BMW will be expanding their X-branded range from 2010, with the launch of the all-new X1. These photos, courtesy of German car news website Autobild.de, preview the X1's sharp styling and compact dimensions. Setting its sights on upcoming pint-sized off-road offerings, the launch of the new car will take on Audi and Mercedes with their Q3 and BLK models as well as Ford's seemingly-upmarket Kuga. Existing four-wheel-drive vehicles such as Toyota's RAV4 and its market segment rivals will also be in the X1's eyeline.
Using the four-wheel-drive system of its X family sibling the X3, the new X1 will inherit its engines from the 1-Series range it is packaged around. A line-up of four and six-cylinder petrol pots will be available, while a range of crucial diesel engines will also be on offer.
Much like the forthcoming X6 model which BMW previewed at September's Frankfurt Motor Show, expect a concept car version of the X1 to surface before a production model.
Further future models announced
Also announced in the latest speech by the Chairman of the Board of Management at BMW AG, Dr. Norbert Reithofer, were a number of interesting tidbits hinting at the Group's future.
A Gran Turismo model based on the CS Concept Car shown at Shanghai this year has been given the green light for production, while a 'fundamentally altered' concept from that of the originally-planned space-functional concept will go ahead. Dubbed 'Progressive Activity Sedan' - a trademark recently filed for by BMW - the concept will showcase BMW's own interpretation of the sedan, capable of 'surprising you with intelligent features.'
Over at Rolls-Royce, a hard-top Phantom Coupe based on the 101EX Concept has been confirmed for production. MINI engineers on the other hand may very well be donning the wellies with the announcement of a new model in the 'sports activity vehicle' segment. Stay with us for all the details on these upcoming models.
Press Release
An abstract form the Speech of Dr. Norbert Reithofer
Here is an outlook until 2012:
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We would like to confirm the announcement of the BMW X1. This model is going to complement the successful X family, together with the BMW Concept X6 presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
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Furthermore, we decided to manufacture a four-dour Gran Turismo based on the CS concept study showcased in Shanghai.
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Another result of our strategy is that we will not build a space-functional concept. It will be replaced by a fundamentally altered concept. What I am talking about here is a new segment. We currently call the concept Progressive Activity Sedan or PAS in short. Expect this concept to introduce its own interpretation of the sedan and to surprise you with intelligent features.
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As far as Rolls-Royce is concerned, we would like to confirm our plans for the third variant of the Phantom: a coupe. Moreover, we reevaluated and confirmed an additional Rolls-Royce model during our strategic review. It will slot in below the Rolls-Royce Phantom in terms of both size and price.
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At MINI, we opted for a further model in the sports activity vehicle segment.
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We will continue to extend the range of products under our BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna Motorcycles brands in the years ahead.
Further product decisions beyond the planning horizon until 2012 have been taken. Nevertheless, we cannot provide any details at this point.
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