SPIED: BMW X1 Tries Out M Sport Package

The idea of an M-Package is hardly fresh news for BMW as the Bavarian automaker has been spiffing up its normal production models with sports accessories for years now, the most recent recipients being the latest 5-Series sedan and Touring, and the X3 SUV. Next up on the menu is BMW's smallest crossover model, the X1, which went on sale in Europe and other markets in March 2010, but won't arrive in the U.S. until later in 2011.

As with other M Sport Package models in the range, the upgrades for the X1 will include a host of unique styling cues inside and out, plus larger alloy wheel designs shod in wider tires and a sports tuned suspension.

Read more »

Categories: BMW, BMW Scoops, BMW X1, Scoops, tuning

2011 BMW X3 SUV Scooped: Grows in Size, Could get a Hybrid Version

After the presentation of the all-new X1 SUV, BMW's engineers are now busy preparing the second-generation X3 which is due to arrive in international markets in 2011. Based on the next 3-Series platform architecture, the new X3 bears the codename F25 and will come with all-wheel drive or as BMW calls it, xDrive. It is possible though that just like the smaller X1, the Bavarian automaker may also offer rear-wheel drive only variants of its compact SUV.

The introduction of the X1 in BMW's SUV range should result in an increase of the X3's exterior dimensions in order to further differentiate the two models. As it stands now, the Bavarian SUVs are similar in size, with the X1 being just 4.5 inches (114 mm) shorter, 2.2 inches (55 mm) narrower and 5.1 inches (130 mm) lower than the current X3.

While the prototype model's funky disguise does not reveal much about the design, it is expected that the new X3 will do away with the current model's flame-surface styling adopting many design cues from BMW's latest vehicles such as the 7-Series as well as the Concept CS. As for the interior, buyers should look forward to higher quality materials and a more contemporary design for the dashboard.

There'll be a wide engine range to choose from, with gasolines ranging from the 170HP 2.0-litre four-banger to a range-topping 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six while the diesel line-up will include numerous four- and six-cylinder engines.

It has also been reported that the next-generation X3 will gain a hybrid variant featuring a gasoline engine and a high-performance electric motor that will allow the vehicle to to be driven on electric power only, on the combustion engine alone, or with a combination of both power units.

Whereas the current X3 is built under contract by Magna Steyr in Austria, the new compact SUV will be manufactured at BMW's Spartanburg plant in South Carolina alongside the X5 and X6 models.

Categories: BMW, BMW X1, BMW X3, Scoops

Reader Snaps 2010 BMW 5-Series GT and 2010 BMW X1 SUV on the Road

Yes, we know, we've already seen the BMW 5-Series GT while we've also posted a mega gallery of the final prototype model of the X1 SUV at the official presentation in Spain, but we just love it when Carscoop readers go all '007' on us. And that's precisely what Gal Leibovich did when he 'stumbled' upon both Bavarian models while vacationing in Germany. Gal was apparently on a spying spree as he also spotted a heavily camouflaged 2010 5-Series sedan, but the test driver was on to him and left the scene in a hurry before our man could take some more photos.

Both the BMW 5-Series GT crossover thingy and the X1 compact SUV are scheduled to make their first public appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September with sales starting (in Europe) in the fall of 2009. Great work Gal!

2010 BMW 5-Series Sedan & GT

_______________________________________________

2010 BMW X1 SUV

___________________________________________________

Photos: Gal Leibovich

Categories: BMW, BMW 5-Series, BMW 5-Series GT, BMW X1, Scoops

BMW X1 SUV: Mega Gallery with 140 High-Res Photos from Presentation

This past week, BMW invited auto journalists from around the world to the Spanish island of Mallorca to test drive the final prototype models of the X1 compact SUV and these here are the photos from the presentation. The production version of last year's X1 concept study will occupy the space under the X3 which will grow in size and move further upmarket when the second generation model arrives sometime in 2011. The X1 will officially shed its camouflage at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September with deliveries in Europe and other key international markets (sans the U.S.), scheduled to start in October. The latest word is that the X1 will hit U.S. showrooms sometime in 2011.

BMW's forth 'SAV' after the X3, X5 and X6 models, will compete against the likes of the VW Tiguan and the forthcoming Audi Q3. Based on a modified version of the 3-Series platform, the soft-roader will be equipped with the Bavarian firm's 'xDrive' all-wheel-drive system and will be offered with three gasoline and three diesel engines.

The gasoline engine range will include an entry-level 2.0-liter four-pot in 143HP and 170HP guises and a 3.0-liter straight-six rated at 265HP. As for the diesel side, the initial lineup will consist of a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit available with 143HP, 177HP and 204HP outputs. You can read more about the X1 by clicking here.

Categories: BMW, BMW X1, Frankfurt Motor Show, Scoops