We already know pretty much everything there is to know about the BMW X1, but this was the first time actual production models were shown to the public. The super-softroader comes with a range of engines in Europe, including a 2.0 liter diesel, and 2.3 and 2.8-liter gas motors, with only the big gasoline engine coming stateside. Expect every single bleach blond trophy wife at the Yoga center to have her very own copy by next year.

Here's what we know about the BMW X1 so far — The little SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle) will be derived from the BMW 1-Series with full-time all-wheel-drive (xDrive) and will feature the following roundup of engine choices:

* BMW X1 xDrive20d - 177 horsepower - 8.4 seconds 0-60 MPH - Max Speed 132 MPH (213 km/h) - 40.5 MPG (5.8 liters / 100 km)
* BMW X1 xDrive23d - 204 horsepower - 7.3 seconds 0-60 MPH - Max Speed 138 mph (223 km/h) - 37 MPG (6,3 Liter / 100 km)
* BMW X1 xDrive28i - 6.7 seconds 0-60 MPH - Max Speed 142 MPH(230 km/h)

Sadly, we're told that only the BMW X1 xDrive28i will make it stateside, so give up those hopes and dreams for a high mileage diesel. We'll get the short end of the stick... again. (Hat Tip To Cameron!)

[via xbimmers]

BMW just handed over lightly-camo'd 2010 BMW X1s to a group of journalists who have trouble publishing content in a timely manner in sunny Spain. There, the company revealed that the X1 will be launched with a range of three engines:

* BMW X1 xDrive20d - 177 horsepower - 8.4 seconds 0-60 MPH - Max Speed 132 MPH (213 km/h) - 40.5 MPG (5.8 liters / 100 km)
* BMW X1 xDrive23d - 204 horsepower - 7.3 seconds 0-60 MPH - Max Speed 138 mph (223 km/h) - 37 MPG (6,3 Liter / 100 km)
* BMW X1 xDrive28i - 6.7 seconds 0-60 MPH - Max Speed 142 MPH(230 km/h)

Don't get your Lulu Lemon's in a twist over the prospect of the small diesels; it's likely that only the xDrive28i will make it stateside. [via BMW Blog]

This new X1 should come to market soon in Europe, followed by a release in the US. Rumors about the platform continue to circulate, but it appears it could share a setup with the soon-to-be release Mini Crossman SUV. From the looks of it, the Bimmer gets a more roundish look than the current X3. The rearmost pillar is, dare we say, Nissan Rogue-ish?

Whatever it is, we can't help but be more enamored with the camera truck. Is that an E38-amino? Why yes, yes it is. Given the choice between a new X1 and a 7-series truck we'd probably take the camera rig-truck.

(Hat tip to Tim!) [Xbimmers]

As BMW insists on segmenting its product lineup, the X1, based off the BMW X1 concept, is the latest in their assault on reason, slotted somewhere between a 3-series wagon, the BMW X3 and heck, let's just throw the X6 in as well. Then there's the BMW Progressive Activity Vehicle concept on the way, so who knows where all these fat-bottomed "Ultimate driving machines" end up.

Anyway, the X1 is expected to debut at the pending 2009 Geneva Motor Show with a version of the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, gadget-ridden center consoles and a 3.0-liter straight-six from the 128i. We're also hearing about a possible four cylinder rumored under development. [BMW via World Car Fans]

Our p-shop skills managed to eke out a bit more detail, but aside from the flowery wheels and shorter wheelbase, it looks pretty much like an X5. Surprise! So for the eleven of you out there looking for yet another compact SUV with a high price tag, undoubtedly terrible fuel economy and a bourgeoisie attitude, today is your day in the sun. Expect to see the BMW X1, sans teasers and marketing-hyped camouflage at the upcoming Paris Motor Show later this week. [BMW via 4WheelsNews]

The soft-roader based on the 1-Series is said to something of an upmarket Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, you know, for hairdressers people that love the higher ride height of an SUV, but have no actual use for one. Pricing will probably start around $30,000. So, if you're looking to spend less money and look like even more of a tool, you may want to consider the alleged Mini-branded SUV that's said to share many of the X1's components.
[MotorAuthority]

Along with the dual e-motor transmission for hybrid action, the X3 also gets active steering, active roll stabilization, the electro-hydraulic brake system, and cruise control with brake-to-stop function; we'd assume that means some sort of Jag-ish radar-controlled braking feedback loop. All well and good, but since nobody actually buys an X3 for the driving dynamics, it's a good thing BMW will also be adding better materials to the cabin, an on-board hard drive, and a night-vision system (we'll believe that when we see it — at night).

But what about that X1? Das Bild speculates that the new sub-X3 will be seeing the light of day by the third quarter of 2009, and will be just what it seems: a smaller, lower crossover. At some point, they're just going to have to call them wagons. The X1 will sport a bevy of engines, ranging from a 1.4-liter four sourced from Peugeot up to a 3.5-liter V6 fire-breather from BMW, along with the now-inescapable automatic or hybrid transmission setup.

Guess this finally answers the age-old question: "If a soccer mom cries out for a tall station wagon, does BMW hear it?" [Autobild (translated) via Carscoop]

Who cares? If you want a lifted 3-Series wagon, why not buy a 3-Series wagon and have it lifted? Really, how many niches must there be? Does the world actually need something that's part wagon, part SUV, part minivan, part sedan? The bad part is that once the F3/V3/X1 finally does arrive, it won't actually be a bad vehicle. We'll test drive it, and declare that it's well-built, drives well, and is quite practical. And then people will buy it. Profit will be made. Other automakers will take notice and build similar vehicles. The niche will be filled. Then, two new niches, one to either side of the old niche, will be created. Those niches will be filled, and sooner or later we'll all be driving (or merely riding along) in nondescript blobs. Our children will have no knowledge of hoonage, at which point the world will likely end.
[BimmerPost.com]

First Sighting: BMW X1

Yes, I know: You've seen this car before, but someone else called it an X3. Well, our brazen shooters got up-close with these mini "off-roaders" and verified that this is NO X3! It's WAY too small! And, in fact, this is actually the first running prototype of the upcoming X1 - a small "sport activity vehicle" (SAV) from the folks at BMW.

Based on the new 1 Series, but taller and stockier, the new mini SAV will arrive during the 2010 calendar year with full-time four-wheel drive and all the normal BMW bells-and-whistles.

Size-wise, the X1 is supposed to be comparable to Toyota's RAV4 - and will actually be sharing components (and possibly some cladding) with Mini's new off-roader.