BMW X1 finally revealed

BMW X1

Shahzad Sheikh
03 July 2009

Here it is. BMW has finally released pictures of the newest SUV to enter the fiercely contested premium compact SUV segment.

Having released a blurry image last month, the new pictures come with further details.

Tell me more.

There appear to be three petrol derivatives: xDrive 18i and 28i, which we will be getting when the car goes on sale in our region in March/April of next year. A decision hasn't yet been made on whether we'll also get the 25i to slot in between the other two.

Rear-wheel drive variants will be sold too. In BMW speak that’s sDrive for RWD, xDrive for 4WD, all X1s being based on 3-series underpinnings with a 30/70 torque split in normal driving conditions for the 4x4.

Sensibly, as drivers do tend to wander off tarmac in this part of the world, we'll only be getting the xDrive four-wheel drives variants.

There’s the obligatory Efficient Dynamics spiel too. So all X1s get the basics (brake energy regeneration, intelligent ancillary management, improved aero etc), but only the manuals get auto stop/start – the first on a BMW Xmobile.

Does it replace the X3?

The X3 boasts very similar proportions (it’s 116mm longer, 57mm wider and 130mm taller), but the new X1 usurps its territory, pushing the next X3 up a segment.

And, no, don’t be tempted by a dealer desperate to clear old stock – the X3 is the worst BMW currently on sale. Being based on the latest 3-series both inside and underneath (and outside to a certain extent), the X1 promises to be a far finer machine.

What was that top of the range petrol engine we will get?

The xDrive28i is a straight-six gasoline engine with composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase, VALVETRONIC and dual-VANOS. The 3.0-litre puts out 258bhp at 6600rpm and 228lb ft from 2600-3000rpm. That’s good for a 0-100 time of 6.8seconds and a top speed of 205kph, or 230kph with optional high-speed set-up.

No prices have been revealed for the GCC market.

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Mohamed Abdel fattah says

Re: BMW X1 finally revealed
When I can buy the BMW X1 in Egypt? Reply

06 July 2010

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