vLane Blog

2011 BMW X1

From Banovsky, Featured Contributor
Posted on July 1, 2009

Filed under Future, News, Europe, BMW, Crossover, 2011, X1

Is the BMW X3 too large for you? Or the 3-Series Wagon too practical? Well, BMW has the car for you!

These first shots of the European model show a vehicle not unlike the current X3, just a little lower to the ground. Based off of the 3-Series platform, the X1 is another upscale urban runabout destined to pit crazed 30-something women against each other in the battle for the last parking space outside of Crate & Barrel.

Or is that too harsh? Will the X1 have the cojones to lure more than image-conscious buyers?

More photos and info after the fold.

[Source: Carscoop.blogspot.com]

With BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system and a range of 6-cylinder engines, the X1 should easily replace the ageing X3. You're looking at leaked photos — this post will be updated once we have the technical specs — but we also believe the X1 may feature start/stop technology to save fuel at traffic lights.

Size-wise, the X1 is slightly shorter (4.3in), narrower (2.3in), and lower (5.5in) than the X3. Just in case you need to measure it for your garage, though you'll have until 2011 to save up.

Our (lucky) friends at Autoguide.com got their hands on the prototype, and you can click over to that review below.

Read More:

• Autoguide.com Tests the X1 Prototype
• The BMW Drive Experience
• One For The Road: 2010 BMW 5-Series GT

Banovsky is a featured contributor for vLane.