X1 [Spyshots] First Photo's-US Spec X1 35i-XLine and Sport Line Model's

[Palbay]

First pic's US Spec X1 35i.The Marrakesh Brown is the X Line and the Titanium Silver is the Sport Line. Thanks. PalBay

 

[Palbay]

More Pic's. Titanium Silver Sport Line Model. Thanks. PalBay

 

[Palbay]

Last X1 Pic's.

 

[EnI]

I'm eager to see how well the X1 will perform in US market.

The X1 xDrive28i price incl. dest. & handling starts at $33,245 (X3 xDrive28i: $39,400),
and @ $39,345 for X1 xDrive35i (X3 xDrive35i: $44,500).

1. Will there be any cross-shopping with other BMW models?
2. Who are the primary customer targets for X1 in US?
3. Is a premium small SUV appealing for US customers at all?
4. Will wagon-crossoverish look of X1 be a hit or flop in US market?

Any thoughts?

 

[klier]

I think that compared to X3, X1 is way overpriced.

 

[Human]

^
Indeed very true!

Myself being well acquainted with the X1, this is a VERY subtle update/refresh. Nothing really 'screams' FL. Nevertheless it's more than adequate IMO.

 

[EnI]

I think that compared to X3, X1 is way overpriced.

So? The high price haven't prevented X1 of selling like hot cakes. Especially in Europe the car is extremely popular. My question was, how well will it perform in US market. I'm looking for American point of view here. From our American fellows who (claim to) know the US market a bit better than others.

 

[Human]

So? The high price haven't prevented X1 of selling like hot cakes. Especially in Europe the car is extremely popular. My question was, how well will it perform in US market. I'm looking for American point of view here. From our American fellows who (claim to) know the US market a bit better than others.

Maybe K-A can gives us more insight here. How does the VW Tiguan fare in the US market?

 

[EnI]

How does the VW Tiguan fare in the US market?

Tiguan sales are similar to the ones of X3 (~ 2,500 units a month) ... Although Tiguan entry prices are much lower.

Eg. MINI Countryman sales are about 2/3 of the sales figures above mentioned models, although the Countryman prices are more similar to the Tiguan ones than to X3 ones, of course. A bit cheaper yet trendy crossover-miniSUV Nissan Jiuke sells even better - ~3,000 units a month.

The question is what's the X1 allocation for US market, since the car is selling extremely well in Europe, even @ higher prices, yet production capacity is limited. And US not X!'s primary market at all.

But will supply even meet US demand? Eg. BMW may set a US max month limit @ eg 1,500 units, or lower. We don't know that. So sales figure not always tell the whole story.

I'm more interested in demand levels for X1 in US market. I guess it will be quite high. And sales level @ 1,500 per month sounds reasonable to me. We shall see.

 

[Human]

I will make a blind prediction, based on the figures given from the wide variety of crossovers you have given. If BMW set a US max month limit @ eg 1,500 units IMO demand should outstrip supply.

This is how I see it:

All three German automakers has a loyal following in the US, the premium connotation rings the same bell for Audi, M-B and BMW worldwide including the US.

Then the Yanks has a soft spot for cars e.g. (and what IMO will be the X1's competition in the US)







+ The Touring models on offer from Audi, BMW (3er touring) and M-B

 

[K-A]

LOL, BMW did it again, they confused me with their models kinship! The car I kept seeing in Europe and liked was THIS! I though it was the X3 all along, but upon looking at the new X3's face here on GCF, it didn't look so hot to me, I knew the one I was talking about was rounder and prettier.

I'm not a fan of small SUV's, but I think this one at least looks good for what it is. I couldn't tell you how good the Tiguan is doing here as I don't even notice them nor do they leave enough of an impression on me to be memorable.

Edit: Is this car even avail in EU, come to think of it? At least I think this is the front end I liked seeing in EU that I know I haven't seen much of, if any at all, in the U.S. If not, then I guess it had to be the X3, but that's not a face that entices me so much so I'm thinking it couldn't be it.

 

[EnI]

Yes, X1 has been available in EU since late 2009 yet not in the US. It's coming to US this Fall. Facelifted.

Btw, it's hardly to confuse X1 with X3. X1 is much lower, much more wagonish than SUVish ... it's more elevated wagon on steroids than anything else. X3 on the other hand is more a classic SUV, more utilitarian.

IMO X1 aims at younger demographics, not much @ soccer moms. It's more an alternative to a large hatch & to a wagon or to a compact crossover than to an SUV. Young females come into my mind. Although X1 in EU is quite popular among pensioners & among younger males as well. It's definitely a wagon substitute ... since stylish premium wagons are very popular in EU.

 

[Giannis]

Pardon my ignorance, but may I ask what exactly is a "soccer mom"?

 

[K-A]

Soccer Mom
A white middle or upper-middle class woman in her mid-20's to mid-40's with the following characteristics:

1. Her children usually have names like Zachary, Tyler, Kaitlin, Hannah, Hailey, or Dylan
2. Husband is a rather bland person that works as a family practice doctor, attorney, computers, selling pharmaceuticals, or other office drone.
3. Her children are always enrolled in at least 2 activities such as ballet, hockey, skiing, softball, and of course, soccer.
4. Favorite hobbies that don't involve her kids usually include drinking Starbucks, shopping at Kohl's or Old Navy, or gossiping with friends
5. Favorite restaurants are usually Chik-Fil- A, Taco Bell, Red Robin, and Chili's
6. Religious preference is usually Southern Baptist or Nondenominational Megachurch
7. They live primarily in California, Texas, Florida, Atlanta, D.C., Colorado, or Arizona suburbs
8. Vehicles driven are usually mid or large SUV's, Suburban's, or hatchbacks
9. Her children are either home schooled or attend a private or charter school
10. Her children are not allowed to watch PG-13 or R-rated movies, play any video games not rated E, play outside unattended, browse the internet without parental controls, or have contact with any adults outside of family, teachers, or coaches

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=soccer mom

 

[Giannis]

Oh...

Soccer moms are usually seen screaming at people, getting into car accidents, and breaking copies of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and refusing to pay for them.

 

[Human]

Oh, and then there is Victoria Beckham who help designed the prefect car for the group "soccer mom", the RR Evoque

How clever was that from the respected brand!?

 

[braaf]

I'm liking the facelift alot.