BMW X1 India launch by Jan 2011

BMW India will launch its X1 compact SUV by January 2011. The smallest SUV yet from the BMW stable will be powered by 1.8-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines.

In India, the SUV will be available as a rear-wheel drive which has helped the German car maker to price the X1 on par with its competitors. The X1 will be launched in two trim levels; Highline and Corporate Edition. Like the 320d CE, the X1 CE too will miss some features that will be available in the top of the line Highline variant.

Unlike the fully loaded X1 Highline, there will be no sunroof and CD changer - only a single CD player will be available. Also, the Corporate Edition will get simple black trim and fabric seats instead of wood garnishing. However, these are small concessions to make since the Corporate Edition will be considerably cheaper than the Highline variant.

The compact SUV is based on the 3-series saloon and will be shipped to India as a CKD unit and will be assembled at the company’s plant in Chennai where the 3 series is built. With a wheelbase of 2760mm and at 4454mm long, the X1 opens up a new luxury segment in the compact Sports Utility Vehicle class.

The BMW X1 1.8i Corporate Edition will be priced at Rs 22.99lakh, while the 2.0-litre diesel Highline variant will retail at Rs 29lakh (all prices ex-showroom).

The X1 will extend the current BMW Sports Activity Series model lineup, currently consisting of the BMW X3, BMW X5, and the BMW X6.

There is a reason for big bike buyers to rejoice as BMW Motorrad has finalised plans to come to India. The German manufacturer is presently evaluating the exact models to bring to our market, but we expect the tech-laden K 1300 GT and K 1300 S motorcycles to be the first launches. The bikes will be sold from exclusive BMW Motorrad showrooms coming up shortly in New Delhi and Mumbai.