Autoblog

We're trying to find some redeeming qualities in the BMW X1 concept, but after staring at it on the show stand and navigating our way through BMW's lengthy press release (after the jump), we're at a loss.

Built atop the 3-series platform and likely motivated by a handful of gasoline and diesel powerplants when it hits the road next year, the X1 has all the charm of the X3 (as in very little), will feature similar interior dimensions to its lower-riding cousin, the 1-series five-door, and has to make due with the new 7-series' upright schnoz. The X1 isn't quite ready to board the failboat, but it's on its way to the docks.

After last night's impromptu unveiling of the BMW Concept X1 set off Dan's gag reflex, the Munich-based automaker has released the first batch of official info and images of its premium compact CUV. Most of us here at Autoblog echo Dan's sentiment that the Concept X1 is an ugly duckling, with very odd proportions for such a small CUV. The front end wears the new swollen nose first seen on the new 7 Series, while squared off wheel surrounds and lots of pinched surfacing reminds us of what we didn't like about the Bangle-era of BMW design. We also think BMW's X line of SUVs and CUVs is getting a little crowded with the X5 and X3 recently joined by the X6 and soon a production version of the X1. We have to see them side by side, but the Concept X1 and current X3 look too close for comfort in size and purpose. Check out the official press release from BMW after the jump where the brand tries to explain the design details of the Concept X1, as well as the new, high-res gallery below and a new video after the jump. We'll have live shots of the Concept X1 from the floor of the Paris Motor Show tomorrow, and we hope more details on the concept's mechanicals.


[Source: BMW]

If the BMW X3 isn't ugly or space-inefficient enough for you, here's the Concept X1, which is a lightly veiled version of the production soft ute you'll see in BMW dealers shortly. Yeech. We can't fathom how it's going to be that much different than the X3, seeing as BMWs famliy tree among 1 and 3 series vehicles is starting to look as inbred as English Aristocracy, but we're going to go way out on a limb and suggest that it's a little tighter in most dimensions while sharing powertrains. Styling-wise, as long as you ignore anything forward of the A-pillar, you'll be okay. It's largely standard BMW fare, just scaled down. We're not quite sure what happened up front - it's bad. From the visage that's evocative of the 7 series to the oddly shaped wheel arches, it just doesn't come together, and the way the proboscis sticks out when viewing the X1's profile borders on disturbing. The most amazing thing: people will fall all over themselves to buy it. It'll definitely drive like a BMW, a redeeming trait, but we'd much rather see a 135 shooting brake.


[Source: Bimmerpost]

If the overly contrived teaser video wasn't enough for you, there's now another image of the BMW X1 for those who care. There's not much to see in the teaser, just a very dimly lit shot of the vehicle that will slot below the pugnacious X3. A little Photoshoppery doesn't shed much more light, but it does make the profile more clear. When we finally see the X1 in Paris, it will likely resemble a stubby shrunken X5. No word on whether or not it'll drive like the supersonic aircraft that originated the moniker.

[Source: 4wheelsnews]

If we had a turbocharged BMW E46 M3 that kicked out 630 horsepower to the rear wheels, we'd be pretty damn proud of it. In fact, we'd likely head right over to our old man's house and take him for a spin. Hopefully he wouldn't react to our ass-kicking, super-tuned Bimmer like the dad in this video did. Watch and listen as the young man behind the wheel barely engages the accelerator and his old man freaks the hell out. The entire 1:28 is basically a profanity-laced tribute to the scared parent with no need for speed. Our favorite part is when Dad puts his hand on the dash and begs his offspring to slow down. Classic. Hit the jump to see for yourself, unless you're easily offended by swearing, because every third word could be censored on broadcast television. Thanks for the tip, everyone!

[Source: Streetfire]

Rocking graffiti styles we haven't seen on the street since the late 90s, BMW has put out a 40-second teaser video of a covered X1 Concept being unloaded from an enclosed trailer ahead of its debut next week at the Paris Motor Show. Our skateboarding, urban protagonist tags the letters "M," "C" and "X", using each letter to spell out some lofty buzz words about the X1's desired demographic, simultaneously stoking our curiosity and leaving us shaking our heads. Check the video after the break and stay tuned on Thursday for the official reveal, live from Paris.

[Source: BMW-web.tv]

It's no secret that our cars are quickly becoming extensions of our data-crazed lives. Everywhere we go, we surround ourselves with electronics meant to make our lives more convenient. Plus, most of these gadgets are just plain cool. Microsoft and Ford started something with the SYNC system and Apple has the market cornered with its iPod and iPhone, with integration of those i-devices now becoming popular options with car shoppers. Don't expect Google to sit back and watch. The internet giant has teamed up with an impressive list of major players, including Intel and Wind River Systems. These companies are actively working on getting their Android open-source operating system integrated into cars as we speak. If we had to wager a guess, it would be BMW that's most likely to roll out a new Android-powered infotainment system first, possibly as early as next year according to John Bruggeman, chief marketing officer at Wind River. For an early look at the first device with the Android OS, check out Engadget's recent feature.

[Source: CNET via Jalopnik]

BMW has achieved sales increases in the US for 16 straight years, but that impressive streak is going to end in 2008. BMW USA CEO Jim O'Donnell has decided to stop shipment of 44,000 vehicles destined for the States by the end of this year. The move was made to prevent pushing increased sales in a down market because too many incentives were needed to entice consumers. The weakness of the US Dollar vs. the euro makes high incentives unprofitable. Some vehicles, like the X3, are coming to the US in smaller numbers even though they are selling well without incentives. Leases are also a cause of concern, with 63% of its vehicles leaving BMW showrooms with a down-payment and a mileage limit. O'Donnell wants to cut that number by 10% or more, and in August, leases were down to 50% of sales.

The German automaker is also looking to cut expenses in the U.S, with plants to slash 90 jobs in the States, along with reducing marketing expenditures. The largest short-term change is that BMW will not end December with a high incentive sales blowout, which means if you're waiting for the big Bimmer sales event, it probably won't happen.

[Source: Automotive News - subs req'd]

With the arrival of the BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid, which will make its initial debut at the Paris Motor Show, both BMW and Mercedes-Benz are set to enter the luxury hybrid market that has so far only seen action in the form of the Lexus LS600h. Although BMW was one of the brands that helped develop the sophisticated Two-Mode hybrid system that's currently being used in the full-size 'utes from both GM and Chrysler, the Bavarian automaker has chosen instead to equip its 7 Series with the same mild hybrid architecture that it helped to develop and is used by cross-country rival Daimler. Like the S400 BlueHYBRID, a 120-volt lithium ion battery will be kept underhood along with a small helper motor that's hooked up to the engine, in the case of the BMW, a twin-turbocharged, direct injected 4.4-liter V8. Expect well over 400-horsepower from the gas/electric combo along with combined fuel mileage in the low 20's.


[Source: AutoblogGreen]

BMW released a bevy of new 2009 7 Series images and even some video today in anticipation of the big sedan's appearance next month at the Paris Motor Show. Officially unveiled at the Moscow Motor Show in early July, the 2009 7 Series will appear at the Paris show in at least six different models: the 730d powered by a 3.0L straight-six diesel engine, the 740i and long-wheelbase 740il, the 750i and the also long-wheelbase 750il, as well as a hybrid version. The 7 Series will also be packed with more high technology than NORAD, including a Side View camera system, Park Distance Control system, Lane Departure Warning system, Head-up display, a four-wheel steering system called Integral Active Steering, and, of course, the latest generation of BMW's iDrive. Back seat passengers can also be entertained via big headrest-mounted screens that are controlled via a second iDrive rotary knob in the rear seat center armrest Check out all of the new images released by BMW today in our gallery below, as well as b-roll video the new 7 Series being driven on the road after the jump.


[Source: BMW]