BMW X1 due here early 2010
July 2, 2009 by Matt Brogan
The BMW family of ‘X’ models will adopt a new member early next year when the youthful, versatile and efficient X1 joins the fold.
Suited to younger, urban customers the X1 combines purposes to provide another option to buyers in the premium compact segment.
Model variants as available in the European line-up include a range of petrol (one) and diesel (three) engines, some of which feature BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology, as well as a wide range of BMW EfficientDynamics features including Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start Stop and a gearshift point indicator.
Although details on local engine line-up, specifications, equipment levels and final pricing will be announced closer to launch, we do know that the European range kicks off with the sDrive18d. This rear-wheel drive variant achieves an average fuel consumption figure of just 5.2 litres per 100 kilometres and a CO2 rating of just 136 grams making it the first vehicle of its kind to emit less than 140 grams of CO2 per kilometre.
While at the top end of the scale sits the xDrive28i offering an in-line-six cylinder petrol engine that develops 190kW, allowing the car to sprint to 100 km /h in 6.8 seconds.
Cutting-edge suspension technology features a double-joint thrust bar or, respectively, an aluminium double-joint tiebar at the front and a five-arm rear axle in lightweight steel, high-precision power steering, high-performance brakes and ESC.
The body structure is designed from the outset for maximum occupant safety. Standard safety features include three-point inertia-reel seat belts all round, frontal and side airbags as well as head airbags at the side, adaptive Brake Lights and daytime driving lights.
From the front, the X1 retains typical BMW X features with a ‘three-eye-look’ and elevated fog lamps. The kidney grille is upright, the short hood is deeply sculpted and the rear lights are a reinterpretation of the typical BMW L-shape. The wheelhouses are squared and a steeply raked rear window highlights the car’s sporting appeal. BMW’s trademark ‘Hofmeister kick’ is also evident at the base of the C-pillar.
Luggage capacity can be increased from 420 litres to 1,350 litres thanks to 40:20:40 split fold rear seats.
The BMW X1 SUV will go on sale in Australia within the first quarter of 2010.
Print it: 
******PRIMO!*****
Very nice looking, unlike the X3
I think life has just got a lot more difficult for the Murano and that fugly Subaru of which i cannot even remember its name…….
Cheers
F-0
I agree – if it’s priced keenly it will tear the guts out of the market for the relatively unattractive Forester.
Is this meant to be a competitor for the likes of the Tiguan? If so, will this suffer from the same lack of luggage space? Liking the fact you will be able to get it with that engine too.
I like it, everything apart from the rear-end. The lights just don’t flow enough for me. Like the Tiguan/Murano, the boot is too small. 420L is really quite tiny, and makes you wonder how they could achieve such smallness (many sedans boots are bigger despite being half the height). The interior is quite nice (looks like the hot new Z4) and looks to be very high quality (you’d expect it for 60k!).
FrugalOne, how would a Tribeca (got it now??? Duhhhh) be an X1 competitor? Hmmm makes me think your knowledge of cars is quite low (especially considering you think Skodas are low-quality rubbish – and Kias are better quality – and that a Falcon UTE powered by LPG would be a better alternative to a Superb! It’s just not true) you have said all of this so knocking me back isn’t possible.
JAKE02^^^^
“FrugalOne, how would a Tribeca (got it now??? Duhhhh) be an X1 competitor?”
Easy and obvs. [well i thought so!]
1. Both are SUV’s.
2. Both are similar priced.
Re boot/rear space do you use ALL of it every single day?, 420L is heaps for that size vehicle, can always fold the rear seat on that odd occasion you need more.If not you need a larger vehicle!
Yes skodas are orphans and Kia are MYUCH better value and quality.
Yeap, Falcon ute is good thanks, still not happy with the amoung of LPG it guzzles “its normal” grrrr
Thanks for the “red” neg. votes!
Cheers
F-0
Another ugly BMW 4×4. The visual appeal simply isn’t there in the X1 in my opinion. It looks awkward and confused.
FrugalOne:
Tribeca: SUVs yep of course, yet that’s where the similarities end. The Sube is much bigger (that’s why it’s considered a large SUV) and you can get 7-seats. The Tribeca verses Territory, CX-9, Kluger, Santa-Fe etc in the marketplace. Not only is the X1 alot smaller, I’m sure that the Tribeca wouldn’t go up against the X1’s competitors (Tiguan, Q5 etc).
Last time I checked, my Octavia RS’s plastics on the inside are able to be pushed and prodded (this means they are of a HIGH quality) and yet when I sat in every Kia at MIMS 09, all of the plastics were hard and scratchy).
I’m not exactly sure as to what you mean by ‘orphan brand’. I think SEAT is more of a ’seperated’ brand than Skoda, especially considering that worldwide Skoda sells around 4 times more cars than SEAT.
For you to have knowledge of Skoda, you would have to have had experience with any one of their products. You have repeatedly avoided this question which suggests to me that, nope you don’t have experience with any Skoda. You cannot comment on what you think is right, because you are likely to be wrong.
Bootspace:
Nope, I wouldn’t use it all (the 560L in my Octavia would only be 2/3s full), BUT for a 4WD you would expect more. It doesn’t matter what the definition of 4WD is anymore (yep, it’s gone out the window), people buy them because they’re wagons (space) but because they’re so much taller/weigh more they’re meant to be safer…
There is no need to get so defensive, especially considering I wasn’t having a go at you, I was just questioning your view on the Tribeca. Tis all!
Jake02^^^^
“For you to have knowledge of Skoda, you would have to have had experience with any one of their products. You have repeatedly avoided this question which suggests to me that, nope you don’t have experience with any Skoda.”
Your correct with that, NEVER seen one in Melb., never been in one, no idea who sells them in Melb., to be honest did’nt even notice them at the M.M.S maybe they needed better looking girls on the stand? :-) [Thanks again Alborz for the free ticket!]
Anyway its good that your a big fan of skoda, all the best with that, i am sure they are NOT rubbish quality, not my cup-of-tea but looks like its yours, little known brands need to be supported too.
PS. Not decided on the Kia Cerato, jury is still out, might just keep her X Trail and be done with it, i think Cerato is still to close price wise to the Mazda3.We will see!
Cheers
F-0
Looks good, design will not date in a hurry, performance and handling will most likely be a benchmark. But, low to mid 60k for a base model plus add a couple of those exxy BMW options and whamo!! say goodbye to 80k.
What would you guys buy?
Q5 or X1?
OK – I think we’ve talked enough about SKODA of late.
Jake02 does have a valid point though. The X1 looks quite small & size-wise appears to be about Tiguan or even Dualis size, i.e. you shouldn’t be comparing it against the Tribeca as they are almost 2 class sizes apart.
SUVs’ “theoretical” main selling point is their practicality & you will find the boot & cabin space of an X1 pretty meagre when you compare it against the likes of a Tribeca or Murano.
I particulary wanted to like the Tiguan when it was released but deeply disappointed when I opened the boot to find it was almost the same size as my MKIV Golf! Look up user reviews of Tiguans & you will find several buyers who have only worked this one out after their purchases!
^ Pete, a guy at my work just bought a new X3, and he drove it out of the car yard (admittedly with a corporate 10% discount) for around $70-75K, with all the options. It just doesn’t make any sense if the X1 is priced in virtually the same bracket as the X3. Well, I should say that it doesn’t make sense to me anyway, but maybe I’m missing something.
Frugal One, this is a much smaller car than a Tribeca or Murano. It may be in their price bracket (or even higher), but that’s because it’s an overpriced BMW.
Size-wise, its a Forester (hear that Hal) rival, but it won’t compete for Forester customers due to its price. It’s aimed at the badge-snobs, where it will probably do quite well, but so would a rubbish skip full of dead cats if it had a BMW badge on it.
GT-R…….NEITHER .
A V50 T5 AWD Volvo thanks.
Hate all these SUVs we seem to being forced feed,where will it end ?
BMW is starting to lose its identity . The ultimate driving machine seems to becoming the Ultimate Luxury Marketing Machine…………..
Hal,
Oops, sorry mate, I ment 55-60k Starting point. In Europe word is pricing will be close to the 3 series touring.
Pete,
Fair enough. You’re probably right with that bracket. But like you say, add on the extras and it’s getting up there.
There’s probably no hope of it happening but I reckon these would sell like hot cakes if you could get them reasonably well-optioned for around $50-55K. I guess we’ll see, but I won’t hold my breath.
we all know BMW’s pricing policy
10 000 for the actual car
20 000 for the options of which you need most
30 000 for the BMW badge.
And this would be a base model 3 series. Imagine this with the BMW policy applied. Although its a wonderful car i doubt that BMW will be able to price it conpetitively.
Some interesting prices, in Germany anyway,
Base starting prices,
Audi q5 – 38000 euro
BMW X3 – 35000
Freelander – 32000
VW Tiguan – 26000
Rav 4 – 23000
And wait for it! BMW X1, 27000 Euro.
Not to bad hey. Prices from Autobild website.
BMW Australia are you listening?
Hey BM, you’re seeing the light. You’re starting to get on my waveband.
Cheers,
Capt.
hahaha , yes Captain ,those NZ waves have finally made the distance to WA shores.
I still love the X6 though :)
I like it ..should give the volvo XC60 and Q5 a run for their money …400L boot size will put it well ahead of Tigiun etc … I read an overseas drive review of the X1 and they loved it ..finally they have sorted out the ‘wood tyres’ [bmw engineer speak for run-flats], ride quality is now superb and hopefully this will follow down the line to next X3 (cica 2011 for Aus) and then future next gen X5 (around 2012).
In terms of pricing its clear what’s happening – they are targeting at XC60 and Q5, current X3 will continue for those that are basically blind until next (bigger and better) X3 comes through in 20111 in the likely $70-80k range. The next X3 I think could be the best SUV on the market when it arrives (powerful, stylish, more politically correct) – big call i Know ..but that’s just my opinion ..I’m holding out for next X3 ….bring it on BMW (oh ..and bring on the 135iM also as I’d buy it tomorrow if it was so!)
I guarantee you that you wont be able to get one on the road for less than 70k.
Also, what do you think the chances are that we will get the best engine offered here – the 23d twin turbo diesel….answer? ZERO!
And while we’re at it, why no 320d Touring in Australia? How about a 323d Sedan and Touring?
I’d much rather pay 70k for a 320d or 323d touring with the M-Sport Kit. I dont need a pseudo 4WD. IMO the 3 series wagon looks better, probably has a bigger cabin and equivalent load space in the rear and sitting lower to the ground would have superior handling. If they added the DCT gearbox to a 323d touring M-Sport it would be a damn nice car! But even standard auto would suit the engine well. Surfboards in the back, winding coastal road…yee har! And good resale to boot…
JJ
That rear wiper looks cheap, but that’s just my opinion.
Jimmy James, BMW don’t make a 323d, but I agree that the 320d Touring should be here. I think there is a chance of getting the 23d version of the X1 here. The only car BMW currently offer it in is the 1 Series and if they brought that here, it would cost about $60,000 on the road before options considering the 120d already costs $50,000. So that doesn’t make sense, this one does though.
Don’t guarantee anything, you have no authority to and they might just surprise you yet.
I quite like this. I’m not completely convinced on the styling but it’ll grow on me and it doesn’t have the same awkwardness that the X3 has always had. It’s also nice to see a compact SUV thats actually compact. I liked the X3 for the same reason but the X3 has always been a bit flawed. I think that an automatic 23d would probably tick just about every box for people looking at compact SUVs. Just as long as they come well optioned, but that’s quite likely in Australia.
I still think it’s a bit pointless but I suppose that when the X3 gets bigger this will make more sense. I wish them many sales.
Oh Dear, another ugly offspring from BMW, What an ugly face. The bonnet line meeting the front grill is an ugly carrying over from the Bangle Z3 ilk.
There is no coherent line or shape to be seen all around either.
What a shame, BMW used to produce some of a classiest styled machines that ages well. The Bangle legacy is still prevalent and dare I say will hurt BMW.
It’s ok to be different… just didn’t have to be ugly. It will be an eyesore on the road, just like the previous whale boot 7 series, whale 6 series, ugly child Z3, and the 2007 generation 3 series. Visual pollution. What a shame.
I actually quite like this for some reason. Would be first on my list if I were looking for a luxury compact SUV. From the early drive impressions I’ve read on this thing, it looks like the most fun handling and comfortable riding SUV Bimmer has come up with. Was really skeptical about this car when it was first announced.
So rumours are X3 will be around X5 size come next generation, so does that mean X5 will be bigger than a LandCruiser? It’s getting scary, I think the X5 is already abit big for what it is.
And yup fingers crossed for the 23d to get the green light!
GTR, thats easy. Q5 for sure!!!!!!!!!!!!