BMW review and Photos

Although smaller in size, BMW has not gone for the cheap option, the X1 will still be a full time four-wheel-driver, sharing its all-paw layout, raised ride-height and plastic body cladding with the upcoming Mini off-roader.

No need to rush to BMW showrooms however, the X1 is due in Europe towards the middle of 2010. So Australia will most likely see the car early 2011.

Engines and much of the car’s interior trim is expected to be sourced from the 1-series. Reports from Germany insist that a full hybrid version is unlikely to get the green light on cost grounds.

BMW expects the X1’s core audience to be made up of successful women. Tell us what you think, will it stack up against Audi’s Q3 and the Mini off-roader?

Photos copyright to Scoopy and used with permission for CarAdvice.com.au only.

Last year BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer said his company will create a new segment and introduce its own interpretation of the humble sedan, meet the BMW Progressive Activity Sedan or PAS in short.

Our computer graphic artist has used the spy shots below to create this rendering of the PAS.

Unfortunately Mr Reithofer was unclear as to what exactly BMW plans to do with the PAS since it’s apparently not a sedan, nor a wagon, nor an SUV etc… The PAS will join the BMW X1 as part of the company’s new range of small life-style activity vehicles.

There are currently no confirmed release date for the PAS, but it should arrive in European showrooms early next year with Australian deliveries most likely to follow soon after.

So don’t be misled by the (almost) perfect disguising of the grille of this BMW 3-series: the compact saloon and estate will in fact get their mid-life facelifts in the very near future.

There is no official word from BMW as to what exactly will change.

However there is a good chance the 2009 model will be officially unveiled at the Geneva Show in early March - and we will be there to bring you all the photos.

Photos copyright to Scoopy and used with permission for CarAdvice.com.au only.

Our European photographers snapped the car at the firm’s Munich headquarters this morning, and it’s the first time the Mercedes S-class beater can be seen without the heavy cladding that so far made the elegant saloon looking like an ugly military tank.

With its huge twin-kidney grille and the wrap-around headlights the car mimics design elements of the X5 and X6 but keeps the exclusive character the 7-series is known for.

Though still disguised with a fake rear spoiler, the rear end and especially the boot lid will undoubtedly become more elegant compared to the current car’s back.

In addition to the exterior updates, BMW will be introducing a new iDrive and – rumour has it – an eight-speed transmission (in order to shut Lexus up).

The new 7‑series will make its first public appearance at the Paris Show later this year and will arrive as a 2009 model.

The sort of testing that might have once been conducted in the Northern Territory (no longer viable due to speed limits) takes full advantage of the local hot temperatures, kilometres of desert roadways and mountains with steep grades.

The X5’s twin-turbo engine is shared with the X6. The 4.4-litre V8 is expected to have about 300kW and roughly 610Nm of torque.

The twin-turbo will be unveiled in the US later this year. As for availability in Australia, BMW has been contacted for comment.

As its name suggests, the BMW X1 will the smallest of the brand’s SUV family, sharing its underpinnings with the upcoming MINI Crossman.

Like the Crossman, it will be a full-time four-wheel-drive and is similar in size to the Ford Kuga and Toyota RAV4 – although with a price tag match the blue and white badge.

The cabin will share the majority of its layout and appearance with the current 1 Series complete with the latest iDrive and BMW’s signature swan-necked gearlever.

Like all new BMW models, the X1 will feature the Efficient Dynamics technology – the intelligent system that utilises stop-start systems, intelligent alternator control and other green initiatives to boost economy and slash emissions.

A hybrid version is unlikely to join the range based on cost issues – expect that system, based on that already under development, to be reserved for the new 7-series.

The photographer says the BMW’s X6 ActiveHybrid is so quiet that one must rely on vision alone to notice it. The X6 range will land in Australia shortly, but so far the Hybrid is yet to be confirmed.

We first saw BMW’s X6 ActiveHybrid Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and BMW is wasting no time with real-time development – and, as sources are telling us, you’re even looking at the production sheet-metal with the lightly bulged hood.

We dare say the X6h will at in European showrooms by 2010.

The new X3’s dimensions will hardly change compared with the current car and its styling will be shaped to reflect elements from the CS Concept. The basic shape will remain much the same, however the new model is expected to feature a more prominent grille plus new wraparound headlights.

Designers will also focus on improving the quality of the interior, as the new X3 will be facing stiff competition from the recently unveiled new Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLK.

Production of the X3 will be moved to BMW’s Spartanburg plant in the U.S. where it will be built alongside the new X6 and X5. Expect to see the twin-turbo 3.0-litre from the 335i make its way into the X3 range as well as the powerful but frugal new 152kw 2.0-litre turbodiesel.

Although BMW still won’t confirm the M version of the X6, the side vents and dual exhaust on each side give away the true identity of this not-so-mild-mannered X6.

Built to compete with Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo S, Mercedes ML63 AMG and other high-performance crossovers – the X6 M may very well be in a class of it’s own.

Rumours have it the X6M will be powered by the M5’s 5.0-litre V10 with 373kW and 520Nm of torque. We’re expecting BMW to make an official announcement about the X6 M before the end of the year.

With rival Mercedes-Benz designing a car for every single person on earth, BMW has taken a different approach, instead of competing head on, the company has begun creating new cars for previously untapped segments. The best example being the new BMW X6.

The new PAS would be again in a different league, allowing more headroom than in the X6 while being significantly smaller than Mercedes’ R-class.

The more car-like approach seen on this prototype seems better-suited to BMW’s values than a full-size van, and although these spy-photos do not reveal all of the car’s design, it does appear to resemble a kind of coupé-like design.

We expect more or less all 5-series’ engines to be available for the PAS, too. There are currently no details about the car’s release date in Europe or in Australia.