BMW has again created a new market segment with the introduction of the X1 - the world's first luxury compact Sports Activity Vehicle. The X1 joins the X family just over 10 years after the Bavarian luxury brand introduced the groundbreaking X5.

Since then, BMW has expanded its lineup of dynamic, safe and efficient SAVs with the X3 and X6 and the new X1 promises to maintain BMW's enviable reputation for ultimate driving pleasure and attract a new generation of customers who enjoy an active lifestyle.

"BMW has a long history of introducing innovative automotive concepts that break the mould and the X1 is the latest example of this pioneering spirit," said BMW Group Australia Managing Director, Stavros Yallouridis.

"By combining the advanced technology of BMW EfficientDynamics and the latest generation fuel efficient turbo diesel engines, with the intelligent xDrive all wheel drive system, BMW has created a premium compact SUV that offers a superior driving experience and class leading fuel efficiency."

"The youthful, versatile and efficient BMW X1 broadens the attraction of our very successful X family and will appeal to young urban customers with an active and varied lifestyle," he said.

On sale through Australian dealerships from April 10, BMW will launch with two all-wheel drive turbo diesel models; the X1 xDrive23d that delivers 150kW of power and a peak torque of 400Nm and the X1 xDrive20d generating 130kW and 350Nm.  

A rear-wheel drive 2.0-litre turbo diesel X1 sDrive20d that consumes a class-leading 5.3 litres per 100km and produces only 139 grams of CO₂ per kilometre will join the other two ultra efficient turbo diesel models in June 2010.

Also in June, BMW will introduce two petrol models; an entry-level rear-drive X1 sDrive18i with a 110kW four-cylinder engine and the powerful 160kW straight six-cylinder all-wheel drive X1 xDrive25i.

Through the application of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies including Brake Energy Regeneration, Optimum Shift Indicator, Auto Start/Stop function, optimised aerodynamics and intelligent lightweight construction, all models in the X1 range are extremely efficient and comply with the strict EU5 emissions standard.   

The new BMW X1 cleverly combines the powerful rugged looks of the X family with the sporty lightness of the 1 Series to give the car a youthful and agile aesthetic to match its outstanding driving dynamics.

This sporty design character of the five-door X1 is borne out by the excellent aerodynamic qualities of the car that result in a drag coefficient of 0.32 while the muscular bumpers, flared wheel arches and upright BMW kidney grille clearly symbolise the robust nature of the X1.

Thanks to a long wheelbase that matches that of the 3 Series, the BMW X1 provides a generous sense of space inside the versatile and luxurious cabin. With a high driving position and optimised all-round visibility, the X1 offers a commanding view of the road for safe and confident motoring.

A full complement of safety features including six airbags - front and seat mounted side airbags for driver and front passenger and full length curtain head airbags for front and rear occupants - Antilock Brake System (ABS) with Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Hill Descent Control (HDC) provide supreme safety with the X1 already having achieved the maximum score of five stars in the EuroNCAP test.

As the first premium vehicle in the compact segment, the X1 features a long list of luxury features as standard including Automatic Climate Control, Cruise Control with brake function, rear Park Distance Control (PDC) power windows and mirrors, BMW Professional CD/MP3 audio system with USB / AUX-in connections, Bluetooth connectivity, Multi Function Leather Sport steering wheel, daytime driving lights, 17-inch Light alloy wheels and Storage Compartment Package.

Personalisation options include Panoramic glass roof, Rear View Camera, interior Design Cool Elegance package, quality Nevada leather trim, sports seats, BMW Business or Professional navigation systems with the latest iDrive controller, Bi-Xenon Headlights, Adaptive Headlights and Harman/Kardon Surround Sound System.

Built at BMW Plant Leipzig in Germany, the BMW X1 stands out through its dynamic handling, versatile interior and a standard of efficiency unparalleled in a vehicle of this kind.

BMW X1 Australian Pricing:

sDrive18i, manual - $43,500* (June)
sDrive18i, auto - $45,700* (June)
sDrive20d, manual - $49,300* (June)
sDrive20d, auto - $51,500* (June)
xDrive20d, manual - $52,700*
xDrive20d, auto - $54,900*
xDrive25i, auto- $56,800* (June)
xDrive23d, auto- $59,280*

*  Manufacturer’s Recommended List Price is shown and includes GST and Luxury Car Tax (LCT) but excludes dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges which are additional and vary between dealers and States/Territories. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW dealer for all pricing inquiries.