AC Schnitzer gives the BMW X1 a once-over

AC Schnitzer X1 E84

The Westphalians at AC Schnitzer have done a number on the diesel BMW X1 to come up with the AC Schnitzer X1 E84. The range of changes, options, and badging – especially the badging – is extensive. But the crux of the tuned crossover is that the 1.8d model goes from 143 horsepower to 171, and the 2.0d goes from 177 hp to 210.

Your super schneller X1 will look the part with a comprehensive aerodynamics package outside and carbon goodies inside, including a Schnitzer logo'd cover for the iDrive controller. And it is promised as the "new standard in driving pleasure" because of a new suspension kit. Schnitzer's full info on the X1 E84 is in the press release after the jump, and you can get a high-res view of it in the gallery below. Stay tune for all of our live pics and info from Geneva.

Gallery: AC Schnitzer BMW X1 E84

PRESS RELEASE

New Standards in Driving Pleasure
Quality and Emotion: The BMW X1 by AC Schnitzer

The X1 is the latest welcome addition to the compact vehicles segment, and brings the characteristic BMW "Driving Pleasure" to this class. With an extensive range for the BMW X1, the AC Schnitzer version now celebrates its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 2010.

The BMW X1 is available with choice of a 6-cylinder petrol engine and three 4-cylinder diesel power plants. Here again, AC Schnitzer is setting totally new standards for driving pleasure in the premium compact segment. The BMW X1 xDrive23d has been upgraded from a 150 kW/204 HP diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo and Common Rail injection to 240 HP. The 2.0 d and 1.8 d units in the BMW X1 also feature Common Rail injection and a turbocharger, and with the AC Schnitzer tuning package achieve 210 and 171 HP respectively. Naturally, the power upgrades are available for both the sDrive and xDrive versions. The AC Schnitzer engine styling including capacity logo is available for vehicles with and without performance upgrade.

Acoustically, the sporting driving experience is enhanced by the AC Schnitzer sports rear silencer for the petrol X1 xDrive 28i (in development). Visual elegance is provided by the chromed "Racing" tailpipe trim which is also available for all other models.

The superb driving behaviour of the BMW X1 with its focus on agility, precision and handling is the direct result of the sophisticated suspension technology used on the extremely solid body structure. AC Schnitzer has built on this and with its suspension spring kit and an aluminium strut brace, ensures the perfect balance between sporting performance and driving comfort.

The AC Schnitzer aerodynamics package is far more than mere decoration, although it harmonises effectively in the overall concept. The front spoiler and rear skirt extension, in combination with the rear roof spoiler, improve downforce and ensure additional ground adhesion. Engine bay venting is optimised by the AC Schnitzer Bonnet Vents. These are enhanced further with chromed centre webs available as an option. In aesthetic terms, the AC Schnitzer aerodynamic conversion emphasises the expressive styling and reveals to the observer on first glance the universal sporting ambitions of the X1 by AC Schnitzer.

Impressive design elements also lend a sporting and youthful note to the interior of the BMW X1 by AC Schnitzer. These elements include silver "Exclusiv" carbon interior trim, illuminated leather gear knob, aluminium gear knobs with or without digital gear display, "Black Line" aluminium cover for the i-Drive system controller, aluminium handbrake handle and pedal set, foot rests and velours foot mats.

The finishing touch comes from a set of attractive wheels, so the X1 retains its stylish appearance not only on twisty or changing terrain, but also outside a fashionable cafe. An ideal choice is the brand-new Type VIII wheel in 19". The new wheel with its 5 double spokes in BiColor Finish is an evolution of the well-known Type VI wheel, and complements perfectly the styling language of the BMW X1. AC Schnitzer Type IV wheels in silver or in BiColor in 18, 19 or 20 inch, together with the Type VI rim in 18", complete the range available for the BMW X1.

Frankfurt 2009: 2010 BMW X1 shows up

While us Americans will probably never get the three- and/or five-door 1 Series, we will be getting the new BMW X1. Here's your pudding proof. For some this is a maddening reality. For others it's like music you dislike. Still, we were a bit surprised by how much we liked the looks of the X1, especially in brown. With a grill lifted right off the 7-Series and a sinister set of angel eyes, the X1 is easily twice as handsome as big brother X3. Which might very prove to be the X1's major selling point. Just like the 3 Series and the 1 Series, the X3 and X1 are very closely related, not only in terms of powertrains, but mechanicals and chassis, too.

Engine choices are the usual BMW fare, ranging from the 258 hp double-VANOS straight-six in the xDrive28i to the 295 lb-ft of torque twin-turbo and common-rail diesel xDrive23d to less powerful diesel models like the 258 lb-ft xDrive20d/sDrive20d. There's also the sDrive18d which can get up to a BMW claimed 54.3 imperial miles per gallon. If you've somehow forgotten, the "x" in BMW-speak stands for AWD and the "s" stands for RWD. BMW claims the latter is the "most efficient rendition of spontaneous driving pleasure." If you can figure out what that means, let us know.

2011 BMW X1 Makes Public Debut

2011 BMW X1

Way back at the beginning of July, BMW revealed full details and images of the BMW X1. People immediately began to ask, "Why?" It's not without good reason the question is raised; it's uncomfortably close in size to the X3, and though Europeans will get a range of small and efficient diesel engines, it's not clear how Americans--BMW's biggest market--will benefit from the just-barely-smallest SUV in the brand's lineup.

Live photos from the Frankfurt auto show taken today reveal the car as it looks from eye-level, rather than in the often distorting light of the studio, and it has to be said it looks smaller than the X3 in person.

2011 BMW X1

Marketing for the X1 is also playing up the vehicle's split city-sporty personality, casting it as a more youthful alternative to the other SUVs and crossovers in the BMW range. And that may be the key to BMW's desire to sell a slightly smaller, slightly decontented X1 alongside the X3: pricing, and market position.

Whatever the reasoning behind the X1, however, it's an attractive vehicle inside and out. Check out the gallery below, or read up on our coverage of the official release of the 2011 BMW X1.

New Car BMW X1 SUV

The next couple of years will be very busy for BMW as it launches a handful of new models including new versions of current top sellers and some models we’ve never seen before. The new X1 falls into the latter category and will take the carmaker into the compact SUV market currently dominated by the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.

The X1 has been conceived with the flexibility to offer traditional RWD and xDrive AWD configurations, as well as a wide variety of petrol and diesel powertrain choices. It will debut in Europe this fall with a choice of four engines - one petrol and three diesels - and will be available in both RWD and AWD. The most efficient of the range, the RWD sDrive18d achieves fuel economy of up to 45.2mpg (5.2L/100km) while still being capable of reaching speeds of up to 124mph.

It was also revealed today that the X1 will go on sale in the U.S. in 2011, likely with two new petrol engines.

Every X1 will also be available with BMW’s EfficientDynamics technology helping to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. These will include brake energy regeneration, engine stop-start technology and a gearshift point indicator.

The initial model range will include the 258hp (190kW) and 228lb-ft (310Nm) of torque xDrive28i 3.0L petrol model, which can accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 127mph while returning fuel economy of 25mpg (9.4L/100km). This is followed by a 204hp (150kW) and 295lb-ft (400Nm) of torque xDrive23d, a 177hp (130kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) of torque xDrive20d and sDrive20d, and finally a 143hp (105kW) and 236lb-ft (320Nm) of torque xDrive18d and sDrive18d.

BMW family traits can also be found in the styling of the front and rear lights, which resemble the recently revealed 5-series GT and the 7-series sedan, respectively. The shots also confirm that BMW designers have stuck closely to the lines of the Concept X1 showcased at last year’s Paris Motor Show.

Three full-sized seats in an elevated position at the rear offer generous space and the backrest is adjustable for angle and folds down in a 40/20/20 split. Luggage compartment capacity may be increased from 420 litres/14.7 cu ft to a maximum of 1,350 litres/47.3 cu ft. An electrically operated Panorama glass roof is available as an option.

Production volume is expected to top the 100,000 mark and will take place at a BMW plant in Leipzig. The X1 will be priced higher than the 1-series, likely starting close to the $30,000 mark, and will be revealed for the first time in the metal at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

Gallery: 2010 BMW X1 SUV

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Spy shots: 2010 BMW X1 caught with least camouflage yet

The next couple of years will be very busy for BMW as it launches a handful of new models including new versions of current top sellers and some models we’ve never seen before. The new X1 falls into the latter category and will take the carmaker into the compact SUV market currently dominated by the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.

The latest round of spy photos, taken at Germany's Nurburgring race track, reveal the vehicle in the least amount of camouflage yet, essentially showing off its outlines and curves. The checkered cladding does obscure the details, but the overall feel of the vehicle is definitely there. Most notable is the completely undisguised grille, and the sporty new front and rear bumpers. Family traits can also be found in the front and rear lights, which resemble the 5-series GT concept and the 7-series sedan, respectively.

The video clip, plus previous renderings and spy shots, show that BMW designers have stuck closely to the lines of the Concept X1 showcased at October's Paris Motor Show.

The new X1’s running gear is based on the 1-series compact car but its ride height will be taller. The car is actually expected to use a mixture of 1-series and 3-series parts, sort of bridging the size gap between the two - not that the gap was large to begin with. BMW’s X-drive AWD system will also feature.

Engine options will range from a 145hp (108kW) 1.8L four-cylinder petrol engine to a range-topping 3L diesel. Transmissions will include a conventional six-speed manual as well an optional six-speed self shifter. Expect to see elements from the CS concept car make it onto the new X1 including an enlarged grille, wrap around headlights and an aggressive bumper.

Production volume is expected to top the 100,000 mark and will start at a BMW plant in Leipzig by the middle of the year. The X1 will be priced higher than the 1-series, likely starting close to the $30,000 mark. Much of the car’s components will also be shared with an upcoming SUV model from Mini to save on development costs, although the BMW model is expected to be significantly larger than the Mini.