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Filed under: Crossovers/CUVs , BMW , Rumormill BMW has been aggressively expanding its vehicle offerings, and like most other automakers, crossovers make up the majority of additions. Earlier this year, team Bimmer added the X6 , and with the X1 concept unveiled in Paris, mild-to-wild CUVs seem to be the focus for the boys in Bavaria. Automotive News is reporting that the SAV love will continue next year when BMW unleashes the X4. Design elements are said to come from the larger X6, which is to say that it'll probably look like a really tall hatchback. The X1 concept and the production X3 are based off of the excellent 3-Series platform, and we're guessing the X4 will also don the sharp-handling underpinnings. If this is what BMW needs to do in order to remain the world's top-selling luxury automaker, we're not so sure it's worth the trouble. The X1 will probably sell relatively well, but it will do so with underwhelming sheet metal. An X4 based off the X6 sounds like...
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Filed under: SUVs , Euro , Crossovers/CUVs , BMW Click above for high-res gallery of the BMW X1 Concept In a move that marks a significant departure from its current direction, BMW will offer both all- and rear-wheel drive versions of its upcoming BMW X1 model. Up to this point, consumers have only been offered all-wheel-drive mechanicals under the skin of the BMW X6 , BMW X5 and smaller BMW X3 . The German automaker cites weight savings and gains in efficiency as the reason why its newest and smallest SAV loses its front driveshafts, but be assured that it's also a cost-saving maneuver as automakers squeeze to keep prices down. As the models will appear virtually identical from the outside, BMW will offer the rear-wheel-drive version with a special "sDrive" badge to differentiate it from the xDrive-equipped all-wheel-drive model (of course, you'll have to squint to discern the badge differences between a rear-wheel-drive "BMW X1 sDrive28i" and the all-wheel...
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Filed under: Crossovers/CUVs , BMW Click either image for a high-res gallery For better or worse, the BMW X1 "concept" and MINI Crossover are destined for production. BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer maintains that both models will do well in these economic and fuel-conscious times, but the X7 - originally slated for production in 2013 - has been killed due to the CUV's inability to "generate sufficient growth," according to Automotive News . The MINI is expected to hit the market in 2010, while the X1 will arrive in the U.S. later that year or in early 2011. While Reithofer admits that the X6 is a niche vehicle, he contends that the X1 has the ability to be a more mainstream player in the market. To which we ask: how? While a biggie MINI may be a contradiction in terms and execution, the crossover at least has some nostalgia and style on its side. On the other hand, the X1 doesn't seem to bring much to the table and risks cannibalizing sales of its slightly large sibling...
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Filed under: Concept Cars , Paris Motor Show , Crossovers/CUVs , BMW Click above for a high-res gallery of the BMW X1 concept We're trying to find some redeeming qualities in the BMW X1 concept , but after staring at it on the show stand and navigating our way through BMW's lengthy press release (after the jump), we're at a loss. Built atop the 3-series platform and likely motivated by a handful of gasoline and diesel powerplants when it hits the road next year, the X1 has all the charm of the X3 (as in very little), will feature similar interior dimensions to its lower-riding cousin, the 1-series five-door, and has to make due with the new 7-series' upright schnoz. The X1 isn't quite ready to board the failboat, but it's on its way to the docks. Gallery: BMW X1 LIVE Gallery: BMW Concept X1 Continue reading Paris 2008: BMW X1 concept Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Concept Cars , Paris Motor Show , Crossovers/CUVs , BMW Click above for high-res gallery of the BMW Concept X1 After last night's impromptu unveiling of the BMW Concept X1 set off Dan's gag reflex, the Munich-based automaker has released the first batch of official info and images of its premium compact CUV. Most of us here at Autoblog echo Dan's sentiment that the Concept X1 is an ugly duckling, with very odd proportions for such a small CUV. The front end wears the new swollen nose first seen on the new 7 Series, while squared off wheel surrounds and lots of pinched surfacing reminds us of what we didn't like about the Bangle-era of BMW design. We also think BMW's X line of SUVs and CUVs is getting a little crowded with the X5 and X3 recently joined by the X6 and soon a production version of the X1. We have to see them side by side, but the Concept X1 and current X3 look too close for comfort in size and purpose. Check out the official press release from...
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Filed under: Concept Cars , Paris Motor Show , Crossovers/CUVs , BMW Click above for gallery of the BMW Concept X1 If the BMW X3 isn't ugly or space-inefficient enough for you, here's the Concept X1, which is a lightly veiled version of the production soft ute you'll see in BMW dealers shortly. Yeech. We can't fathom how it's going to be that much different than the X3, seeing as BMWs famliy tree among 1 and 3 series vehicles is starting to look as inbred as English Aristocracy, but we're going to go way out on a limb and suggest that it's a little tighter in most dimensions while sharing powertrains. Styling-wise, as long as you ignore anything forward of the A-pillar, you'll be okay. It's largely standard BMW fare, just scaled down. We're not quite sure what happened up front - it's bad. From the visage that's evocative of the 7 series to the oddly shaped wheel arches, it just doesn't come together, and the way the proboscis sticks out...
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Filed under: Concept Cars , Paris Motor Show , Crossovers/CUVs , BMW If the overly contrived teaser video wasn't enough for you, there's now another image of the BMW X1 for those who care. There's not much to see in the teaser, just a very dimly lit shot of the vehicle that will slot below the pugnacious X3. A little Photoshoppery doesn't shed much more light, but it does make the profile more clear. When we finally see the X1 in Paris, it will likely resemble a stubby shrunken X5. No word on whether or not it'll drive like the supersonic aircraft that originated the moniker. [Source: 4wheelsnews ] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Concept Cars , Paris Motor Show , Crossovers/CUVs , BMW Click the image above to view the teaser video of the BMW X1 Concept Rocking graffiti styles we haven't seen on the street since the late 90s, BMW has put out a 40-second teaser video of a covered X1 Concept being unloaded from an enclosed trailer ahead of its debut next week at the Paris Motor Show . Our skateboarding, urban protagonist tags the letters "M," "C" and "X", using each letter to spell out some lofty buzz words about the X1's desired demographic, simultaneously stoking our curiosity and leaving us shaking our heads. Check the video after the break and stay tuned on Thursday for the official reveal, live from Paris. [Source: BMW-web.tv ] Continue reading VIDEO: Cloaked BMW X1 Concept is a hip-hop wannabe Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Paris Motor Show , Crossovers/CUVs , BMW , Rendered Speculation We're less than a month away from the official unveiling of the BMW X1 concept in Paris , but the boys from Bavaria are already planning a sportier, two-door version of their new compact 'ute. Dubbed the X2, this coupe-ish soft-roader will be to the X1 what the X6 is to the X5. The 1-series-based X1 is currently carrying the codename "Sports Activity Wagon" (SAW), whereas the X2 is known internally as a "Sports Activity Runabout" (SAR). In keeping with BMW's new nomenclature and styling, the X2 will sport different bodywork, up-market materials, more standard equipment and a wider track to differentiate the two-door CUV from its four-door counterpart. Powertrains fitted with BMW's Efficient Dynamics system will be part of the package, beginning with 1.6-liter four-cylinder engines, eventually evolving into mild- and plug-in hybrid drivetrains. While the X1 has already been green...
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Filed under: Spy Photos , SUVs , Crossovers/CUVs , BMW Click above for high-res gallery of BMW X5 M and X6 M spy shots Despite earlier assertions to the contrary, all indications are now that BMW is preparing its first batch of M-tuned sport-utilities, including an X5 M and X6 M. Advanced-stage test mules for both have now been spied by a keen photographer right here in the United States, at BMW's Performance Center test track in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The prototype X5 and X6 M have enlarged air intakes with white LED headlamps up front and aerodynamic rear bumpers with quad pipes poking out the back. The trademark M division side gills have been camouflaged, but the exhaust notes are a reported dead giveaway: the X5 M prototype sounding like a twin-turbo V8, while the X6 M sounds more like a V10 or V12. The appearance of the M-tuned crossovers on American soil instead of on the Nurburgring gives us an idea of just who BMW will be targeting with these performance sport-utes. Check...
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Filed under: Sedans/Saloons , Green , Crossovers/CUVs , BMW Click above for more high-res images of the 2009 BMW 3 Series Rest easy, torque-lovers, BMW will be releasing the diesel version of its uber-popular 3 Series sedan in the United States later this year, exactly on schedule. Because it's so late in the year, the Bavarian automaker will be labeling it as a 2009 model, leading some to believe that the 335d was not going to be coming until next year. Not so, according to BMW spokesman Tom Plucinsky, who confirmed to KickingTires that both the 335d and the X5 35d will be making it Stateside sometime in November after production begins in September. Both upcoming diesel models from BMW will use a 3.0-liter twin turbo oil-burner rated at 265hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. That's plenty of stump-pulling torque, but the best news could be the expected fuel mileage of 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway when paired with the six speed automatic. Gallery: 2009 BMW 3 Series [Source...
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Filed under: SUVs , Crossovers/CUVs , BMW BMW's chief executive officer Norbert Reithofer has revealed that the company has axed plans to build a larger sport-ute to top the range currently inhabited by the X3, X5 and X6 crossovers. Reithofer cited economic problems in the United States and Europe as the main reason for the cancellation of the program, i.e. sales of SUVs are dropping like a rock. Meanwhile, other reports suggest that the green light in Munich has been given instead to a smaller crossover to be based on the 1-Series platform, which would enable BMW to expand its X range with an X1 instead of an X7. Smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient is probably a smarter direction to head in these times than bigger, heavier and greater guzzler. [Sources: Automotive News Europe (subs. req'd) and The Hollywood Extra ] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Crossovers/CUVs , Hatchbacks , BMW , MINI , Alfa Romeo , FIAT BMW and Fiat have already announced their intentions to collaborate on a new small car platform that will underpin the next MINI, due in 2012 or 2013, along with the successor to the Fiat Grande Punto and Alfa Romeo MiTo. However, a new platform developed by Fiat and dubbed the C-Evo will be used as the basis for a larger MINI, due out in 2015. It's unclear whether the C-Evo architecture will underpin the MINI AWD compact utility vehicle, but according to Automotive News , the platform will be capable of housing both front-wheel- and all-wheel-drive powertrains, and will serve as the platform for the new Alfa Romeo 147, which will be released sometime next year. Fiat and BMW are also in talks to co-develop a new range of new gasoline and diesel engines, including a 1.6-liter four-pot and 1.2-liter, three-cylinder that will be used on FWD vehicles. The decision to share platforms and engines has reportedly been...
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Filed under: Aftermarket , Tuners , Crossovers/CUVs , BMW Opinions about the BMW X6 are split around the Autoblog virtual water cooler and this teaser from Lumma Design hasn't helped. The German tuning haus will be unveiling a production model of its CLR X 650 at the Paris Motor Show later this year, and much like the standard X6, you'll either love it or loathe it. What isn't up for debate is the CLR X 650's aggressive demeanor. If the nuclear mishap hue isn't enough to catch your attention, then the new fascia equipped with super-sized air dams, the side skirts, rear fender vents and revised mirrors will keep your wandering eyes in check. The whole package is slammed by 40mm over a set of 23-inch bespoke black rolling stock, while the interior is expected to get a color-matched instrument panel, aluminum pedals and a new steering wheel. Even those of us partial to the X6's proportions aren't convinced that Lumma is doing the SAV concept right. But we have to...
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Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show , Crossovers/CUVs , BMW The BMW Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS or possibly V5 ) is on its way, whether the world wants it or needs it. According to Auto Motor und Sport , the 5-series based sedan will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009, and is expected to be very reminiscent of the recently released X6, with plummeting C- and D-pillars, a hatchback, a higher ride height (think Audi's Allroad) and measuring in at approximately 4.9 meters (192 inches), about an inch longer than the X6. There's no indication about which markets the PAS will be sold in when it arrives in late 2009 or early 2010, but it's safe to assume that the success of the X6 will be a factor in the PAS' distribution. [Source: Auto Motor und Sport via Autotelegraaf via Egmcartech ] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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