BMW X1 interest grows ahead of Australian launch

By Matt Brogan | November 18th, 2009

BMW says interest in its new X1 baby soft-roader has been high despite the fact that the car doesn’t arrive in Australia for another six months.

BMW Australia general manager of marketing, Tom Noble, said more than 1000 people have registered for information ahead of its launch.

“That’s a lot higher than we expected at this early stage, and it’s possibly an indication that the X1 is generating a lot of interest among its chief target groups,” he said.

The X1 is built on the same platform as the 3 Series and has similar dimensions to the Volvo XC60, which suggests pricing may start at low $50,000s, under-cutting the base X3 at $62,200.

The XC60 was Volvo’s most popular car in October, selling 92 units, suggesting that the premium compact segment is a growing one.

The five X1 models available overseas each come with a different engine and unique combinations of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, petrol or diesel, and manual or automatic transmission.

But Australia is expected to start with just two models and they will both be all-wheel drives and diesels.

The 130kW/350Nm xDrive20d will come with the choice of six-speed gearboxes, hits 100km/h in 8.4 seconds, uses just 5.8 litres/100km and emits 153g/km CO2.

The higher-spec, auto-only xDrive23d packs 20 more kilowatts and 50 more Newton-metres of torque, slashing the sprint time by over a second while still managing 6.3-litres/100km and CO2 outputs of 167g/km.

BMW is also considering a 1.8-litre diesel for the X1, but its introduction will depend on the car’s success following its launch in April next year.

by Tim Beissmann

Mitch

lower it and youve got a cool looking wagon.
Alex

No surprise. I’m sure there’ll be comments left here complaining about it being ugly pointless and stupid, but at the end of the day, this is a car that will suit many people perfectly. Obvioisly the badge helps, but it seems to be well priced and practical and it’s getting good reviews too. Apparently the driving experience is very similar to the 3 Series.
The Realist

I still don’t like the exterior – but that is a very nice interior for a $50K car.

Both Aussie cars will be eligible for the $75K LCT threshold as well, which will be useful if someone wants to option up their car.
Myke

It almosts renders the current X3 redunctant.

That brown colour is feral.

Baddass

You haven’t seen feral until you’ve seen the base model X1 (without the rear spoiler) in white. The rear is truly awful.
Mazdaman

the X3 will step up in size further away from the X1 (according to rumours)

Baddass

I saw spy shots of the X3 and it didn’t look that much bigger at all.

Chucky

What is the difference between this and an X3? Why is it cheaper?
Paul

The wheels / wheel wells look too small for the body really – it’s kind of awkward in a similar way to the Jeep Patriot (not the looks – the body/wheel proportions).
h man

i dont know what it is
is it a station wagon or is it a small off roader like a RAV4
for me its like a subaru outback a higher up station wagon
Blaze

I like it…except the brown paint job.

IMHO, this would be more interesting if they dropped in the 35i engine (and may be had a M-sports pack)…because heaven knows that we won’t be taking this thing off-road…
DILLIGAF

Better looking than the X3.

So when are they throwing an M badge on it ?
Hung Low

Not a bad little unit apart from that hideous grill, the brown in the 2nd pic looks good too. It will be goodbye for that overpriced X3
Love the interior and why would anyone buy a Tiguan over this?
Alex

Hung Low, many people will buy a Tiguan over this because of the massive price difference.

t39

Tiguan Diesel starts from 36K, compared to high 50s for X1, about 20K difference. Tiguan is likely to have a better ride (no run-flats) and be close for handling, steering, braking, interior, etc.

BMW australian prices seems like a serious rip-off compared to VW. Consider metallic paint option on Tiguan: $700. BMW: $1300 whereabouts.
Hung Low

Add a few options on the Tiguan and the price is not too far from the X1.
Add in the advantage of a RWD based chassis, better build quality, possibly more standard equipment and my point stands.