2011 BMW X3 SUV Scooped: Grows in Size, Could get a Hybrid Version

After the presentation of the all-new X1 SUV, BMW's engineers are now busy preparing the second-generation X3 which is due to arrive in international markets in 2011. Based on the next 3-Series platform architecture, the new X3 bears the codename F25 and will come with all-wheel drive or as BMW calls it, xDrive. It is possible though that just like the smaller X1, the Bavarian automaker may also offer rear-wheel drive only variants of its compact SUV.

The introduction of the X1 in BMW's SUV range should result in an increase of the X3's exterior dimensions in order to further differentiate the two models. As it stands now, the Bavarian SUVs are similar in size, with the X1 being just 4.5 inches (114 mm) shorter, 2.2 inches (55 mm) narrower and 5.1 inches (130 mm) lower than the current X3.

While the prototype model's funky disguise does not reveal much about the design, it is expected that the new X3 will do away with the current model's flame-surface styling adopting many design cues from BMW's latest vehicles such as the 7-Series as well as the Concept CS. As for the interior, buyers should look forward to higher quality materials and a more contemporary design for the dashboard.

There'll be a wide engine range to choose from, with gasolines ranging from the 170HP 2.0-litre four-banger to a range-topping 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six while the diesel line-up will include numerous four- and six-cylinder engines.

It has also been reported that the next-generation X3 will gain a hybrid variant featuring a gasoline engine and a high-performance electric motor that will allow the vehicle to to be driven on electric power only, on the combustion engine alone, or with a combination of both power units.

Whereas the current X3 is built under contract by Magna Steyr in Austria, the new compact SUV will be manufactured at BMW's Spartanburg plant in South Carolina alongside the X5 and X6 models.

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BMW X1 SUV: The Full Monty with Official Details, Video and 183 High-Res Photos

The all-new BMW X1 has finally been officially revealed after a plethora of photographs were leaked into the web last night. Cutting to the chase, the X1 is BMW's new entry-level SUV model slotting right under the X6, X5 and X3. It will arrive at European showrooms this fall rivaling high-end versions of the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan compact SUVs while BMW has also confirmed that the X1 will be offered in the States from 2011.

If BMW's latest SUV/SAV looks familiar to you, it's no surprise as the X1 was shown in pre-production form at last year's Paris auto show under the ConceptX1 moniker. Compared to the X3's fussy styling, a more streamlined look has been adopted for the X1 that incorporates flatter surfaces and tauter forms. We're still trying to get used to that large snout, but we'll wait to see the car up close for our final judgment (don't expect us to fall in love...).

Moving on to the interior, let's just say that if you have sat in an X3, you will feel right at home in the X1 as the only styling feature that is new here is the driver orientated center stack that will be making its return on all future BMWs.

Built on the 3-series platform architecture, the X1 is close in size to the current X3 measuring 4,454mm or 175.3-inches in length, 1,798mm or 70.8-inches in width and 1,545mm or 60.8-inches in height. That means its roughly 110mm or 4.3-in. shorter, 60 mm or 5.5-in. narrower and 140 mm or 2.4-in. lower that today's X3, which is expected to grow in size when BMW introduces the second generation model.

Back to the X1, the luggage compartment capacity may be increased from 420 lt or14.7 cu ft to a maximum of 1,350 liters or 47.3 cu ft with the rear seats folded.

The X1 will debut in Europe with an initial choice of four engines while for the first time ever in an X-Series model, BMW's crossover will available in rear-wheel drive (bearing the sDrive moniker) and xDrive all-wheel drive configurations.

The range includes a 3.0-liter straight six gasoline engine that produces 258HP launching the X1 from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 6.8 seconds, and three 2.0-liter four-pot diesel units with outputs of 204HP, 177HP and 143HP that achieve up to 5.2 liter/100km or 45.2mpg US on the European test cycle. Initially, only the 177HP and 143HP diesel models will be offered with the option of rear-wheel drive.

BMW is also expected to enhance the X1's range with a 2.0-liter four-banger gasoline engine offered with various outputs as well as with more sDrive variants.

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BMW X1 Official Gallery Leaked: 43 Photos of Small SUV

A couple of BMW enthusiast sites have gotten their hands on a full set of photos of the all-new X1 small SUV that slots beneath the X3 in the Bavarian automaker's crossover range. Not surprisingly, the X1's exterior design is virtually unchanged from last year's so-called "X1 concept study". The only visible change between the two models concerns the subtly revised tail light design, but that's about it. For the first time, we also get a complete look at the X1's interior.

The X1's dashboard pretty much follows in the lines of the X3. However, as with the latest generation 7-Series, the X1's center console is slightly tilted towards the driver which is a welcome change.

Since BMW has not made the release official, we do not have the technical specs. But we do know that the X1 is based on a modified version of the 3-Series platform, and that the soft-roader is be equipped with the Bavarian firm's 'xDrive' all-wheel-drive system.

According to previous reports, the initial petrol range will include an entry-level 2.0-liter four cylinder with outputs of 143HP and 170HP and a 3.0-liter straight-six producing 265HP while the diesel lineup will consist of a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit available with 143HP, 177HP and 204HP.

Roughly 110mm shorter, 60 mm narrower and 140mm lower (4.3, 5.5 and 2.4-inches. respectively) than the X3, the new X1 will be marketed as an upscale alternative to compact SUV offerings like the VW Tiguan, Ford Kuga, Toyota RAV-4 and the Honda CR-V.

The X1 will go on sale in Europe shortly after its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. North American sales are slated to begin sometime in early 2011.

[Via: Xbimmers & Bmwblog]

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BMW X1 Small SUV: More Teaser Photos Including Dashboard Shot

Much to the annoyance of people like ourselves that believe enough is enough, BMW continues to fool around with meaningless teaser shots of its upcoming X1 SUV. Following the release of 140 photos of the X1 in camouflage, a teaser video, four cryptic exterior shots and a blurry photoshoped image of the SUV on the beach, the Bavarian firm has published four more pictures of its small crossover.

The new set of photos provides us with our first (obscure) glimpse of the X1's interior and in particular of the steering-wheel and instrument panel which appears to be hold no surprises.

In case you've been living in Mars or something, the X1 is designed to fit right under the X3 in BMW's SUV range. The first examples of the SUV will arrive in European showrooms this October with the U.S. following sometime in 2011.

[Source: Carscoop]

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2010 MINI Crossman: New Spy Shots of Five-Door Crossover

The highly anticipated MINI Crossman (bear in mind that it could be named Crossover or something entirely different) has been out testing again and our spy photographers where on spot to capture it red handed. While the prototype models continue to wear the full body psychedelic camouflage, these latest scoop photos give us a better view of the car. Changes from the more avant-garde Crossover Concept seen at the 2008 Paris motorshow include the replacement of the complicated asymmetric doors with conventionally hinged rear doors and a normal liftgate (don't let the disguise fool you into believing that it features Clubman-style split rear doors) instead of the concept's huge side-hinged door.

The Crossman, which is larger than the Clubman, will be first production MINI to measure more than 4 meters in length. Expect its exterior dimensions to be similar to the concept measuring around 4,050mm (159.5-in.) in length, 1,830mm (72.0-in.) in width and 1,598mm (62.9-in.) in height.

Even though this has not been officially confirmed, it is believed that the Crossman is loosely based on BMW's upcoming X1 SUV with the two crossovers sharing the same platform and plenty of technology including the Bavarian firm's all-wheel drive system dubbed 'xDrive'. From the photos it is evident that the Crossman features an increased ground clearance which should help bolster its (soft) off-road credentials.

From what we understand, MINI will offer the Crossman with a mix of new and currently available four-cylinder diesel and gasoline engines, the latter in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms.

Notably, it will be built the first MINI to be built outside the UK at Magna Steyr's factory in Austria as the British automaker's Cowley plant does not have sufficient capacity to handle production. The Crossman is expected to arrive in MINI showrooms sometime during the second half of 2010.

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