U.S.-Bound BMW X1 Debuts in New York

BALTIMORE, Md., April 17, 2012 –Sold overseas since 2009, the redesigned BMW X1 sport activity vehicle finally made its U.S. debut earlier this month under the bright lights of the 2012 New York International Auto Show. While U.S. luxury buyers have traditionally liked their SUVs large, rising gas prices and a move toward nimbler crossovers have positioned the sub-compact X1 well for its fall debut at BMW dealerships.

The 2013 BMW X1 will be the smallest utility vehicle in the automaker's U.S. lineup, slotted beneath the BMW X3 and BMW X5, but a pair of TwinPower Turbo engines will offer plenty of power to buyers. The X1's elevated performance will offer a fresh alternative to other small crossovers like the Range Rover Evoque, the Acura RDX and the upcoming Audi Q3. Designers have also given the BMW X1 a more aggressive look for its U.S. debut, with large headlights pulling back over the front fenders and a more pronounced version of the brand's trademark double-kidney grille.

"The U.S. SUV market is a lot different now than when the BMW X5 debuted a decade ago, and there are luxury buyers out there looking for something smaller that still has a commanding presence," said Melanie Sterry, general manager of Baltimore BMW dealership Russel BMW. "The BMW X1 will help buyers save more on fuel, but they'll also be surprised at how much they are getting when it comes to performance and handling."

A new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine will be the X1's standard powerplant, producing 240 horsepower in both the rear-wheel-drive X1 sDrive28i and the all-wheel-drive X1 xDrive28i. Designed to conserve fuel consumption as well, the engine will benefit from Auto Start-Stop technology, Brake Energy Regeneration and demand-based operation of ancillary units. A second engine, BMW's familiar 3.0-liter TwinPower six-cylinder, will output a range-topping 300 horsepower in the all-wheel-drive X1 xDrive35i. All X1 models will come paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.

BMW engineers also added higher-quality interior materials to the X1 to meet the discerning tastes of American buyers. A driver-oriented cockpit features a shallower center console, while electroplated trim surrounds the shifter and cup holders. Other new interior touches include gloss-black air vents, chrome accents and an optional navigation unit.

Another BMW utility vehicle, the X6 sport activity coupe, will also be getting a refresh for the 2013 model year. Due to reach BMW dealerships this spring, the 2013 X6 will be available with Adaptive LED headlights, which feature high-intensity brightness and Corona headlight-rings that turn to improve visibility around curves. Buyers of the 2013 BMW X6 will also be able to choose from four all-new exterior colors, including Orion Silver, Midnight Blue, Marrakesh Brown and Carbon Black.

"The X1 shows how luxury SUVs have changed in terms of size, while the new X6 really highlights how they have evolved in terms of style," Sterry noted. "BMW managed to capture the sporty look of its coupes and combine it with the capability of an SUV in the X6. The new headlights and color choices for 2013 will only add to that forward-looking design."

About Russel BMW:
A trusted Baltimore Country BMW dealership, Russel BMW has served Maryland driving enthusiasts for years with a high level of sales and service that matches the BMW name. The dealership's diverse inventory of new and used BMWs ensures an easier vehicle search for customers, and their parts and service department are renowned for their expertise and professionalism. Visit Russel BMW online at www.russelbmw.com, call them at 410-744-2000 or stop by their dealership in person at 6700 Baltimore National Pike in Baltimore. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarylandBMW.