X1 BMW X1: CGIs, spy pics & info

[HighestOfHigh]

Comments are included in the quote -

Why buy a station wagon when there's an X1 SAV which has a more 'youtful' image?
That target market for this car do not want a station wagon because it has a 'boring' stigma to it. The X1's size isn't a problem because it's not meant to be a vehicle where you have 2 adults + 3 kids (it's capable of it, but the target market would rarely have such a family size). What you also have to remember is the upcoming X3 will be bigger than the current on... the new X1 isn't not a full-size smaller than the X3, it's only a few inches here and there smaller than the current X3 (so only half a size smaller)...while the new X3 will be a nice size between the X1 and X5. Yeah sure there's a little bit of overlap, but better to try and cover the market yourself than leave that gap for your competition to capitalise on.

HOH: A wagon with a higher ground clearence is hardly a "youthful image". It just seems unecessary IMO. The X3 is small enough and the next step below would be a wagon. Seems like BMW is just trying to force feed another niche product on to their customers. But if they fall for it, then so be it.


Oh boy... a vehicle the size of an X7 in a hybrid form..... can you imagine the uproar at a hybrid SUV of that size. We hear enough whinging about the LS600h and the Escalade/Suburban being pointless hybrids because of their size. To a point I agree that a larger BMW SAV would have worked because looking at the Q7 which is larger than the X5, it's clear to see that those who buy large SAVs just 'coz its bigger' would be drawn to a larger BMW SAV....but I guess unlike the X1, BMW feels the market size and ROI would not be compelling enough to give this idea a green light. I strongly believe this because BMW were thinking about an X7, but decided against it.... so that leads me to believe the marketing team weren't convinced that the model would be a success.


HOH: You all keep claiming that BMW has all this mind blowing technology behing them so they should be able to pull it off. Not to mention the X7 really doesn't have to be as big as a Cadillac Escalade. Mercedes-Benz GL is a perfect example.


Say what??? .... had BMW acquired Aston Martin then there might be a chance of a powerful SAV but not under the BMW brand.

HOH: LLS I love that BMW has their fans falling that "SAV" BS instead of what it actually is an SUV. Then again their are some Benz fans who feel the CLS is really a coupe instead of a sedan. On another note, BMW doesn't need Aston Martin to pull off a V10. If that's the case, what the hell is under the M5 hood???

 

[Beemer B773ER]

HOH: A wagon with a higher ground clearence is hardly a "youthful image". It just seems unecessary IMO. The X3 is small enough and the next step below would be a wagon. Seems like BMW is just trying to force feed another niche product on to their customers. But if they fall for it, then so be it.

Seriously HoH, higher ground clearance isn't the only difference. With your thinking the X1 or even X3 are the same as a Subaru Outback. I know you don't like the X1, but I think you're more capable of understanding what I mean when I say a SUV/SAV/S-whatever-V doesn't have the boring image that station-wagons now possess. It's no wonder that many manufacturers have replaced their wagons models for crossover or 4WD models.
I completely agree with your statement that X3 being small enough, but you have to remember that this new X1 is only slightly smaller than the current X3, and when the new X3 comes around, there will be room for a smaller SUV/SAV/4WD...but that room will already have been filled by the X1.
What you also have to remember is, for the US market the X1 might seem a bit small since Americans like everything bigger... but there are other markets (namely Europe) that do like more compact vehicles.

HOH: You all keep claiming that BMW has all this mind blowing technology behing them so they should be able to pull it off. Not to mention the X7 really doesn't have to be as big as a Cadillac Escalade. Mercedes-Benz GL is a perfect example.

I'm not doubting that BMW could make an X7 hybrid, that would be a piece of cake for them since there'll be a 7er hybrid coming soon enough.
An X7 would not be in the size range of the Mercedes- Benz GL, it would have to be bigger to make any real sense. The current ML is smaller than the X5, so in essence the X5 fits between the ML and GL models. In America, a vehicle the size of an X7 could work since there are some quite large SUV/4WDs here, but you gotta make the X7 work in other markets for it to be a financial success.

HOH: LLS I love that BMW has their fans falling that "SAV" BS instead of what it actually is an SUV. Then again their are some Benz fans who feel the CLS is really a coupe instead of a sedan.

Goodness knows how you get through in this world when you let such small things get to you to where you need to type out such soft-jabbing snide remark.
On another note, I hope (again) you have the understanding to realise why the M5 has a V10, but why a V10 engined X7 would be way over the top for BMW. The M5 is a performance vehicle, that instantly gives it the greenlight for such an engine...and secondly, the V10 engine had the secondary purpose of providing a marketing linkage between the Formula 1 V10 engines (not any longer) and the M5.

Honestly, I'm suprised at the low level of mental reasoning that you have towards anything that ain't a Mercedes. No one's asking you to like the X1 or buy one, but it ain't that hard to understand BMWs line of thinking in going ahead with the X1.

 

[martinbo]

X1 is not so hard to understand and BMW are making it really easy by releasing their own "spypix" of the X1 in moderate offroad conditions.

BMW are punting one message with X1: "L I F E S T Y L E".

As per normal model progression, the X3 will be getting bigger - close enough, in fact, in size to the first generation X5. The X1 is designed to spearhead BMW's pursuit of the premium compact SUV market - a size in the region of a Qashqai but with a more prestigious spec and price. An X3 will soon be the preserve of wealthy types only - it sits with some seriously premium pricing already in many markets. Interestingly, of course, vehicles the size of say, an X7, are deemed as grossly anti-social and irresponsible purchases by the majority of European buyers. A Porsche Cayenne is as big as it needs to be in Europe (and the whole world for that matter) and - guess what - it's getting smaller. That's the trend at the moment.

The X1, interestingly, doesn't muscle itself a niche out of nothing, instead, it gives the much vaster consumer base of young, hip, financially astute, healthy, outdoorsy types a vehicle with a modicum of get-out-there-and-explore ability coupled with huge dose of lifestyle image. So, for those looking to get out of their 5 door 1er and get into a wagon with more perceived versatility and sense of freedom than a 3er Touring - the X1 is their baby.

One of the easiest new BMW crossovers to define in a long time.

 

[Human]

The interior looks upscale!

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Comments located in quote -

Seriously HoH, higher ground clearance isn't the only difference. With your thinking the X1 or even X3 are the same as a Subaru Outback. I know you don't like the X1, but I think you're more capable of understanding what I mean when I say a SUV/SAV/S-whatever-V doesn't have the boring image that station-wagons now possess. It's no wonder that many manufacturers have replaced their wagons models for crossover or 4WD models.

HOH: Never said I dislike it, I just see no purpose for it. My thing is why not just by a 3 series wagon. X3 is small enough.


I completely agree with your statement that X3 being small enough, but you have to remember that this new X1 is only slightly smaller than the current X3, and when the new X3 comes around, there will be room for a smaller SUV/SAV/4WD...but that room will already have been filled by the X1.
What you also have to remember is, for the US market the X1 might seem a bit small since Americans like everything bigger... but there are other markets (namely Europe) that do like more compact vehicles.


I'm not doubting that BMW could make an X7 hybrid, that would be a piece of cake for them since there'll be a 7er hybrid coming soon enough.
An X7 would not be in the size range of the Mercedes- Benz GL, it would have to be bigger to make any real sense. The current ML is smaller than the X5, so in essence the X5 fits between the ML and GL models. In America, a vehicle the size of an X7 could work since there are some quite large SUV/4WDs here, but you gotta make the X7 work in other markets for it to be a financial success.

HOH: See your seeing the X5 and X7 as far apart. They could use that same philosphy their using on the size difference between the X3 and X1 for the X5 AND X7. Especially since they feel a few inches smaller makes no difference. An X7 will GL size would be perfect for BMW. Then again they always seem to do the opposite of what seems to be the best idea at the time. Judging by the 5GT thread comments that seems to be true with BMW fans as well.

Goodness knows how you get through in this world when you let such small things get to you to where you need to type out such soft-jabbing snide remark.

HOH: Where did I do that at?

On another note, I hope (again) you have the understanding to realise why the M5 has a V10, but why a V10 engined X7 would be way over the top for BMW. The M5 is a performance vehicle, that instantly gives it the greenlight for such an engine...and secondly, the V10 engine had the secondary purpose of providing a marketing linkage between the Formula 1 V10 engines (not any longer) and the M5.

HOH: If not a V10, why not the the 750 engine? Really there is no excuse not to build this vehicle other then the fact that the market for large vehicles isn't "growing" and gas prices. Thats the only reason I can see. Then again why do we need an X6. Yes, I like the X6, but like a lot of people on the road I keep here "What the heck can I use it for". BMW does what they want. I'm sure there is already an X0 in the works and they will find some reason to justify that.

Honestly, I'm suprised at the low level of mental reasoning that you have towards anything that ain't a Mercedes. No one's asking you to like the X1 or buy one, but it ain't that hard to understand BMWs line of thinking in going ahead with the X1.

HOH: Just because I don't agree with BMW's logic doesn't mean I suffer "Low level mental reasoning" in any aspect of my life. I am pleased with the 7 series, 5 GT, and X6 (Even though I feel it doesn't serve a "real" purpose, I still might consider buying one just for it's looks). It's just a matter of viewing some of their vehicles as unecessary "double-up". IMO the X1 serves no purpose, but to provide passengers with less space while charging a premium price.

And if Mercedes-Benz announced a SUV smaller then the GLK, I would say the same exact thing.

The Good news is I don't have to buy it. My Opinion is only 1 of of 6 plus billion people on earth so it really shouldn't bother you. Who knows...X1 might come out and do well and still might not take X3 sales. I'm just sharing my opinion of the actual "need" of this vehicle. If you think it's a real winner, then good for you.

 

[ree]

edit: Photos were just posted before!!

But I just like the new design!! Looks so much better and modern then the old old X3!!! And probably this X1 will sell like hell…

 

[SCOTT27]

Joy is what you make of it...

Getting closer. Days away...

Videos Posted by BMW X1: First BMW X1 driving movie. | Facebook

 

[Shining Star]

I have to say...BMW is smart to make an X1. There are so many customers who want a Bimmer but can't afford one, and this should bring lots of new customers. MB should do the same thing.

 

[Cnoddings]

Isn't that what the GLK is for??

 

[Mr Robert]

One size smaller this one...

 

[pvanasbroeck]

XI xDrive 18d

I wonder why we never see the dashboard I guess it's a beauty! After my Z4 sDrive 23i that I got yesterday(Black/Black) I will order one asap for my wife she loves beemers! Cheers

 

[Shakal]

Trunk:

 

[KokkenTor]

 

[Thaeschendy]

Here is another almost undesguised picture of the upcoming X1:

Looks good imo

 

[jack]

great looking car - can't wait to see it in real live

 

[tatoun]

Trunk:

This is not X1 but the next F20 1 Series.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Oh so the X1 is suppose to compete with the Infiniti EX35....Makes better sense now...

I still think it's still too close to the X3....

 

[martinbo]

^ No, HoH. Not at all.

Relative to an Infiniti EX35, the X1 is actually closer in size to a Golf. It's a fair bit smaller than the next X3 (which, as stated earlier, will grow to close in size to the first generation X5) and is designed to establish BMW in a compact, premium, lifestyle-activity niche.

So, the X1 is most similar in concept to a Nissan Qashqai but more upmarket:

Its closest direct rival upon launch will be the VW Tiguan:

It is smaller and less capable off-road than the traditional compact SUVs like Freelander 2 and Forester. But, it will be much sportier in town. It is the first of its kind - in a fashion; Audi is expected to release a Q3 as a direct competitor whilst the new gen X3 goes head-to-head with the Q5. Both of these are seen as bigger, more premium products.

 

[klier]

^ Spot on
The car is looking very pretty so far! Better than the concept somehow.

 

[EnI]

Originally Posted by shonguiz
It's really low.


That's why X1 is not really an SUV but more a sporty crossover.

(L x W x H x WB)

E84 X1 : 4,457mm x 1,789mm x 1,535mm x 2,760mm
E91 3er: 4,527mm x 1,817mm x 1,418mm x 2,760mm
E83 X3 : 4,569mm x 1,853mm x 1,674mm x 2,795mm

So, 14cm lower than X3 but almost 12cm higher than 3er Touring.

Other heights:
Eg.
Infiniti EX ... 1,572mm,
Nissan Qashqai ... 1,610mm,
Mazda CX-7 ... 1,645mm
Dodge Caliber ... 1,534mm
Pontiac Vibe 1,547mm
VW Touran: 1,635mm

So ... X1 is of similar size as Dodge Caliber yet with a tad longer WB (mainly due shorter overhangs).
Dodge Caliber (LxWxHxWB): 4,415mm x 1,747mm x 1,534mm x 2,635mm

So, height-wise X1 is indeed much closer to Infinit EX, than to Nissan Qashqai or VW Tiguan.
X1 even being 37mm (apprx. 1.5") lower than EX.

Although EX is much longer (+ 173mm) but its wheelbase is just 20mm (less than an inch) longer than the one of X1.

Eg. LWB Qashqai is also longer than X1, (+70mm), while SWB is 142mm shorther though.

VW Tiguan is just 30mm shorter than X1, while its wheelbase is considerably shorter: -160mm.


PS: eg. even 5er GT is higher than X1: 1,559mm vs 1,535mm (d=24mm; almost an inch).