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BMW Creates New Market Segment with Arrival of X1


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MULGRAVE, AUSTRALIA – April 1, 2010:

New BMW X1: youthful, versatile, efficient

BMW has again created a new market segment with the introduction of the X1 - the world's first luxury compact Sports Activity Vehicle. The X1 joins the X family just over 10 years after the Bavarian luxury brand introduced the groundbreaking X5.

Since then, BMW has expanded its lineup of dynamic, safe and efficient SAVs with the X3 and X6 and the new X1 promises to maintain BMW's enviable reputation for ultimate driving pleasure and attract a new generation of customers who enjoy an active lifestyle.

"BMW has a long history of introducing innovative automotive concepts that break the mould and the X1 is the latest example of this pioneering spirit," said BMW Group Australia Managing Director, Stavros Yallouridis.

"By combining the advanced technology of BMW EfficientDynamics and the latest generation fuel efficient turbo diesel engines, with the intelligent xDrive all wheel drive system, BMW has created a premium compact SUV that offers a superior driving experience and class leading fuel efficiency."

"The youthful, versatile and efficient BMW X1 broadens the attraction of our very successful X family and will appeal to young urban customers with an active and varied lifestyle," he said.

On sale through Australian dealerships from April 10, BMW will launch with two all-wheel drive turbo diesel models; the X1 xDrive23d that delivers 150kW of power and a peak torque of 400Nm and the X1 xDrive20d generating 130kW and 350Nm.

A rear-wheel drive 2.0-litre turbo diesel X1 sDrive20d that consumes a class-leading 5.3 litres per 100km and produces only 139 grams of CO2 per kilometre will join the other two ultra efficient turbo diesel models in June 2010.

Also in June, BMW will introduce two petrol models; an entry-level rear-drive X1 sDrive18i with a 110kW four-cylinder engine and the powerful 160kW straight six-cylinder all-wheel drive X1 xDrive25i.

Through the application of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies including Brake Energy Regeneration, Optimum Shift Indicator, Auto Start/Stop function, optimised aerodynamics and intelligent lightweight construction, all models in the X1 range are extremely efficient and comply with the strict EU5 emissions standard.

The new BMW X1 cleverly combines the powerful rugged looks of the X family with the sporty lightness of the 1 Series to give the car a youthful and agile aesthetic to match its outstanding driving dynamics.

This sporty design character of the five-door X1 is borne out by the excellent aerodynamic qualities of the car that result in a drag coefficient of 0.32 while the muscular bumpers, flared wheel arches and upright BMW kidney grille clearly symbolise the robust nature of the X1.

Thanks to a long wheelbase that matches that of the 3 Series, the BMW X1 provides a generous sense of space inside the versatile and luxurious cabin. With a high driving position and optimised all-round visibility, the X1 offers a commanding view of the road for safe and confident motoring.

A full complement of safety features including six airbags - front and seat mounted side airbags for driver and front passenger and full length curtain head airbags for front and rear occupants - Antilock Brake System (ABS) with Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Hill Descent Control (HDC) provide supreme safety with the X1 already having achieved the maximum score of five stars in the EuroNCAP test.

As the first premium vehicle in the compact segment, the X1 features a long list of luxury features as standard including Automatic Climate Control, Cruise Control with brake function, rear Park Distance Control (PDC) power windows and mirrors, BMW Professional CD/MP3 audio system with USB / AUX-in connections, Bluetooth connectivity, Multi Function Leather Sport steering wheel, daytime driving lights, 17-inch Light alloy wheels and Storage Compartment Package.

Personalisation options include Panoramic glass roof, Rear View Camera, interior Design Cool Elegance package, quality Nevada leather trim, sports seats, BMW Business or Professional navigation systems with the latest iDrive controller, Bi-Xenon Headlights, Adaptive Headlights and Harman/Kardon Surround Sound System.

Built at BMW Plant Leipzig in Germany, the BMW X1 stands out through its dynamic handling, versatile interior and a standard of efficiency unparalleled in a vehicle of this kind.

BMW X1 Australian Pricing:

  • sDrive18i, manual - $43,500* (June)
  • sDrive18i, auto - $45,700* (June)
  • sDrive20d, manual - $49,300* (June)
  • sDrive20d, auto - $51,500* (June)
  • xDrive20d, manual - $52,700*
  • xDrive20d, auto - $54,900*
  • xDrive25i, auto- $56,800* (June)
  • xDrive23d, auto- $59,280*

    * Manufacturer’s Recommended List Price is shown and includes GST and Luxury Car Tax (LCT) but excludes dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges which are additional and vary between dealers and States/Territories. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW dealer for all pricing inquiries.

    Exterior Design: cool elegance and powerful presence
    As an unmistakable member of BMW's groundbreaking X family of Sports Activity Vehicles, the body design of the new X1 reflects the model's superior agility and driving dynamics with an aesthetic that demonstrates self-confident elegance and a versatile sporting character.

    The long bonnet, short front and rear overhangs, long 2.76 metre wheelbase and BMW trademark "Hofmeister kick" create sleek and stretched proportions that testify to the dynamic nature of the X1.

    At the front, the sharply contoured bonnet, widely flared wheel arches housing standard 17-inch Light alloy wheels, dual round headlights and foglamps embedded deep within the muscular bumper spells out a particularly powerful presence right from the start. The silver coloured underfloor protection cover beneath the large intake and upright kidney grille confirms the X1 as a genuine BMW X model in every respect.

    With an overall length of 4.45 metres, the side profile is characterised by three striking lines that interact with each other to create a dynamic wedge shape and flow seamlessly into the chiselled rear end. Here, the sharply angled taillights, powerful wheel arches, horizontal lines and silver coloured underfloor protection plate emphasise the width and active nature of the BMW X1.

    For an additional touch of class and style, the X Line package, standard on BMW X1 xDrive23d and available as an option for X1 xDrive20d, features roof rails, front and rear bumper inserts, and side sills all in satin finish aluminium.

    The BMW X1 is available in Alpine White or Black non-metallic paint finishes or a choice of ten metallic colours while a range of optional 18-inch wheel and tyre packages are also available.

    Interior design: sporty, high quality, generous and extremely versatile
    Graphic elements full of powerful expression and dynamic lines give the interior of the BMW X1 a truly sporting and youthful appearance. The multi-layered cockpit offers an appropriate interpretation of the driver orientation so typical of a BMW with the controls for the Automatic Climate Control and audio systems on the centre console slightly angled towards the driver.

    An elevated seating position ensures convenient access and provides excellent all-round visibility. The comfortable and supportive multi-adjustable seats are upholstered in BMW's innovative hardwearing Sensatec (faux leather) with a choice of Black or Beige colours while the optional premium Nevada Leather is available in five colours.

    To add even more style to the already classy interior, BMW has developed an optional Design Cool Elegance package that features sports front seats upholstered in Oyster coloured Nevada leather, matching Oyster coloured centre console, lower dash and floor mat trim, BMW Individual anthracite headlining and Fineline Wave wood trim.

    With its generous dimensions, the rear seat bench in the BMW X1 provides comfortable space for up to three passengers with ample head and legroom.

    Interior versatility is a hallmark of the new BMW X1 with the rear seat backrest split 40/20/40 and able to be easily and quickly configured in a wide variety of formats to meet the requirements of young active customers.

    Each section can be individually folded forward to allow transport of long items. In addition, the backrest angle can also be adjusted in numerous stages from vertical up to 31 degrees to allow either a more comfortable seating position or increase the luggage space from 420 litres to 480 litres. With all three sections of the rear seat back folded forward, the luggage capacity of the X1 is increased to an enormous 1,350 litres.

    Loading is easy and convenient thanks to the wide opening tailgate and low loading sill. There is also a separate storage compartment beneath the floor of the luggage area and numerous smaller compartments, trays, drink and cupholders throughout the cabin.

    Comfort and convenience: unrivalled luxury features
    As the world's first luxury compact SUV, the BMW X1 offers a vast array of standard and optional features to ensure the ultimate comfort and convenience for driver and passengers.

    Both the BMW X1 xDrive20d and BMW X1 xDrive23d provide a very high level of standard equipment to complement the luxurious ambience created by the high quality black gloss interior trim, comfortable and multi-adjustable seating and superb fit and finish.

    To create the perfect travelling atmosphere, a fully automatic climate control system with a microfilter to purify the air delivers the optimum temperature for all driving conditions while all four windows are electrically operated, as are the heated exterior mirrors.

    A precise and effective Cruise Control with braking function, Rain Sensor and lights that are automatically activated in low light conditions ensure safe long distance travelling.

    To keep occupants entertained, the X1 is fitted with the BMW Professional audio system that features a single slot CD / MP3 drive, four 25W speakers plus an additional central bass speaker located under the driver's seat and volume controls located on the sporty three-spoke multi-function steering wheel. The audio unit also offers connections for both auxiliary and USB inputs for personal music players while the car comes standard with Bluetooth preparation for hands-free mobile phone use.

    For those who wish to further personalise their X1, there is an extensive range of factory options including sports front seats, electric adjustment for front seats with memory function for the driver's seat, heated front seats, a six-disc CD changer and BMW Business or BMW Professional Navigation systems. Both Navigation systems offer a superb view of maps and diagrams courtesy of the 6.5 or 8.8 inch screen and work in conjunction with the latest generation iDrive controller with its direct select and favourites buttons. The Navigation systems are also available with Voice recognition for hands-free operation.

    The audio system can be further upgraded to the exceptional 340-watt harman/kardon Surround Sound System that offers no less than 11 loudspeakers for the ultimate in sound reproduction.

    With its vast glass areas, the BMW X1 already offers a light and airy feeling inside the cabin, but this can be further enhanced with the optional Panoramic glass roof that measures 0.75 square metres. The roof is split into two halves with both the front half and standard sliding roof liner electrically adjustable.

    For when the sun sinks below the horizon, BMW offers an enhanced lights package that includes Adaptive Bi-Xenon headlights that turn to illuminate the road in corners complete with High Beam Assistance to aid the driver by automatically dimming the headlights for oncoming traffic or when there is sufficient street lighting.

    Safety: active control and advanced driver assistance
    With its intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive system, an extremely stiff and torsionally rigid bodyshell, advanced chassis and use of high-strength and ultra high-strength steel, the BMW X1 is a very safe and secure compact SAV with the car having already achieved the maximum five-star rating in the EuroNCAP crash test.

    Working in conjunction with the xDrive system the car also features the latest generation driver assistance aids to improve active safety. The large vented front and rear disc brakes (BMW xDrive23d - 330mm/300mm, BMW xDrive20d - 312mm/300mm) are fitted with an Antilock Braking System (ABS) that incorporates Brake Assist to help shorten stopping distances in emergency situations and Cornering Brake Control (CBC) that stabilises the vehicle when cornering.

    The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) includes switchable functions for the Dynamic Traction Control to offer the optimum traction in all conditions while for off-road use, the BMW X1 also features a slow-crawl Hill Descent Control as standard equipment.

    If a collision is unavoidable, the BMW X1 offers its occupants the maximum protection with restraint systems tailored specifically for the vehicle. With a total of six airbags, the driver and front passenger benefit from the protection of frontal and seat-mounted side (thorax and pelvis) airbags with both front and rear passengers protected by a full length curtain head airbag that includes a protective sail to reduce injuries from splinters.

    All five seating positions also use three-point seatbelts with pyrotechnic belt tensioners and belt force limiters for the front seats.

    For reversing and pedestrian safety, the BMW X1 features an audible rear Park Distance Control (PDC) system that can be supplemented by optional front parking sensors and a Rear View Camera that provides visual aids and guideline assistance when parking and manoeuvring.

    Powertrain: unparalleled efficiency and powerful performance
    BMW X models all provide the Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of the brand with the BMW X1 combining this with a level of efficiency unrivalled by the competition.

    The new BMW X1 will be initially offered with two ultra-efficient turbo diesel engines.

    The X1 xDrive23d is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that combines BMW TwinPower Turbo and third generation common rail direct fuel injection for truly impressive torque and superior efficiency. This all-aluminium latest generation engine develops a maximum power output of 150kW at 4400rpm and maximum torque of 400Nm between 2000rpm and 2250rpm.

    By employing Variable Twin Turbo technology that activates a small turbocharger the moment the accelerator pedal is depressed, with a second larger turbocharger cutting in under higher load, the X1 xDrive23d delivers a smooth surge of power whenever required.

    The X1 xDrive23d comes standard with a refined six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission that not only promotes driving comfort but also enhances the agile driving behaviour of the X1 xDrive23d, enabling the car to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 205km/h.

    Through the application of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies including Brake Energy Regeneration, optimised aerodynamics and intelligent lightweight construction, the X1 xDrive23d's sporting performance is delivered with supreme efficiency with an average combined fuel consumption of only 6.3 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of just 167g/km.

    The second diesel engine in the X1 xDrive20d offers even greater efficiency delivering a combined fuel consumption of 5.8 litres/100km with CO2 emissions of just 153g/km. Also displacing 2.0 litres, the all-aluminium engine in the X1 xDrive20d uses a turbocharger with variable intake geometry and common rail direct injection to generate a maximum power of 130kW at 4000rpm and peak torque of 350Nm maintained consistently across a broad rev range between 1750rpm and 3000rpm.

    The X1 xDrive20d is fitted standard with a six-speed manual transmission that has enabled BMW to apply even greater BMW EfficientDynamics technologies including the Auto Start/Stop function that automatically stops, then starts, the engine when sitting idle at traffic lights and the Optimum Shift Indicator which notifies drivers of the ideal point to shift gears to help reduce fuel consumption.

    The X1 xDrive20d is also optionally available with the refined six-speed automatic transmission complete with the Steptronic function that enables the driver to shift gears manually.

    BMW xDrive: intelligent all-wheel drive
    Offering variable distribution of drive power between front and rear wheels, BMW xDrive permanent all-wheel drive improves both the car's agility and offers superior traction on rough surfaces. Working through a power divider with an electronically controlled multiple plate clutch, xDrive distributes drive forces in exactly the right amount to the axle offering the best wheel grip.

    Connected to the standard DSC Dynamic Stability Control and the X1 engine management system, sensors on the wheels immediately detect even the slightest tendency to spin and within fractions of a second, the xDrive system is able to vary the ratio of power distribution to effectively counteract any potential over or understeer.

    Only when the change in drive force distribution is no longer sufficient will the DSC Dynamics Stability Control intervene to regain driving stability by acting on the individual wheel brakes and reducing engine power appropriately.

    When cornering, the xDrive system transfers additional power to the rear wheels to improve manoeuvrability and provide a sportier driving experience.

    Further sporting dynamics are available for the BMW X1 with the optional Performance Control that gently brakes the inner rear wheel and increases torque to the outer wheel in corners to pull the car through the bend with increased agility.

    Chassis: supreme agility and ride comfort
    Characterised by superior agility and precision, the driving behaviour and performance of the BMW X1 results directly from its cutting-edge suspension technology and strong and stable body.

    The front suspension comprises a double-joint thrust bar axle, which combined with the rear five-arm axle ensures an optimum balance of sporting performance and driving comfort on all surfaces.

    The hydraulic rack and pinion steering comes complete with ultra-precise power assistance for superb feel and control.

    All BMW X1 models feature 17-inch Light alloy wheels with BMW runflat safety tyres as standard. A wide range of different design 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels are available as an option.

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