Obviously BMW has not finished production for the X1 there are a few details that we have been privy to. The design will be similar to the X3/X5 models and will be given big wheels with a high stance and a “twin kidney” grille with geometric taillights.

Experts feel that the all wheel xDrive will become standard with a 3.0 liter inline 6 cylinder engine. The transmission will be the BMW customary 6 speed manual and optional 6 speed automatic.

The X1 will definitely be smaller than the X3 and closer in size to the Land Rover LR2. It will also be much lighter and therefore quicker. The downside to this is that it will have less luggage and leg room.

It will have a lower price tag and will come with the standard features. This will include; traction, hill descent control, antilock brakes, anti skid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags.

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However, they will be killing off the X7 because is does not have the ability to “generate sufficient growth”. The car was scheduled to be released in 2013. The MINI is now scheduled to the market in 2010 and the X1 will make its way to our shores in late 2011. Reithofer believes that even though the X6 is a current front runner in the market the X1 will take over and become a mainstream player.

Naturally many of us are curious as to the life of these cars and whether or not they will actually have a shelf life. Are they really worth buying in this economic crisis and recession that we are facing? We suppose there are many people out there who can afford it and won’t think twice about purchasing one for themselves.

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The front end of the concept car is equipped with a large nose that can be found on the 7-Series. If you examine it even closer you’ll notice that it is very similar to the X3 in terms of size and purpose.

BMW’s official press release goes into better detail of what it has been built with.

PRESS RELEASE

THE FIRST SPORTS ACTIVITY VEHICLE IN THE PREMIUM COMPACT SEGMENT: THE BMW CONCEPT X1

World debut of a concept BMW X model in the premium compact segment.

BMW, the founder of the Sports Activity Vehicle segment, is consistently expanding the range of BMW X models.

Authentic transition of the features and design language typical of a BMW X model into a new class of vehicles. A concept study offering a clear expression of modern style, agility, versatility and premium quality through its design alone.

As an innovative vehicle concept in the premium compact segment, the BMW Concept X1 sets the standard for cool elegance, modern style, and variable function.

The BMW Concept X1 offers ample room for spontaneous mobility in many different ways, clearly reflecting the lifestyle of a modern and active target group. Numerous details on the Concept Car provide a clear hint as to the actual production of an appropriate series model within one year.

Exterior Design

Typical features of a BMW X model combined with elegant, sleek proportions. This alone gives the BMW Concept X1 unique character within the range of BMW X models as a whole.

The striking frontal view clearly expresses the robust and powerful character of the car by emphasising its sheer width. A floor protection element finished in a different colour gives additional emphasis to the wide track.

The BMW Concept X1 comes with dual round headlights cut off at the top in the typical style of the BMW brand, complete with a white-coloured horizontal cover at the top edge. The position of the headlights and foglamps brings back the three-eye face of other BMW X models.

Six contour lines and the three-dimensional shape define the surface design of the engine compartment lid emanating a strong feeling of dynamic performance. The inner lines taper out sharply to the front towards the BMW kidney grille, the outer lines continue into the shoulder contours at the side.

Through its centre of gravity visibly positioned right in the middle, the small distance between the front axle and the steering wheel, and the almost square contours of the wheel cutouts, the side view of the BMW Concept X1 draws a clear parallel to other BMW X models. Black body surrounds made of a special, robust synthetic material highlight the clear orientation towards the wheels. The sturdy, silver-coloured roof railing extends far to the rear, determining the course of the roofline together with the spoiler at the back.

Characteristic rear end with L-shaped rear light clusters ensuring a homogeneous light effect thanks to LED light tubes. Raked to a low angle, the rear window gives the BMW Concept X1 a truly sporting touch, the horizontal lines emphasising the sheer width of the vehicle.

As a special design feature specific to this model, three-dimensional surrounds encompass the headlights and rear light clusters and help to create the special graphics of the side windows.

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The two-door car is being called the X2 and is described as a “Sports Activity Wagon” instead of the usual “Sports Activity Runabout” that is often associated with the current X2. The X2 will have up-market materials, a wider track, and more standard equipment that will help to separate itself from the X1. 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-lit for production, the X2 is still in the thinking stage of the process. But if it does come to market, expect the X2 to reveal itself sometime in 2011 after the X1 launches in 2010.

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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.

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The X1 will go on sale in the fourth quarter on 2009 and will be built based off of the platform of the 1-series and “will use the two highest spec gasoline and the two highest spec diesel engines from the 1-series,” according to a source.

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The diesel by itself can make up to 204 horsepower and 295 pound-ft. of torque. When you add the compact generator you can increase that power another 20 horsepower and 154 pound-ft. of torque. The power is spread throughout the car through the use of the eight speed gearbox.

BMW has also added a regenerative braking system, enhanced and aerodynamically 19” wheels, and solar panels that have been mounted to the roof.

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Top speed has been limited to 155mph, but 62mph can be reached in 5.4 seconds. Other engines include two diesel versions and a 3.0-litre petrol engine. This will be the third X model launched by BMW. Standard equipment will include part electric seat adjustment, 6.5-inch colour display screen with iDrive controller, two-zone climate control and ISOFIX child seat attachments in the rear.

The xDrive50i also gets 19-inch alloy wheels, self-levelling rear suspension, angular exhaust tailpipes, a redesigned kidney grille and side window surround, and Nevada leather interior. The X6 will be launched in May 2008, with the xDrive50i version released at a later date.

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The problem involves the engine’s electronic control unit, when temperatures are below freezing and humidity is low, according to a NHTSA defect report. Under those conditions, an electrostatic discharge can occur at pipes that deliver fuel to the engine’s injectors, causing the control unit to malfunction.

Dealers in the areas will fix the problem by grounding cables into the engine compartment of the vehicle. All maintenance will be done free of charge. The only vehicles affected are the 550I and 650I from model years 2006 and 2007, and the X5 from 2007.

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“We have increased our sales target by 200 cars, buoyed by the encouraging market response,” BMW India president, Peter Kronschnabl told media here on Monday. The German premium car-maker started its India operations in March this year with a plant in Chennai. It had set a target of 1,000 cars to be sold in six cities in the country.

“Last year, the total car sales in India was estimated at 14 lakh, which is expected to go up to 30 lakh in 2015. About 3,500 premium cars were sold in 2006 and this year, the figure is expected to touch 5,000,” Kronschnabl said. By 2012, premium car sales in India are expected to touch 10,000, he added.

In keeping with the revised sales target, the company is increasing its geographical footprint within the country as it plans to make its cars available in 4 more cities apart from the existing six that it is present in. BMW India would be looking to do business in Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Kochi, Kronschnabl said. Presently, its sales operations are restricted to Mumbai, Chandigarh, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore.

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