PressClub South Africa · Article.
The new BMW X1.
Tue Dec 04 13:56:16 CET 2012 Press Release
As the first premium vehicle of its kind, the BMW X1 is a true trailblazer in the compact segment. After some two-and-a-half years, sales of the compact BMW X model built at BMW Plant in Leipzig and in Tiexi, China have already exceeded 275 000 units. Now this all-round talent emerges with renewed vigour to meet a raft of new challenges. With its specially modified body design, meticulously upgraded interior, comprehensively revised engine portfolio, the new range of BMW Lines and further innovative equipment features, the new BMW X1 delivers an even more intensive experience of the hallmark driving pleasure for which the brand is known.
Press Contact.
Edward Makwana
BMW Group
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Author.
Edward Makwana
BMW Group
In parallel with the launch of the new BMW X1, preparations are under way for its US market launch. Further growth impulses emanate from production in China: the new BMW X1 models destined for the Chinese market are being built in the newly opened plant at Tiexi in Shenyang Province.
The successful concept of transferring familiar BMW X features to the
compact segment has since led to increased competition in the vehicle
class spawned by the BMW X1. What remains uncontested is the BMW X1’s
leadership position in terms of sportiness and efficiency. This lead
is now being extended: the relationship between performance and fuel
consumption has been further optimised thanks to engines with BMW
TwinPower Turbo technology, an eight-speed automatic transmission that
is unique in this segment, the Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy
Regeneration,
ECO PRO mode and a wider range of BMW
EfficientDynamics technology. Setting a particularly impressive
example here is the BMW X1 sDrive20d EfficientDynamics Edition with
average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 4.5 litres per
100 kilometres and CO2 figures of 119 grams per kilometre.
The range of engines for the new BMW X1 comprises three petrol and
five diesel units spanning an output range of 85 kW to 180 kW. Leading
the way in the new generation of four-cylinder diesel engines is the
160 kW powerplant of the new BMW X1 xDrive25d, featuring
BMW
TwinPower Turbo technology comprising latest-generation variable
sequential turbocharging. Depending on the model variant, power is
transferred via brand-typical rear-wheel drive or via the
intelligent
BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Either option is
available to three
of the engine variants of the new BMW X1.
The new BMW X1 also offers innovative individualisation possibilities
for the exterior and the interior. Available for the first time, as an
alternative to the basic trim level, are the BMW Lines with their
exclusive, harmoniously matched design and equipment features. The BMW
xLine particularly emphasises the robust versatility of the new BMW X1
while the
BMW Sport Line accentuates its agility and dynamics.
Design: new touches highlight its elegance, versatility and sportiness.
Typical BMW proportions, expressive, vibrant surfaces and
signature
BMW X model design cues shape the appearance of the BMW
X1.
A sweeping bonnet, long wheelbase and set-back passenger
compartment emphasise the car’s dynamic talent, while attractive light
and shade effects hint at its inherent agility. The versatility and
sturdiness of a BMW X model are reflected in elements such as the
black bordering at the lower edge of the body and the muscular wheel arches.
Above all, the new BMW X1 conveys even more strikingly the powerful
stance that also distinguishes BMW’s Sports Activity Vehicles. In
addition to the inserts in the front and rear apron – reminiscent of
an underguard –
and the special side skirt covers, the circular
foglamps positioned under the headlights add to the hallmark features
of a BMW X. Beyond this, the new BMW X1 boasts attractive touches of
sporting elegance. At both front and rear, the surfaces painted in
body colour now take up a larger area, while the choice of exterior
paintwork colours has been augmented by four new variants.
Front view: even more details in the style of a BMW X model.
When viewed from the front, the powerful stance of the new BMW X1 on
the road and its aura of quality are now accentuated with even greater
intensity. The path of the car’s lines, which converge on the licence
plate mount from either side of the BMW kidney grille, follows the
V-shaped contours of the bonnet, forging downwards and outwards in the
lower section of the bumper to create the sweeping “X” familiar from
the BMW X models in higher vehicle segments. The new tripartite air
intake is likewise a feature shared by all
BMW X models.
The car’s striking lines go hand in hand with a detailed execution of the body’s surface styling, signalling a vivacious sporty character and lending the front apron a particularly premium appearance. The foglamps are now level with an extra crease line that forms a discreet scoop along the upper edge of the lights and continues into the side walls. The increased surface area painted in body colour similarly adds to the car’s elegance.
The new-design headlights afford a detailed view of the car’s advanced light technology. In the upper area, a chrome-coated accent strip now cuts across the top of the twin circular headlights, while an LED accent light – included as part of the optional xenon light package, complete with LED light rings for the daytime driving lights – ensures the classic BMW focused look.
Side view: characteristic proportions, new exterior mirrors.
The swage line that rises steadily to the rear of the car, a further
character line extending the contours of the side glass graphic as it
runs rearwards, and powerfully flared wheel arches allow the BMW X1 to
project a very distinctive figure side-on. The pronounced side skirts
are a signature feature of the
BMW X models, while the side
direction indicators are now integrated into the new-design exterior mirrors.