Production X1 revealed during photoshoot

[Julian]

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/2417/x1uncovered.jpg

Check out that sweet E38 pickup! :eek:

[SilverBeam]

I have no idea what they are making that car. What is it supposed to compete against? The Rav4 and CRV? It looks a little like the Rouge too, and that isn't a good thing.

[Rakshas]

Looks like a nice pile of fail.

[Mitch]

E38 w/ scaffolding -> do want.

[hicks650i]

Must be the $30-35 price range, hopefully. The X3 is too expensive for an entry-level SUV. Not to mention, they are ugly as sin. This isn't a bad looking vehicle, better than the X3 anyways.

[Julian]

I have no idea what they are making that car. What is it supposed to compete against? The Rav4 and CRV? It looks a little like the Rouge too, and that isn't a good thing.

I was staring at where the hofmeister kink should be, and I was trying to figure out what it looked like there. You hit the nail on the head, farking nissan rouge.

[SilverBeam]

Must be the $30-35 price range, hopefully. The X3 is too expensive for an entry-level SUV. Not to mention, they are ugly as sin. This isn't a bad looking vehicle, better than the X3 anyways.

The X3 is phenomenal to drive, and that more than makes up for the looks. I love that car.

[TEPPSU]

I wonder when BMW will realize they are watering down their brand by having so many different types of vehicles? I am also curious when they will actually take into account the profitability of some of these models. Its no wonder that German government had to bail them out.

BMW should be built to order, expect a few models on the lot and they should not even have ///M cars available on the lot. They should all be built to order.

Like my cousin said a while ago, all 12 people who wanted the X6 ordered it and have it. Now what? What a waste. This is just another repeat.

[BSM_135i]

Come back Chris Bangle! :shifty

[Mstearnsy]

The X1 will exist for the same reason the 1 series does. The X3 will be growing in it's redesign next year. The 2007 X5 grew 7 inches longer than the old one, and that leaves a massive gap between it and the X3, so the X3 will grow, and the X1 will likely be slightly smaller than the current X3. It's a good move.

[robmpulse]

I wonder when BMW will realize they are watering down their brand by having so many different types of vehicles? I am also curious when they will actually take into account the profitability of some of these models. Its no wonder that German government had to bail them out.

BMW should be built to order, expect a few models on the lot and they should not even have ///M cars available on the lot. They should all be built to order.

Like my cousin said a while ago, all 12 people who wanted the X6 ordered it and have it. Now what? What a waste. This is just another repeat.

says a guy driving a 3k car that is old.

You are obviously not in their target market. They don't care what you think.

People that make a TON of money are making decisions here. Will this vehicle flop? Who knows. Even if it does, are the decision makers supposed to be perfect? I guess you have never made a wrong decision either......

As far as all the different model cars available now..... Any car manufacture would be dumb not to do this. The world has changed. BMW's market has changed. The world is more diverse now than it ever has been, and with that you have to cater to the different market that simply did not exist back "in the day".

If you don't like the new cars or what they are doing, then take your E34 and list it on craigslist and find you another manufacture. Like maybe Pontiac. I hear they are doing good these days......:rolleyes

[brandonmatthew]

Its cute

[MrBen]

I'll take that scaffold E38 truck over that EX35... i mean X1 :shifty

[TEPPSU]

says a guy driving a 3k car that is old.

You are obviously not in their target market. They don't care what you think.

People that make a TON of money are making decisions here. Will this vehicle flop? Who knows. Even if it does, are the decision makers supposed to be perfect? I guess you have never made a wrong decision either......

As far as all the different model cars available now..... Any car manufacture would be dumb not to do this. The world has changed. BMW's market has changed. The world is more diverse now than it ever has been, and with that you have to cater to the different market that simply did not exist back "in the day".

If you don't like the new cars or what they are doing, then take your E34 and list it on craigslist and find you another manufacture. Like maybe Pontiac. I hear they are doing good these days......:rolleyes

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1211761

Idiots are not few and far between on this forum anymore, are they?

What I drive has little to do with my opinion on BMW (2009 128i, e34 525i, oh and our family cars 2001 Z3 3.0, 2007 M6 vert, 2003 M5 -- so I don't know how I would fit their market at all), nor does it have to do with the fact that I can't appreciate BMW's gusto in wanting to expand their brand. However, they are doing too much, like every car manufacturer. They are over-producing and are in a financial crunch because of it, just like GM. The difference being they don't carry nearly as much excess fat as GM so the assistance that Germany offered will carry them through.

BMW needs to stop being a follower (ie X1 = EX35 as someone stated earlier), and remember that they currently lead the luxury market. They also need to remember their key market, the sport enthusiast. Yes, their cars are getting bigger, but that would also seem to be the problem, wouldn't it?

Oh, and if morons like you would actually drive a car they would realize that the G8 GXP was an amazing car at a great price point.

[allensiu]

this seems to get into the toyota's venza territory where it's right in the middle of every other types of cars

[bigdog68]

Guys I saw this thing in person at the Auto Show last month in Geneve, it looks a lot better in person then in pictures, hell look at the new 7 Series, I do not like it in pictures but DAMN is it good looking in person. Don't judge lest ye be judged TEPPSU, Rob is an outstanding member on the boards he may be abrasive to some but you have to love him for it.

I do have to say I am getting sick and tired of people saying things like, "oh BMW is just watering down the brand, and, they don't know what the hell they are doing" GET OVER YOURSELVES! BMW is making kick ass road car, amazing race cars (again finally) and if you don't like it DON'T BUY IT! I am not saying you have to leave the brand, I am also not saying you can't have an opinion, but this is always the same argument over a new model. I really just don't get it some times.

Oh and when did the German Government Bail out BMW? Know what you are talking about before randomly spitting out misinformation!
http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/automotive-business/2009/03/19/bmw-boss-says-automotive-bail-outs-could-weaken-the-industry-65233-23179443/

[obnoxious2]

Come back Chris Bangle! :shifty

Funny how people don't realize what they had until it's gone.

I don't understand why BMW is making sooo many effing models. The majority of them will have the same engine anyways and the price difference between models will only be around 4-5k given what we have seen in the price differences between a 1 and 3 series.

I feel like BMW is going down the path GM went down when they made soo many different brands except that they are just making many different models that will only cost them more money in terms of production and marketing with little return.

[espguitarist]

Funny how people don't realize what they had until it's gone.


I'm not 100%, but AFAIK this is Bangle's design. We won't start seeing the new guy's design for another few years as Bangle has already done most of the designs for the upcoming new vehicles. Technically speaking, he may not have designed it himself, but it was under his direction, just like the new 7 is technically a "Bangle."

[Takashi]

I can't wait to see that car in person. I am sure it drives better than the CR-V and Rav 4

[Juanto3]

The X3 is phenomenal to drive, and that more than makes up for the looks. I love that car.
I can agree with this. I hate the way it looks but it's a dream to drive.

[Rakshas]

I'm not 100%, but AFAIK this is Bangle's design. We won't start seeing the new guy's design for another few years as Bangle has already done most of the designs for the upcoming new vehicles. Technically speaking, he may not have designed it himself, but it was under his direction, just like the new 7 is technically a "Bangle."

I'm about 99.999999% sure Chris Bangle did not design this car, or any BMW on sale today.

He was the head of Design for BMW group, meaning he oversaw the design department for Mini, BMW and Rolls-Royce. The last car he actually designed was the E46.

[midduke]

I think it looks alright
People who are saying that BMW are making to many models are ignorant. If BMW didn't expand their range all those really rich people out there wanting to buy rich cars so they can show off there richness to all their not so rich friends would get bored and move on. BMW is about making money, like it or not, and they will do everything to keep there customers coming back, and designing new models is their way to stay ahead.

[Rallyincali]

I actually like the design. It's not DO WANT status, but it is a nice looking car. I am a little confused on it's competition, if it'll be priced for entry lux-SUVs (Tiguan/Q5, RDX, LR2, GLK, X3?) or if really will compete with SUVs lower in the price range (CRV, RAV4, Outlander, etc.). Wouldn't be surprised if it did compete price-wise against the X3 (which I don't like) as the 1 series prices bleed over to the 3 series's prices.

As for the whole "BMW is dead to me now", 1. so stick to the older ones, no one's telling you to get a new car. and 2. name a company to which you CAN'T complain "the company is ruined!". Even Morgan owners could whine about the loss of the Rover engines and the new Aero 8.

[MrBlah]

looks better than the x3 and x6

[TEPPSU]

Guys I saw this thing in person at the Auto Show last month in Geneve, it looks a lot better in person then in pictures, hell look at the new 7 Series, I do not like it in pictures but DAMN is it good looking in person. Don't judge lest ye be judged TEPPSU, Rob is an outstanding member on the boards he may be abrasive to some but you have to love him for it.

I do have to say I am getting sick and tired of people saying things like, "oh BMW is just watering down the brand, and, they don't know what the hell they are doing" GET OVER YOURSELVES! BMW is making kick ass road car, amazing race cars (again finally) and if you don't like it DON'T BUY IT! I am not saying you have to leave the brand, I am also not saying you can't have an opinion, but this is always the same argument over a new model. I really just don't get it some times.

Oh and when did the German Government Bail out BMW? Know what you are talking about before randomly spitting out misinformation!
http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/automotive-business/2009/03/19/bmw-boss-says-automotive-bail-outs-could-weaken-the-industry-65233-23179443/

Judge? He was the first to jump to that action. It has simply been made clear to me that people here do not understand good business sense. I noticed you left out that they produce SUV's as well? Point stands that BMW is over producing and it will cost them in the long run. The reason for smaller vehicles is the price point, guaranteed, not the size issue (although for many I'm sure it is). Its easier to sell a $40k car than a $65k car.

http://www.bmwblog.com/2008/11/08/bmw-eyes-german-bailout-fund/

[Mstearnsy]

Judge? He was the first to jump to that action. It has simply been made clear to me that people here do not understand good business sense. I noticed you left out that they produce SUV's as well? Point stands that BMW is over producing and it will cost them in the long run. The reason for smaller vehicles is the price point, guaranteed, not the size issue (although for many I'm sure it is). Its easier to sell a $40k car than a $65k car.

http://www.bmwblog.com/2008/11/08/bmw-eyes-german-bailout-fund/

That's right, BMW, the 2nd most financially secure auto manufacturer on the planet, doesn't know how to run a good business.... idiot.
Notice the "news" article you posted is almost 6 months old now? And that it never mentioned BMW took a bailout, just that the government was setting up a fund if necessary.

[Aamir bt]

that car looks goofy.

i love the way the x3 looks, better than the x5 imo.

i bet it'd be fun to drive with an N52 in it. or better yet an N54 would be sweet in that car, but i think they should put an N54 in the new x3 when they come out with it, as the x3 is in much need of a faster engine.

additional models is a good move for bmw, even if it doesn't sell too many, it keeps the company interesting, and it's even smarter that bmw is re-entering the smaller car market, as that's the fad nowadays.

[bigdog68]

Judge? He was the first to jump to that action. It has simply been made clear to me that people here do not understand good business sense. I noticed you left out that they produce SUV's as well? Point stands that BMW is over producing and it will cost them in the long run. The reason for smaller vehicles is the price point, guaranteed, not the size issue (although for many I'm sure it is). Its easier to sell a $40k car than a $65k car.

http://www.bmwblog.com/2008/11/08/bmw-eyes-german-bailout-fund/

First I was talking about how you judged Rob's point.

Second, you post a "BMWblog" post as a factual source and are asking if we have good business sense? Please tell me what you do. I am the Chief Operations Officer for a commercial real estate company my family has owned for 30 years, and we are thriving in this economy, I have a BA in Economics from Seton Hall and an MBA in Management from Rollins College Crummer school, one of the top rater MBA programs in the WORLD! BMW is the worlds 2nd strongest auto manufacturer and they have spoke out many times against these government bail outs, please get your information from a more credible source then "BMWblog"

This X1 is going to be a good seller for BMW, they are going to price it under the Mercedes GLK, so expect a 29k start point. The new X3 will grow and adjust its prices the same way the 3 Series did when the 1 Series came out.

[hicks650i]

bigdog, what company? Just curious...

[m3cowboy]

i would never buy this piece of ghetto shit.

[ViniZaoD]

Station Wagon.

[TopasBlau46]

I'm about 99.999999% sure Chris Bangle did not design this car, or any BMW on sale today.

He was the head of Design for BMW group, meaning he oversaw the design department for Mini, BMW and Rolls-Royce. The last car he actually designed was the E46.

The last car he designed was the X6, and helped with the F01 7 series. The X1, and new Z4, were not of his design influence. He still oversaw the design of all cars (except the X1 and Z4) produced since the E46 up until now.

[smaples]

i really hope they dont make that. it looks horrible, and cheap

[kornkid8600]

Come back Chris Bangle! :shifty

Chris Bangle was still working for BMW when the X1 concept came out. BMW is notorious for releasing concepts that look almost exactly like the production version.

The second point is, Chris Bangle didn't design this car. Infact there are no BMWs on the road that Chris Bangle designed. He was head of design at BMW, a mentor if you will. BMW picks its designs through a pool, artists come up with a sketch and the best one is chosen. The head of design would oversee production of that car with the conjunction of the artist.

That said Bangle has been head of the BMW group for a number of years that includes Mini and Rolls Royce. Adrian van Hooydonk has been BMW head of design, and with Bangle's departure he has taken over Bangle's post on the BMW Group.


I'm about 99.999999% sure Chris Bangle did not design this car, or any BMW on sale today.

He was the head of Design for BMW group, meaning he oversaw the design department for Mini, BMW and Rolls-Royce. The last car he actually designed was the E46.

Basically, except the E46 was designed by Erik Goplen from BMW Designworks USA.


The last car he designed was the X6, and helped with the F01 7 series. The X1, and new Z4, were not of his design influence. He still oversaw the design of all cars (except the X1 and Z4) produced since the E46 up until now.


Negative, the X6 was designed by Pierre Leclercq, who designed the E70 X5.
Adrian Van Hooydonk helped the artists out as design leader. F01 7 series is by Karim Antoine Habib (Now works for Mercedes Benz). Bangle's job was to oversee design of the entire group, Hooydonk was the primary head of design for BMW itself.

Bangle and Hooydonk provide a vision for BMW, which is why BMW hired them in the first place.