Audi BMW

BMW X1 tops the Audi Q5 as best selling premium SUV in the European market. The entry-level X1 has been equally criticized and praised by journalists, some even called it rubbish, but the unit sales confirm once again the demographic market BMW has gone after: younger crowd, full of energy, people that enjoy outdoor activities, but drive in urban environment as well, and also, eco-conscious.

According to Automotive News, a combination of these factors has led to a high demand. Through July, BMW has sold 55,550 X1s. Since its market launch in late-October 2009, more than 64,049 X1s have been sold, the company said.

With the launch of the X1, BMW has opened a new premium small SUV segment. First rivals are scheduled to appear in 2011 when Audi will unveil their Q3 model, followed shortly by Saab and its 9-4x. The other premium automakers, Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti, are also expected to launch similar models in the near future.

The X1 currently costs at least 9,000 euros less than the other premium SUVs and will soon go head-to-head with the MINI Countryman, a vehicle with similar capabilities and expected to be priced in the same range.

At BMW, the X1 currently ranks fourth overall in the brand’s European sales after the 3, 1 and 5 Series models. Worldwide, the X1 is BMW’s No. 5-selling model, a ranking that should improve once U.S. sales start next year.

As BMW’s head of sales, Ian Robertson, mentioned as well, many customers have transitioned from the first generation BMW X3 which is being replaced by the end of this year.

Furthermore, BMW is seeing many customers coming from other non-premium brands, including Ford, VW and even Lancia.

In the U.S., BMW is expected to initially launch two models, X1 xDrvei28i and the twin-scroll turbocharged xDrvei35i.

1. BMW X1 44,067
2. Audi Q5 43,660
3. Volvo XC60 29,616
4. Land Rover Freelander 20,138
5. BMW X5 16,565

Source: JATO Dynamics

[Source: Auto News ]

And Mister Clarkson is back……In its usual language and writing style, Clarkson takes another stab at BMW and as expected by us, he is very much so against the BMW X1, just to put in a few nice words.

Not built for everyone, the BMW X1 came to the market to fill a gap, an entry level SAV that is highly fuel efficient, and that replaces the X3 at the bottom of the X-family. Not the most fun car to drive nor the most spacious, but with a defined demographic, especially in Europe.

With this being said, let’s see what Clarkson had to say:

I felt BMW might be able to pull off a bit of a winner, then. It had learnt some lessons with the woeful X3 and it really has got styling worked out these days. Plus, BMWs are almost always better to drive than any of the cars with which they compete.

Sadly, I was to be disappointed. First of all, the X1 looks like a Hyundai that’s been subjected to a thousand years of wind erosion. It’s dreary. And it’s much the same story on the inside, where you are greeted with lots of extremely scratchy plastic and almost no equipment at all. You want a built-in sat nav system? Well, tough.

Rigid ride? Seats less comfy than Ford Galaxy?

It’s very uncomfortable as well. The ride is much too rigid and the seats are very nearly as firm as those fitted to a Ford Galaxy. Which means they are hard enough to shape diamonds. That’s nice if you actually want to shape diamonds, but if you just want a comfy place to sit while you go home, the X1 won’t do.

Off-road work? Well, yes, there is a four-wheel-drive version, which should be all right on farm tracks and the like, but the car I drove was fitted with something called sDrive. That sounds exciting. It sounds like the sort of system Captain Scarlet would have used to fight the Mysterons. But no. For some extraordinary reason, sDrive means rear-wheel drive.

…but he likes the RWD

Now I like rear-wheel drive. Rear-wheel drive makes a car feel better balanced than front-wheel drive, or even four-wheel drive. It’s right that the front wheels do the steering and those at the rear the propulsion. It’s why BMWs always feel so proper. But I can’t see the point of such a system in a tall car with the engine from a canal boat under the bonnet.

And here comes the slam..1 out of 5 stars

It robs space, adds cost and means that if we get another snowy winter, you won’t even get out of your drive. I fear the marketing men have insisted this car has rear drive even though it makes no sense at all. The whole package doesn’t, if I’m honest.

If it were a book, it would have no plot and a stupid cover and it would fall to pieces in the sun. But it isn’t a book. And neither is it a car. It’s rubbish.

Now this is all fair game and clearly, once again, this is not a car for everyone and we have not yet fully embraced it either, but what we would really wanted to see from Clarkson was a comparison against the competitors, a far more logic approach before the guillotine is sent down.

Full article at Times Online

The BMW Group will also produce its X1 Sports Activity Vehicle in China in the future. “The BMW X1 could be one of the first products for our new plant in Tiexi in the Shenyang region. We are currently exploring this possibility together with the authorities here in China,” said Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG Norbert Reithofer in Beijing on Wednesday. The facility currently builds BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series models for the Chinese market.

Following the launch of the new 5 Series, a successor to the 5 Series Long Wheelbase version will also be produced and sold only in China. Production of the new vehicle will begin in autumn of this year. The Long Wheelbase version of the 5 Series has proved extremely successfully in China, with more than 70,000 vehicles sold since 2006.

In light of the promising opportunities for growth, the BMW Group will continue to expand its presence and its purchasing activities in China over the coming years. “We are confident that this market will continue to see strong growth over the next few years. Our goal is to participate in that growth over the long term,” Reithofer explained. “With our new plant in Tiexi, we will be increasing our production capacity in China to 100,000 vehicles a year from 2012 on. Over the long term, we anticipate the two plants having combined potential for as many as 300,000 vehicles a year – depending on market trends. We may realistically need this potential over the long term”.

The BMW Group announced that it would build a second production plant in China in November 2009. The investment volume for the new plant amounts to a total of 560 million euros; the BMW Group and its partner, Brilliance, will each defray half of this amount. Construction work is scheduled to begin in early June 2010, with the start of production slated for 2012. The expanded capacity in Shenyang will create a total of around 1,000 new jobs. 600 new employees have already been hired and are currently being prepared for their roles.

China is currently the BMW Group’s fourth largest market worldwide. Last year the BMW Group sold more than 90,000 vehicles in mainland China. In the first quarter of 2010, the company increased deliveries by 106% to reach a total of 34,179 vehicles. “China is, and will remain, one of the most attractive automobile markets in the world,” added Reithofer. In 2002 – before the plant in Shenyang was built and opened in 2003 – the BMW Group’s retail volume in mainland China was just under 6,700 vehicles.

According to the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), a total of around 478,000 premium automobiles were sold in China last year. The Association estimates that the market for premium vehicles in China will grow to more than 1.5 million units a year by 2020.

Resource-efficient production plays an important part in the BMW Group’s sustainability strategy and at the Shenyang location also. Through rigorous optimisation of its production processes, the existing plant in Da Dong reduced energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions alone by 12 percent and water consumption by as much as 40 percent between 2008 and 2009.

One of my personal vehicles coming out of the Munich gates in the past year or so, is the new entry-level premium compact SAV, BMW X1. Taking over the reins from the X3, the X1 is being marketed as “Joy” vehicle, a fun automobile that will attract a younger demographic.

Launched in Europe last year, the X1 is said to haves exceeded the sales projections and the feedback from customers has been on the positive side. The North American market will see the some X1 variants in 2011.

Continuing our run of test drive reviews, here is one from Motor Torque published a few months back which gives us a better understanding of what X1 stands for and its mission statement.

BMW X1 market

BMW say currently it is the only ‘premium’ compact Sports Activity Vehicle currently on sale in the UK although the Audi Q3 and the baby Land/Range Rover will be competitors in the future. Once the range has additional specifications added around 6,500 of them should be sold in a full year in the UK.

Owners of the current Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan , Ford Kuga and down-sizers from the BMW X3 are likely customers an but BMW think 65% of sales will go to conquest customers.

Just over half will opt for sDrive two wheel drive models, a pattern already set by other brands of medium sized, 4×4 appearance vehicles who are finding that two-wheel drive variants, because of running costs, are more popular.

The five door, five seat X1 certainly takes its styling theme from other X models in the BMW range but it is less obviously a bulky 4×4 or SAV to attract a car audience. It has a softer styling so as not to put potential owners off buying a 4×4 type vehicle.

BMW X1 on-road and off-road

The great thing about all BMW X models is just how well they drive on the roads under all conditions. There is none of the body roll, choppy hard and non compliant suspension characteristics.

Road holding, grip and steering is almost as sharp as most of their passenger cars. The X1 drives like a really well sorted sports estate, despite it extra height and weight.

During the first UK media test driving in the absolute top of Scotland, lashed by gales and high winds, the on road driving with huge amounts of standing water was safe and sure even in rear wheel drive form.

Add the xDrive all wheel drive function and the vehicle was even better especially when it came to long sections of rough stone tracks and very wet gravel sections such as you might find on a rally.

—–
For: Size, choice of two or four wheel drive models, softer exterior styling over a conventional SUV, brilliant on-road handling in all conditions, comfortable, relatively well priced

Against: Poor interior quality in places

Continued here

At the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer revealed that the entry-level SAV X1 would be the third BMW model to be made at the company’s China venture. BMW and Chinese partner Brilliance Auto already have an agreement on building the BMW 1 Series and a stretched BMW 3 Series. It is unclear if the stretched 3 Series will be the past rumored 3 Gran Turismo or simply a long wheelbase of one of the current models.

Earlier this year, BMW Brilliance stopped manufacturing the BMW 3 Series cars to expand the venture’s capacity and began importing the BMW sedans in large quantities to pick up the sales. The new factory will be coming back on stream soon for a new range of models.

In the highly competitive Chinese market, BMW’s X1 will compete against the Audi Q5 and also its “step-brother”, the VW Tiguan. All three models are expected to go head-to-head for the premium compact SUV/SAV segment.

BMW 3 Series and 5 Series sedans have been manufactured at the venture based in the northeastern Chinese city of Shenyang.

According to a report by Chinese automotive magazine Gasgoo, the stretched BMW 3 Series sedan will be launched in August to take on the Audi A4.

Before we let these speculations run wild, we would like to mention that no new information on the 3 GT have come our way.

[Source: Gasgoo ]

While the German ADAC office (the German equivalent of AAA) didn’t take an official position, the colleagues from OEAMTC Austria concluded a comparison test in Pedestrian Safety by using as a reference mid-size and compact SUVs.

The new BMW X1 comes at the top of this test and OEAMTC expert Max Lang says: “The Bavarians demonstrated responsibility and have invested a lot in the passive pedestrian safety.”

The X1 scores high in all the safety categories, but it particularly shines in the passenger safety:  five stars in Euro NCAP crash test.

In the evaluation of pedestrian protection, the BMW X1 has been compared with other small SUVs, including the VW Tiguan, Mercedes GLK and Audi Q5. The BMW X1 scored 23 out of 36 possible points for pedestrian protection, and shows a clear improvement over the first generation BMW X3 (E83). This model achieved only 5 points back in 2008, but the second generation is getting close to the launch time.

Responsible for the good performance of the X1 are the optimized shape of the front end and the use of numerous ductile and energy absorbing elements for body, bonnet and front bumper. The BMW X1 shows that small SUVs can certainly do well for pedestrian protection, despite the assumption that a smaller and compact cars achieve higher pedestrian safety ratings.

Competitors VW Tiguan and Mercedes GLK scored 16 points, respectively 17, but a big improvement over their “older brothers”, VW Touareg Group (7 points) and Mercedes ML (6 points).

However, the new Audi Q5 disappointed by earning only 12 points, behind the Q7 with 15 points and even the non-premium automaker Kia with its Sorento model scoring 16 points.

[Source: BimmerToday ]

The BMW X1 is already a thrilling competitor the world over – and now the range of power units ideally suited for the most compact BMW X model is becoming even more convincing and straightforward.

Starting in March 2010, BMW’s new all-round talent will be available in a new entry-level version and with an additional six-cylinder power unit: the new BMW sDrive18i is powered by a 110 kW/150 hp four-cylinder gasoline engine featuring VALVETRONIC variable valve management, the new BMW X1 xDrive25i comes with a straight-six power unit again featuring VALVETRONIC for maximum output of 160 kW/218 hp. This enlarges the engine portfolio available in the BMW X1 to a new grand total of three gasoline and three diesel engines.

The number of power units available as an option with automatic transmission is also being enlarged as of March 2010. The six-speed automatic transmission already featured as standard in the BMW X1 xDrive28i, the new BMW X1 xDrive25i, and the BMW X1 xDrive23d excels through its dynamic gearshift, a high level of shift comfort and a particularly high standard of internal efficiency enhancing the all-round efficiency of the vehicle as such to an even higher level.

Now the same six-speed automatic transmission is also available in the BMW X1 xDrive18d, the BMW X1 sDrive18d, and the BMW X1 sDrive20d. And as an option the BMW X1 sDrive18i may also be equipped with six-speed automatic transmission as an alternative to the six-speed manual gearbox otherwise featured as standard.

BMW X1 sDrive18i: sporting and economic entry-level version leading into the world of BMW X models.

Introducing the BMW X1 sDrive18i, BMW now offers an attractive and economical entry-level model also in the gasoline range. Sporting performance and efficiency are provided all together by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder delivering a substantial 110 kW/150 hp. To optimise the flow of power and the general standard of motoring refinement, the engine also comes with fully variable VALVETRONIC valve management, variable double-Vanos camshaft adjustment, and an adjustable intake system (DISA).

Over and above the sporting response and the free-revving performance so typical of a BMW power unit, this combination also ensures efficient use of the energy contained in the fuel consumed.

The four-cylinder power unit featured in the BMW X1 sDrive18i develops its maximum output at 6,400 rpm and delivers peak torque of 200 Newton-metres/147 lb-ft at 3,600 rpm, accelerating this agile performer from a standstill to 100 km/h in 9.7 seconds and providing a top speed of 202 km/h or 125 mph. In conjunction with the optional six-speed automatic transmission, the BMW X1 sDrive18i reaches 100 km/h in 10.4 seconds and has a top speed of 200 km/h or 124 mph.

In combination with BMW EfficientDynamics, the four-cylinder power unit featuring BMW VALVETRONIC ensures superior fuel economy and emission management at all times. Average fuel consumption of the BMW X1 sDrive18i in the EU test cycle is 8.2 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 34.4 mpg imp), the CO2 rating is 191 grams per kilometre. The corresponding figures on the automatic transmission model are 8.4 litres/100 km (equal to 33.6 mpg imp) and, respectively, 195 grams of CO2.

BMW X1 xDrive25i: superior and efficient power from six cylinders.

Benefiting from the second new engine now available in the BMW X1 as of March 2010, customers are able to enjoy the spontaneous agility of this compact BMW X model in conjunction with the supreme power of a BMW straight-six.

The BMW X1 xDrive25i supplements the top-of-the-range BMW X1 xDrive28i , with its straight-six gasoline engine featuring a composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase as well as double-Vanos and VALVETRONIC valve management delivering maximum output of 160 kW/218 hp at 6,100 rpm, together with peak torque of 277 Newton-metres/204 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm.

Apart from a reduction in weight to the lowest possible level, the unique character of this power unit is also borne out by the free-revving performance so typical of a BMW six-cylinder as well as the engine’s supreme running smoothness and refinement. And here again, BMW VALVETRONIC already proven millions of times the world over ensures particularly efficient use of fuel.

Featuring BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology as standard as well as six-speed automatic transmission, the BMW X1 xDrive25i accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and has a top speed of 223 km/h or 138 mph. BMW EfficientDynamics combines this sporting performance with optimised fuel economy and emission management, the BMW X1 xDrive25i averaging fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of just 9.3 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 30.4 mpg imp) and providing a CO2 emission rating of 217 grams per kilometre.

Efficient combination: four-cylinder diesel and six-speed automatic transmission. Starting in March 2010, the six-speed automatic transmission already featured as standard on the six-cylinder models and the BMW X1 xDrive23d will also be available as an option on the BMW X1 xDrive18d, the BMW X1 sDrive18d, and the BMW X1 sDrive20d. This combines the comfort of an automatic transmission allowing manual selection of gears through Steptronic with all versions of BMW’s compact X model.

The BMW X1 xDrive18d with automatic transmission accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 10.3 seconds, the BMW X1 sDrive18d completes the same exercise in 9.9 seconds, and the BMW X1 sDrive20d takes just 8.3 seconds to reach 100 km/h. Top speed is 195 km/h (121 mph) in the BMW X1 xDrive18d, 200 km/h (124 mph) with the BMW X1 sDrive18d, and 218 km/h (135 mph) in the BMW X1 sDrive20d, that is the same as with the manual gearbox models.

The superior efficiency of the automatic transmission is borne out clearly by the impressive average fuel consumption and CO2 emission ratings established in the EU test cycle: 6.2 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 45.6 mpg imp) and 164 grams per kilometre on the BMW X1 xDrive18d, 5.9 litres/100 km (equal to 47.9 mpg imp) and 155 grams per kilometre on both the BMW X1 sDrive18d and the BMW X1 sDrive20d.

The BMW X1: unique driving pleasure, outstanding safety, exemplary efficiency.

The BMW X1 is the first premium vehicle of its kind to offer the driving pleasure so characteristic of a BMW X model in the compact segment. Built since September 2009 at BMW Plant Leipzig and winning a range of prizes and awards immediately after its successful launch into the market, the BMW X1 once again proves BMW’s superior competence in the development of thrilling and, at the same time, up-to-date vehicle concepts.

The BMW X1 stands out through its dynamic handling, versatile interior, a standard of efficiency quite unparalleled in a vehicle of this kind, and supreme safety already confirmed by the maximum score of five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test.

The uncompromising premium character of the BMW X1 is clearly confirmed by supreme quality of finish and a high standard of features and equipment. The options available on the BMW X1, quite unique in this segment, include navigation and audio systems masterminded by BMW iDrive as well as BMW ConnectedDrive with its driver assistance systems and services.

The range of paintwork colours is also being extended, the BMW X1 is now available not only in the wide range of colours already featured, but also in Space Grey, Cashmere Silver, Tasman, Sparkling Bronze, and Graphite Blue metallic.

[Source: BMW ]

Another interesting comparison coming out of Germany: BMW X1 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLK and Volvo XC60. To spice up things even more, Autobild went ahead stereotyping the drivers of these three cars: the hunter takes the GLK, the driver goes for the X1 while the self-employed citizen takes the XC60.

The comparison begins with the height of these cars. The X1 measures 1.55 meters high, GLK 1.69 meters and the Volvo 1.71 meters. Despite the lower height, Autobild says that the X1 in-line with the other two models as far as interior space. The X1 interior comes with the driver-oriented dashboard, a different approach from its competitors.

The BMW X1 as tested is powered by a four-cylinder twin-turbo 2.0 liter diesel engine with 204 horsepower and 400Nm torque. The engine is matted to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Mercedes-Benz GLK also comes with a four-cylinder 2.0 liter diesel twin-turbo engine, same power as the BMW (204 hp) and 500Nm of torque; the engine is matted to a seven-speed. Volvo XC60 uses a five-cylinder diesel turbo engine (2400cc), outputting 295 horsepower and 420Nm of torque; transmission used is a six-speed automatic.

All three cars tested are four-wheel drive.

Performance wise, BMW’s entry level SAV takes the first spot, running from 0 to 62 mph (100km/h) in 7.6 seconds, compared to the GLK at 8.2 seconds and the Sweedish counterpart at 9.6 seconds.  Braking distance is also where the X1 excels, 35.3 meters from 100 km/h, 36.3 meters for the GLK and 38.1 for XC60.

Another points scored by BMW are in the fuel consumption test where the X1 comes on top: 7.8 liter/100km. Mercedes GLK comes second with 8.6 liter/100km and the XC60 is the least fuel efficient with its 9.0 liter/100km.

Since the exterior design can be very subjective and based on personal preferences, we’re just going to let you comment on the photos below.

See Twitter Opinions from Drivers

BMW’s Joy campaign continues with a new episode. The fun, dynamic and young BMW X1 returns with a Merry Christmas wish for all of us and with some more photos of the entry-level Sports Activity Vehicle that is said be have exceeded BMW’s sales expectations.

The X1 was captured during some snow drifting in the beautiful Austrian Alps. If anyone has ever doubt the sportiness, dynamics and snow handling of the X1, those photos should help its case.

BMW launched the X1 in Europe back in October and the U.S. customer will see the first X1 SAV in early 2011.

As the first premium vehicle in its segment, the BMW X1 makes a striking impression with its unique driving pleasure, versatility and efficiency. Now the compact BMW X model moves into the lead in the area of safety, too. On the current Euro NCAP crash test the BMW X1achieved the highest score of 5 stars. Subjected to a testing procedure which was supplemented with additional criteria at the beginning of this year, the new model put on an impressive showing with its comprehensive standard safety features and an effective system of vehicle occupant protection which covers different types of collision. Of the 12 vehicles which have just gone through the NCAP test, the BMW X1 also has by far the highest level of pedestrian protection.

With the maximum score on the most important crash test procedure in Europe, the BMW X1 confirms the high standard of the safety concept developed for the BMW X models. Its extremely stable body structure provides an ideal basis for ensuring that the passenger cell is subject to maximum protection even in the event of a forceful impact. The forces acting on the vehicle are diverted along the clearly defined load paths of the support structures and absorbed by means of amply sized deformation zones.

In the interior of the BMW X1, front, side and curtain head airbags protect both the driver and other travellers from injury. Likewise part of the range of standard equipment are the belt tensioners and belt force limiters for the front seats as well as the ISOFIX systems for attaching children’s seats at the rear. The restraint systems are controlled by a central electronic safety system which triggers the most effective protection elements taking into account the type and intensity of the accident.

In order to optimise active safety, the BMW X1 is fitted with the driving stability system DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) which is networked with the intelligent all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive. The precise regulation and extremely wide range of functions offered by the system, including brake assistant, cornering brake assistant and traction mode DTC (Dynamic Traction Control), ensure easily controllable and safe handling even in demanding situations on the road. This makes a significant contribution towards reducing accident risk. The standard equipment of the BMW X1 also includes a tyre damage display function which warns the driver early on when there is pressure loss in an individual tyre.

The test procedure of the NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) is regarded as one of the most demanding tests required for new vehicles worldwide. The Euro NCAP test is a recognised benchmark of crash safety by governments, automobile clubs and consumer protection organisations throughout Europe. The test scenario covers such accident types as the head-on collision, the side crash and the side impact against a steel post. At the beginning of this year more stringent testing conditions were introduced which also address a vehicle’s electronic safety features as well as looking at additional injury risks in a wide range of different collision types.

After analysing the test results, the Euro NCAP testers confirmed that the BMW X1 has an extremely stable passenger cell which provides extensive protection from injury for both the driver and fellow travellers, regardless of their height and seating position. The BMW X1 received a particularly high score in relation to occupant protection for children. The vehicle was confirmed as offering an excellent standard of safety in the use of seating systems for children aged one and a half and three. The vehicle achieved the highest possible score for the protection provided by a seat facing opposite the direction of travel in both a head-on and a side collision.

The NCAP crash test now also attaches high importance to pedestrian protection. The BMW X1 impressed the inspectors in this discipline with by far the most effective precautions of all the vehicles being tested in the current cycle. Here again, the BMW X1 achieved its lead by means of a consistently applied safety concept. In the design of the bumpers and engine compartment lid, yielding structures ensure that the risk of injury to pedestrians and cyclists is minimised in the event of a collision. The test report makes particular mention of the material quality of the engine compartment lid which significantly reduces the risk of head injury, especially to children.