Sneak Peek: 2011 BMW X1

Social networking Web sites are turning out to be a gold mine for automakers looking to hit their target demographic. Ford Motor Company is probably the most well-known automaker using the Internet to attract the younger generation of drivers, but others are catching up. BMW recently used Facebook to hype up its latest creation that blends the personalities of a small car and an SUV. The 2011 BMW X1 will vary only slightly from the Concept X1 that BMW showed off last year and should have a starting MSRP in the low to mid $30,000 range. Production of the X1 will start later this year for European models, but sales in the United States will not take place until the 2011 model year.

After showing off a number of full body shots wearing light camouflage, BMW used its Facebook page to show off four close-up shots revealing more detail although none of the X1’s design is really that much of a surprise following the X1 Concept that debuted at the 2008 Paris Auto Show. As its name indicates, the BMW X1 will slot in at the bottom of the company’s sport activity vehicle (SAV) lineup that now includes the X3, X5 and X6, but it is not based on the 1 Series coupe. Instead, it uses the underpinnings of the 3 Series with an overall length of around 175 inches and a wheelbase close to 104 inches. While the current X5 and X6, as well as the next-generation X3, are all built at BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, S.C., the X1 will be produced only in Austria.

Like pretty much all European vehicles, the BMW X1 will offer a host of engine options including both diesel and gasoline, but the translation to U.S. spec is expected to leave it with just one choice – the same proven 3.0-liter inline-6 that is currently used in the 128i. Since both the 1 and 3 Series also use the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter engine, we don’t see why this engine wouldn’t also be available under the hood of the X1. With the popularity of the 335 and X5 xDrive35d, a diesel-powered X1 might not be out of the equation either. Rear-wheel drive will be the standard layout, while BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system will also be available.

The X1 was designed to compete against small crossovers such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Cadillac SRX and Lincoln MKX, and it will also be the basis for a future crossover for BMW’s MINI division. The BMW X1 will be the latest addition to BMW’s lineup that includes redesigned models such as the 7 Series and Z4 as well as all-new models such as the X6 and 5 Series Gran Turismo.