BMW Postpones X1 US Debut Until A Refesh

[William Maley]

BMW Postpones X1 US Debut Until A Refesh

William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

August 28, 2011

BMW's X series of crossovers; the X5 and new X3 have been best sellers in the lineup. Last year, BMW introduced the new X1 which has become a big success in the European market. BMW said they were looking into bring the X1 into the US sometime in 2011. But at this years North American International Auto Show, BMW said it had postponed the U.S. introduction of the X1 until late 2011, at the earliest. Then in April, BMW said there was no decision to sell the X1 in the US.

Now, BMW has an answer on the X1 in the US. A BMW executive tells Inside Line that the current plans of bringing the X1 have been put on hold. The company points towards to the strong demand of the X1 globally and a weak dollar-euro exchange rate as reasons why.

"It can be a positive to wait until the midcycle change and bring in a freshened vehicle. Global demand for the X1 is still extremely strong in markets where our volume potential is high for this type of vehicle. Here in the U.S., the X3 is and likely will continue to be our volume (crossover)," a BMW executive said.

BMW does say X1 is still being talked about being brought over sometime after a 2013 refresh. Or you can head up to Canada where the X1 is on sale now.

Source: Inside Line

[Drew Dowdell]

Can there be a much more pointless crossover? Just make a 1-series wagon for the U.S.

[the_yellow_dart]

"Later this year"? I've already seen one on the road.

[William Maley]

"Later this year"? I've already seen one on the road.

Oops.. Yeah its on sale in Canada now. Fixed

[ZL-1]

Saw a white one here in Spain today and after all these months it is still almost vomit-inducing to me...

[Nick]

I see these quite often (locally). They can keep it.

[regfootball]

Can there be a much more pointless crossover? Just make a 1-series wagon for the U.S.

chick car. chicks fresh outta college / sorority can't quite afford the X3 yet

[Robert Hall]

Can there be a much more pointless crossover? Just make a 1-series wagon for the U.S.

chick car. chicks fresh outta college / sorority can't quite afford the X3 yet

Audi's got the Q1 coming also...wouldn't surprise me if M-B develops an SUV/CUV below the GLK. Caddy could build an entry-lux ATX...

[Drew Dowdell]

Mercedes Benz ALK

Lexus Hx250 - they'd do a hybrid

Acura CDX

Lincoln MKB

Wouldn't a Cadillac be an ARX?

[Robert Hall]

Mercedes Benz ALK

Lexus Hx250 - they'd do a hybrid

Acura CDX

Lincoln MKB

Wouldn't a Cadillac be an ARX?

Yeah, probably. And it wouldn't surprise me if most of these don't happen--the Lincoln CUV(MKC maybe) is pretty much a definite from what I've read elsewhere..niche proliferation.

And then they will follow on w/ small 'coupe' CUVs..i.e. think smaller versions of the ZDX and X6...

Edited August 30, 2011 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[Drew Dowdell]

I think Lincoln's MKC is reserved for some future coupe and/or convertible.