2011 BMW X1 Preview

BMW is taking a new twist to the SUV starting in late 2010 with the introduction of the X1 mini-SUV. “Cute” may be used to describe this min cousin to the BMW X3 from the outside, but that appellation won’t last long after you see the interior and experience this car on the road.

Specifications

Closely related to the large X3 series, the X1 will be 2.8 inches shorter than the wagon in the 3-Series and a whole 4.5-inches shorter than the larger and more off-road capable X3. Specifications are as follows:

• Pricing: Expect a starting price in the $36,000 range.
• Engine: This mini-SUV will be powered by a 260 horsepower 3.0-liter inline-six . There is no telling if a diesel will be made available in the States, though it is sure to make its appearance in the European markets.
• Fuel Economy: Fuel-economy for the 2011 X1 is not released yet, but it should be somewhere close to 20 miles per gallon city and mid-twenties highway.
• Acceleration: Zero to sixty miles per hour in just under seven seconds.
• Transmission:6-speed automatic with manual shift controls.
• Car Safety Features: Car safety information is not available yet, but BMW’s reputation for designing and building very safe vehicles is not likely to take any hits with the new X1.
• Warranty: BMW’s warranty is 4 years/50,000 miles.

Exterior Features

From the outside you wouldn’t think that this small crossover SUV was really meant to go off-road, and you’d be right. Most closely related on the exterior to a 3-series wagon, the X1 has the same all-wheel-drive system, axles and engine/transmission grouping.

Interior Features

On the inside, the new BMW X1 will look much like an X3 crossover SUV which means that it will look quite elegant and cozy without being too elegant that you’re afraid to drive it for fear of breaking something. Leather interior with available wood accents can take this cruiser to a high level of comfort. Despite being so small for a “crossover SUV”, the X1 actually has a decent amount of room in the back seat for passengers – even adult-sized ones. Cargo space will be somewhat adequate and will adjust depending on whether or not the passengers in the rear have their seat slid all the way to the rear or not.

Performance

An optional Sport package available for the X1 will reduce the height of this ride by 0.8 inch which, with the 18-inch wheels will make for a very comfortable and high-performing ride from start to finish. There is no reason to expect anything less than responsive steering, as nothing in the vehicle’s design suggests a hindrance – in fact, it is speculated that this crossover SUV will act more like a sports car than anything that has ever come before it in that class.