the need for the X1, to be completely honest. There’s already the X3 and X5, that X6 or whatever the hell it is, and other numerous ‘CUVs’. What happened to having a normal vehicle lineup?
09/15, 8:57 AM
posted by:
AutoCritical
Yeah, its all a bit confusing with the model choices. Having seen the EffecientDynamics concept, i cant wait to see it’s influences on future X models. On the X1, there are some nice lines that are very cool (possible influences from the concept car being in the same studio?), it does make the X1 ‘different’ – and I think its a ‘good different’ – Some of these cool lines are pointed out here http://bit.ly/VGyfa
09/15, 11:04 AM
posted by:
2TellUTheTruth
Its pretty well executed in design; except for tha front bumper! Tha lower half of tha front bumper is actually f’n up tha whole design from ANY front/front-angled view. Otherwise from dat, they didnt mess this one up–apart from dat fugly lower half of da front bumper. Guess this would look off da chain w/ tha right aftermarket front bumper. [It should have been rounded inwards somewhat, from tha center of tha bumper on down.]
Good job though not messing it all up [n down].
09/15, 11:58 AM
posted by:
ktulu
Very cool
09/15, 3:47 PM
posted by:
TornadoGTI
Both the X3 and X5 will be growing in size leaving room at the bottom for the X1. The Q5 and GLK are both a bit larger than the X3 and the Q7 is larger than the current X5. Expect the new X5 to be somewhere between the ML and GL (just like the Q7). It will have a third row and all. The X6 is completely independant from the others. It is its own car in its own segment.
This X1 looks nice but from what I hear should start for around $36k. That is too much.
09/16, 12:23 PM
posted by:
Don
yay! more SUVs
09/16, 12:35 PM
posted by:
scratchy
cjwright94 , they need something to compete with the RAV4 or how it’s called in the US. the X1 is what young people want. not everyone has 3 kids and a dog. i will buy a X1 when it comes out. i travel a lot on gravel roads and like going to a lake on weekends. i don’t need and i don’t want a big gas guzzler . i want something agile that’s good on tarmac, gravel, grass and snow.
09/16, 12:36 PM
posted by:
scratchy
Don , this is a SAV , not a SUV.
09/16, 2:27 PM
posted by:
CiNO
Is it a Hatch? hmm not so sure. I’m surprised by BMW again,like I was with X6.
09/18, 12:52 AM
posted by:
Flipper
The white one from the front = Pontiac Vibe. Otherwise By far, IMHO, the Best BMW interior in years.
09/18, 1:33 AM
posted by:
AlchemicalReaction
They completely ****ed up the front end. It looks like a scotty dog! overall I think the overhangs are too substantial and don’t match the proportions from the original design. It’s too much of a wagon rather then a crossover. And they completely failed with the front bumper. It’s hideous.