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The new BMW X1 - previewed by the Concept X1 at the Paris Motor Show – will be offered in both four-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive configurations when it goes on sale in 2010, according to BMW insiders.

Well, at least there is a little common sense on show here; the only off-roading most people do is going up the occasional curb. 2WD does therefore make a lot of sense. I'm surprised more companies don't offer it on base models.

However, what is going on with that naming structure? Would like to see them put that on the back of the vehicle; it would take up the whole boot...

Autocar:

The new BMW X1 - previewed by the Concept X1 at the Paris Motor Show – will be offered in both four-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive configurations when it goes on sale in 2010, according to BMW insiders.

>> Read more about the new BMW X1

Read the full article

 

So basically, a one series with jacked-up suspension then. A kind of Premium Ford Fusion, you might say.

I get the feeling that BMW are losing their once crystal-clear way. They overrelied on the US for lease car sales and have been internally undermined by that nasty man Chris Bangle and his awful designs, the X1 included. Plus, I think the surging forward of Audi is unsettling their once unshakeable confidence. Maybe Porsche will save them from too much market-share loss by suffocating now internal rival Audi.

I really didn't care for X1's styling when I first laid eyes on it, but I must admit, the damned thing is growing on me.

It'd be interesting to see how it compares to the 4wd version.

I don't understand this car.  Did a really good customer of BMW drive home in their new X3.  Popped it in the garage.  Tried to shut the door and found that it won't quite shut. 

Calls BMW and says "My new car's 112mm too long"

Reply "No problem Madam, we'll build you something that'll suit you fine"

Very sensible of BMW to copy a company that will in the long term be more successful than they are....by making a 2 wheel drive version compact SUV - they were obviously inspired by Kia who have already done so with the Sportage. ;)

Why is it sensible to remove a feature that is so obviously beneficial to safety ? 4WD is a safety feature. Shall we remove seatbelts too ? That'd save some smoke going up into the sky somewhere, I'm sure. Ridiculous move driven by uninformed consumers who now prioritise the climate over safety. 4WD is not just for crossing ploughed fields. It has a practical use on the road too. Wait till it's wet and you're pulling out from a t-junction in a hurry, then you'll know.

I wasn't questioning the merits of 4 wheel drive, infact I just got back from trying to find some decent tyres for ours!

I was purely taking the pee at BMWubblyou. Keep your hill descent control on!!

The Apprentice:

I wasn't questioning the merits of 4 wheel drive, infact I just got back from trying to find some decent tyres for ours!

I was purely taking the pee at BMWubblyou. Keep your hill descent control on!!

Easy tiger. My post was just a statement not a response to yours.

So the X1 is only actually 162mm shorter than the original X5!

The styling doesnt do it for me.. Like most BMW they are either boring (3 series) or ugly (7 series) but they occasionally get it right (6 series and Z4). However what really peeves me about car makers is that they are trying to fill niches that dont really need filling?!