Today, we have some new photos of the same color, this time featured on the BMW X1. Introduced last year, the BMW X1 Sports Activity Vehicle replaced the X3 as the entry-level model in the premium mid-compact SUV segment. Launched initially in Europe,, the BMW X1 is coming to the North American market in early 2011 with a variety of engines and options.

For the U.S., BMW will introduce the 28i and 35i models, in a rear-wheel drive and xDrive configuration. While there is no confirmation on a diesel engine, we certainly expect to see one of the award winning diesel turbos coming across the ocean.

Despite initial criticism and less-flattering reviews from Jeremy Clarkson himself, BMW’s CEO Norbert Reithofer, confirmed once again the success of this new X-model and the breakthrough into a new segment that focuses on a younger demographic, highly active, but still appreciative of performance.

“The BMW X1 has significantly exceeded even our own ambitious expectations: Since its introduction last fall, we have delivered more than 36,000 units to customers. “Among these customers are plenty of younger people for whom BMW was not a serious option before.”

The X1 is part of the latest BMW design language and some design cues are imported from the new 7 or 5 GT.

For the U.S., BMW will introduce the 28i and 35i models, in a rear-wheel drive and xDrive configuration. While there is no confirmation on a diesel engine, we certainly expect to see one of the award winning diesel turbos coming across the ocean, most likely, the 2.0 liter turbo diesel that powers the xDrive23d model in Europe or the 123d.

In a statement to stakeholders released yesterday, BMW’s CEO Norbert Reithofer, confirmed once again the success of this new X-model and the breakthrough into a new segment that focuses on a younger demographic, highly active, but still appreciative of performance.

“The BMW X1 has significantly exceeded even our own ambitious expectations: Since its introduction last fall, we have delivered more than 36,000 units to customers. “Among these customers are plenty of younger people for whom BMW was not a serious option before.”

The Joy campaign proved to be quite successful in reaching out tho this younger demographic and the use of the powerful social media certainly played an important role.

If the X1 continues up this ascending slope, it could certainly become one of the most successful Sports Activity Vehicles designed by BMW.

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

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 ]

The BMW X1 is available with choice of a 6-cylinder petrol engine and three 4-cylinder diesel power plants. Here again, AC Schnitzer is setting totally new standards for driving pleasure in the premium compact segment. The BMW X1 xDrive23d has been upgraded from a 150 kW/204 HP diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo and Common Rail injection to 240 HP. The 2.0 d and 1.8 d units in the BMW X1 also feature Common Rail injection and a turbocharger, and with the AC Schnitzer tuning package achieve 210 and 171 HP respectively. Naturally, the power upgrades are available for both the sDrive and xDrive versions. The AC Schnitzer engine styling including capacity logo is available for vehicles with and without performance upgrade.

Acoustically, the sporting driving experience is enhanced by the AC Schnitzer sports rear silencer for the petrol BMW X1 xDrive 28i. Visual elegance is provided by the chromed “Racing” tailpipe trim which is also available for all other models.

The superb driving behaviour of the BMW X1 with its focus on agility, precision and handling is the direct result of the sophisticated suspension technology used on the extremely solid body structure. AC Schnitzer has built on this and with its suspension spring kit and an aluminium strut brace, ensures the perfect balance between sporting performance and driving comfort.

The AC Schnitzer aerodynamics package is far more than mere decoration, although it harmonises effectively in the overall concept. The front spoiler and rear skirt extension, in combination with the rear roof spoiler, improve downforce and ensure additional ground adhesion. Engine bay venting is optimised by the AC Schnitzer Bonnet Vents. These are enhanced further with chromed centre webs available as an option. In aesthetic terms, the AC Schnitzer aerodynamic conversion emphasises the expressive styling and reveals to the observer on first glance the universal sporting ambitions of the AC Schnitzer BMW X1.

Impressive design elements also lend a sporting and youthful note to the interior of the AC Schnitzer BMW X1. These elements include silver “Exclusiv” carbon interior trim, illuminated leather gear knob, aluminium gear knobs with or without digital gear display, “Black Line” aluminium cover for the i-Drive system controller, aluminium handbrake handle and pedal set, foot rests and velours foot mats.

The finishing touch comes from a set of attractive wheels, so the BMW X1 retains its stylish appearance not only on twisty or changing terrain, but also outside a fashionable cafe. An ideal choice is the brand-new Type VIII wheel in 19″. The new wheel with its 5 double spokes in BiColor Finish is an evolution of the well-known Type VI wheel, and complements perfectly the styling language of the BMW X1. AC Schnitzer Type IV wheels in silver or in BiColor in 18, 19 or 20 inch, together with the Type VI rim in 18″, complete the range available for the BMW X1.

[Source: AC Schnitzer ]

Our other sister blog, BMWBLOG.ro had the opportunity to attend the BMW xDrive tour, an event taking place across Europe where a large fleet of xDrive vehicles are being made available to customers and selected media.

The event focuses on driving situations in heavy snow, both uphill and downhill, and also car handling in challenging situations. The fleets consists of the popular BMW X5 and X6 models, along with the latest addition to the X family: BMW X1.

While the X5 and X6’s snow capabilities have been demonstrated before, the X1 is fairly new to this challenge and BMW wanted to take this opportunity to showcase its somewhat offroad handling. The X1 sits closer to the road than its “bigger brothers”, so a snow covered road will present bigger challenges, but was the X1 one able to overcome this, despite the less experienced drivers behind the wheel?

Let’s have a look.

P.S. All we want to add to this is that we wish we would have this kind of events in the U.S. and truly experiment the xDrive technology.

[Photos and Video by Gabriela P. | Event by BMW Romania]

With their typical fun-to-drive qualities, superior all-wheel-drive technology and powerfully expressive styling, the BMW X models occupy a position all their own in their respective classes.

The unique attractions of this concept, now successfully established in four different market segments, received further confirmation recently with an excellent showing in the latest readers’ poll by the German magazine Off Road. The BMW X5 was voted “Off-Roader of the Year” in the “Luxury SUV” category, while the BMW X1 and BMW X6 came first and second in the “Crossover” category and the BMW X3 took second place in the “SUV” category.

Topping off this strong result was a special award for the newest arrival in the BMW X family – with its launch countdown already under way, the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 took the Eco Award for its innovative powertrain. This first full-hybrid model from the BMW brand uses its highly intelligent combination of internal combustion engine and electric drive to maximise both performance and efficiency. These latest successes in the Off Road readers’ poll seamlessly continued BMW’s strong performance of the previous years. The “Off-Roader of the Year” awards, which are decided by the votes of an exceptionally knowledgeable readership, were first presented in 1982. This year readers chose from a field of 97 models in eight categories.

The BMW X5’s first place in the “Luxury SUV” category is a further indication that the Sports Activity Vehicle concept – a segment first pioneered by BMW in 1999 with the predecessor of the current model – is still a firm favourite. The combination of sporty on-road handling and surefooted off-road traction was a hit right from the start. With its intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel drive, powerful and efficient engines and an interior which is both flexible and luxuriously equipped, the current BMW X 5 is doing even more to set the standards in its class.

In the “Crossover” category, first and second places both went to BMW. After some internal jockeying, last year’s winner, the BMW X6, was beaten into second place by its brand sibling the X1, which was launched on the market just five months ago. The X1’s concept – which extends the hallmark fun-to-drive qualities of a BMX X model to the premium compact segment – was instantly voted into the number one spot by Off Road’s readers. The BMW X1 impresses with its sporty handling, versatile interior and unrivalled efficiency for a vehicle in this category. The most fuel-efficient X1 is the BMW X1 sDrive18d, which achieves average fuel consumption of 5.2 litres/100 km in the EU test cycle. The X1’s outstanding safety standards also earned it the highest Euro NCAP crash test rating of 5 stars. In spring 2010, two new engines will be added to the range with the arrival of the new BMW X1 sDrive18i entry-level model and the six-cylinder BMW X1 xDrive25i. The X1 line-up will then comprise three petrol and three diesel engines.

Meanwhile, the appeal of the BMW X6 remains as strong as ever. The world’s first Sports Activity Coupé delivers typical BMW driving pleasure in a unique form. Agility, responsive steering, directional stability and traction have been taken to a new level – in part thanks to Dynamic Performance Control, a technology that made its debut in this model. While the electronically controlled BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system splits the drive in a seamlessly variable ratio between the front and rear wheels to suit the current driving situation, DPC performs the same function between the rear wheels. The BMW X6 combines its outstanding dynamics with impressive efficiency, which will be further boosted by a revised engine line-up scheduled for spring 2010. The BMW X6 xDrive30d will then set new benchmarks, with an output of 180 kW/245 hp from its six-cylinder in-line diesel engine and improved average fuel consumption of 7.4 litres/100 kilometres in the EU test cycle.

The original pioneer in its segment, the BMW X3 too impresses with still unsurpassed agile handling and surefooted traction on unsurfaced terrain. Its enduring popularity has played a major role in introducing new target groups to the benefits of the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. Second place for the BMW X3 in the “SUV” category reflects the high popularity the BMW X3 continues to enjoy in its – now substantially expanded – segment. This model, which has raked in numerous awards for its outstanding reliability and safety, now comes in a choice of three petrol and four diesel versions, with power ratings ranging from 105 kW/143 hp to 210 kW/286 hp. The entry-level BMW X3 xDrive18d boasts exemplary fuel efficiency, with average EU fuel consumption of 6.2 litres/100 km.

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 ]