BMW AG has risen back to the top of the premium SUV segment with the launch of its new X1. The smallest of BMW's four-model crossover lineup was designed to attract cost-conscious young buyers who want to be eco-friendly without sacrificing performance or the security of optional all-wheel drive. The combination of those factors has led to high initial 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. The X1's strong debut made it Europe's first-half sales leader among all premium SUVs, according to UK-based market researcher JATO Dynamics, which does not yet have European sales data for January-July. It should be noted that the X1 is the first car in what will become the premium small SUV segment. Along with being smaller, the X1 is at least 9,000 euros less expensive than the other premium SUVs in the segment. The X1, which starts at 27,200 euros (about $35,800) in Germany, will begin to get direct rivals soon. The Audi Q3 and Saab 9-4X are due to arrive in 2011. Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti also are expected to challenge the X1, which also will get competition from the Countryman made by sister brand Mini. The Countryman will go on sale in Europe in September with prices starting at 20,200 euros in Germany. U.S. sales begin in early 2011. http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100812/ANE/308119997/ Europe's top-selling premium SUVs Jan.-June 2010 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
Congrats BMW. :t-cheers: Though the explanation might be that the two cars are a class apart with the X1 being the cheaper/lower class model but regardless of that, it's still proof that there is a market for a premium brand to sell at this price point. Might explain why Audi are working on the Q3.
They share the Jumbo place, they have to at least the Q7 must be on the looser, I can't stand that car. Sad but true. Why didn't they make a serious GL rival insted.... And congrats to X1, one of the few BMW's I really like. Cool small and afforable SUV's out there. Can't wait for the Q3
I reckon you are correct, the American market is the largest of all SUV markets and there BMW are far stronger than Audi.
The Q5 seems to be trapped between the X1 and the X3 in terms of size but it is priced closer to the X3, at least that is the case in Australia. The X1 has proven to be extremely popular, I have seen a ton of them on the streets already, and it has only been on sale for less then 2 months. A lot of people must have pre ordered them.
I think you need to check before making such a claim because the Q5 and new X3 are near enough identical in size.
The cheaper, the more desirable. For a premium SUV the X1 is kind of a bargain and with the new X3 yet to hit the dealers the X1 is left to shine. This just underlines the importence of Audi to bring a Q3 to market and Merc a BLK.
Quite correct, both brands need their equivalent. Question is whether any of them will be better, I have no doubt they'll be more comfortly to be a passenger in. ukeface:
True, X1 selling more than Q5 is the same as the 3er selling more than the A6. Pretty logical.... HOWEVER, soon the new X3 will take over from the Q5 as well. And X3 will sell more than X1 in the end.
I have to agree with you. Though the X1 is cheaper than these two slightly bigger SUVs, it's only slightly cheaper, approximate to the tune of £4k and when specced this will probably drop to less than £3k. Most people looking at a top spec X1 will probably bypass it and chose bigger brother. I know I would, and the same will be true for the rivals.
I'm quite surprised to read these stats. I cover about 450 miles a week and I can count the number of X1s I've seen since its launch on one hand.
I see them everywhere and I live in a small city. And when I drive outside the city I see a lot more of them. Now my father want one.
I've seen a lot of them too Monster. They're priceds cheap as chips here, well relatively, and come completely bare bones. I guess people are just happy to be driving something with a BMW badge.
I think part of this is to do with it's relatively high price in the UK and it's overtly stiff ride which doesn't match up to our poor roads. I drove one shortly at it's launch here and thought 'that's nice and sporty', but it wasn't until I was a back seat passenger did I really notice how bouncy the ride was. I'm kind of hoping the X3 address this with the new model.
Good news! I will be honest, the X1's are expensive. Actually VERY expensive if you compare value to that of the F10 5er. The X1 does NOT feel premium at all. Believe you me the X1's seat base are flat, hard plastics and 'under premium standard' materials is cumbersome:eusa_doh: I know BMW AND what a BMW feels like. Also: 1) Car feels 'hollow' 2) BMW has to ask their money back from Rieter Automotive Systems that supplies "Rieter Ultra Silent" material for keeping outside noise at bay. It does not work OR they do not use enough of it. 3) Compared to a KIA Sorento the X1 is a rip-off, X1 does not feel 'special' compared to the Korean....well I have paid and signed...my mistake. ARE BMW AG LISTENING!!!??? IF you want to brand a product premium - produce, manufacture and deliver premium. Unfortunately in the X1's case Jeremy Clarkson's words are true. Quote: "You can put a BMW badge on a dead cat and it will sell". BMW AG's bargain of the century (taking PREMIUM materials and craftsmanship + kit into account) is the F10 5er....best in class quality @ bargain prices! (My X1 23d @ R550 000 / 523i Exclusive pack @ R490 000) The drive and engine of the X1 is 'real premium BMW' :t-cheers:
What's a Sorento? What the car is or can do is irrelevant to an X1 buyer. The X1 is priced like a 3er is therefore within reach of hundreds of thousands who cannot afford a proper BMW SUV, the X5. Although the materials doesn't rank as world class, they are decent and frankly the design is quite eye catchy and better so than the exterior of the X3. Nothing is more symbolic of wealth and luxury than a large SUV with a premium German badge.
