Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, SUVs, Euro, Crossovers/CUVs, BMW

Officially Official: BMW reveals 2011 X1, confirms sales in the States

by Damon Lavrinc on Jul 1st 2009 at 9:30PM

2011 BMW X1 - Click above for a massive high-res image gallery

As expected after this morning’s initial leakage, BMW has released a staggering amount of images of the 2011 BMW X1 showing the brand’s new soft-roader in every conceivable environment before it’s officially revealed at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

Along with the pics, BMW put out a brief statement (below the fold) confirming the X1’s arrival in the U.S. sometime in 2011 and its plans to offer both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive (xDrive) versions, along with “a wide variety of gasoline and diesel powertrain choices.” BMW won’t officially confirm what mils will make the trip across the Atlantic, but the automaker says the X1 will use its EfficientDynamics system and that one gasoline engine and three diesels will be available when the X1 launches in Europe this fall. Check out all 183 high-res images in the gallery below and expect official U.S. market information to be released closer to the X1’s launch in the States.

Gallery: 2011 BMW X1

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PRESS RELEASE

THE BMW X1 CONFIRMED FOR UNITED STATES IN 2011

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey – July 1, 2009 … It was confirmed today that the BMW X1 is planned to debut in the United States in calendar year 2011. The X1 has been conceived with the flexibility to offer traditional rear-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive configurations, as well as a wide variety of gasoline and diesel powertrain choices. In light of rapidly evolving US market demands, fuel prices, and regulatory standards, elements of the X1’s US launch plan, including engine and drivetrain configurations, will be forthcoming closer to the time of launch.

The BMW X1 will debut in Europe this fall with a choice of four engines - one gasoline and three diesels - and will be available in rear-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive configurations. The X1 will set new benchmarks in the premium compact segment for efficiency, comfort, utility, and of course driving dynamics. Achieving up to 5.2 L/100km (45.2 miles per US gallon) on the European test cycle, the BMW Advanced Diesel-powered X1 sDrive18d will provide remarkable fuel efficiency while still achieving a top speed of 200km/h (124mph). Each drivetrain choice for the X1 will showcase the latest results of BMW’s EfficientDynamics engineering strategy, which is focused to reduce emissions and consumption while enhancing the performance expected of any BMW.

There are eyesores and then there are EYESORES.

This custom-made Hummer H1 we found on Ebay must have had a cruel -yet extravagantly rich - owner whose sole purpose in purchasing this Hummer was to outfit it with an inordinate number of LCD TVs. How else can we explain this monstrosity of a creation.

On the outside, it looks like the Hummer was butchered and replaced with separate parts from an array of metal sheets that somehow ended up resembling a vehicle. If the vehicle`s exterior isn’t enough to drive you away from this monstrosity, the interior will most definitely will – unless of course you`re a big fan of ostrich leather dashboards and the aforementioned number of LCD TV`s that has somehow turned the interior of this Hummer into one of those military-issued mobile HQ units.

Now, of course, we`re not exactly demanding you to never entertain the thought of buying this car, but if you ever wish to be taken seriously by all of your peers for the rest of your life, use this one and only time to heed our suggestions.

If you browse through the Ebay page of the seller, you`ll notice that he said that over $185,000 were put into this Hummer to make it look like what it is now. But then you`ll also realize that the `Buy it Now` price only rounds up to $89,000 – almost a 100,000 less than how much he spent for it.

We`ll say it again, this is one bargain you`re better off not pursuing.

X finally marks the spot … for the BMW X1.

The wraps are finally off the German carmaker’s latest on-road and off-road weapon.

The X1 is due to arrive here around February with prices starting at $55,000.

It will be the fourth wagon in the X lineup, joining the bigger X3, X5 and X6.

The newcomer will share much with its larger siblings, including BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive technology and borrows its platform architecture from the 3-Series.

However, BMW is expected to offer both all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive versions to help expand the brand’s crossover appeal.

BMW’s ‘efficient dynamics’ technology will also feature in the vehicle, including brake energy regeneration, auto start-stop and a gearshift point indicator.

The X1 will be offered in Europe with a choice of one six-cylinder petrol engine and three four-cylinder diesels.

The European range will kick off with the 105kW/320Nm 2.0-litre sDrive18d turbo-diesel with rear-wheel drive.

Three all-wheel drive models will be available: the 130kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel xDrive20d; the 150kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel xDrive23d; and the range topping xDrive28i with a 3.0-litre petrol six cylinder developing 190kW/310Nm.

The sDrive18d has an average fuel economy figure of 5.2 litres/100km and a CO2 rating of just 136gkm.

The xDrive28i hits 100km/h in 6.8 seconds and has a top speed of 205km/h.

Visually, the X1 retains typical BMW X features, with a three-eye-look and elevated foglights.

The kidney grille is upright, the short bonnet is deeply sculpted and the tail lights are a reinterpretation of the typical BMW L-shape.

The wheel arches are squared and the rear window is steeply raked.

BMW’s trademark Hofmeister kick is also evident at the base of the C-pillar.

Inside the cabin is generously appointed.

The rear seatbacks can be folded in a 40/20/40 splits and the rear seat backrest can be reclined. Luggage capacity can be increased from 420 litres to 1350 litres.

The X1 measures 4450mm in length and sits on a wheelbase of 2760mm. It is just 19mm shorter than an X3 and has a 45mm shorter wheelbase.

The wagon will be built at BMW’s Leipzig plant in Germany.

A weekly wrap of motorsport from around the world.

Aussies on podium

AUSTRALIANS have had a huge week on the international stage. Ryan Briscoe, Mark Webber and Marcos Ambrose all grabbed podium finishes in Indycars, Formula 1 and NASCAR respectively. Briscoe’s second behind Dario Franchitti was enough to push him to the top of the points. Webber trailed teammate Sebastian Vettel in the British Grand Prix and Ambrose drove from last place to finish second at California’s Infineon Raceway.

MotoGP on Ten

MotoGP fans will get live free-to-air telecasts from next year. Network Ten announced this week it had signed a five-year deal to have MotoGP broadcast on free-to-air television. The agreement includes all MotoGP and support races, which will be shown live on Ten’s 24-hour sports channel, ONE.

Corser tanks

Troy Corser admits his World Superbike Championship round at Misano last weekend was a “disaster” after the Australian high-sided in the warm-up lap in the first race and finished a distant 19th in the second. “It was a good thing I didn’t hurt my shoulder, because that’s the side I fell on. The last thing I wanted was more injury,” he says. Ducati’s Nori Haga still leads the series.

Legends filmed

A documentary of our motorcycling legends will be be filmed at the Preston Motorcycle Club on Wednesday. The project is backed by Motorcycling Australia. Legends include Ray Stafford, Ray Reardon, Ray Johnson, Tom Abrahams, Trevor Pound, Maurie Quincey, Wes Brown, Ian Ibister and Bill Petrie. All racers and friends are invited to attend from 4pm. Go to prestonmcc.com.au

Coma after crash

Gold Coast motorcycle racer Blake Leigh-Smith was put in an induced coma after a crash at Sachsenring racetrack in Germany on Sunday. The 19-year-old sustained collapsed lungs and damage to his shoulder and ribs after crashing while trying to avoid a fallen rider during the German IDM 125cc GP. His father, Noel, says he believes Blake will be back to defend his Australian 125cc title in about six weeks.

I’m out on vacation until Tuesday morning, so here’s the open thread for the holiday weekend. The usual rules apply.

Possible topic for July 4:

What car would George Washington drive? Thomas Jefferson? John Adams? Benedict Arnold?

–Chris H.