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.