BMW X1 coming; so is the next-gen X3

BMW’s smallest SUV, the X1 is on BMW’s launch pad. BMW will concentrate on the X1 once the all new F10 BMW 5-series makes its debut in India in 2010. Like the 3 series, the X1 is a baby SUV to take the X-series to a wider audience and BMW is contemplating a launch sometime in early 2011. The X1 was globally launched in October this year and the long delay makes us think if BMW will assemble the X1 here to drastically reduce its price.

The era of the CR-V, Captiva, Fortuner and Endeavour might finally come to an end with the arrival of the X1. Its a genuine high quality car available in both Rear Wheel drive and 4WD. The launch of the X1 might also prompt Mercedes to consider the GLK while Audi might want to bring in its yet to be launched Q3. A BMW India spokesman confirmed that the X1, which has been in the global market since October, would be launched here by early 2011.

Industry sources say that the X1 will carry a price tag of around 25-35lakh. The car comes after the line-up of X series from the X3, X5 to the X6 which are already available in India. The ageing X3 will move upmarket and go up against the Q5 which is proving to be very popular in India dude the mini-Q7 looks. Expect the X3 to maintain most of the styling cues as the current X-range of cars but it would have tough competition so BMW better make it worthy. This move will widen the gap between the X1 and the X3. Presently, the X3 is being imported as a CBU and costs a whopping Rs40 lakh.

The X1 will come with a wide range of engines ranging from a 1.8 petrol, diesel, and maybe the top of the range 2.3 petrol and 2.8 diesel. BMW’s premium SUV’s the X3 and X5 witnessed over 100% growth in the April-October period this year but the X3 is losing out badly to the Q5 so BMW has its task cut out in bringing the next-gen X3 as soon as possible. Abdul Majeed, leader, automotive practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers India has this to say: The potential for the Rs 20-30 lakh segment looks fantastic at the moment. We will keep you posted when the X1 arrives. Stay tuned till then

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