SPIED: BMW X1 Tries Out M Sport Package

The idea of an M-Package is hardly fresh news for BMW as the Bavarian automaker has been spiffing up its normal production models with sports accessories for years now, the most recent recipients being the latest 5-Series sedan and Touring, and the X3 SUV. Next up on the menu is BMW's smallest crossover model, the X1, which went on sale in Europe and other markets in March 2010, but won't arrive in the U.S. until later in 2011.

As with other M Sport Package models in the range, the upgrades for the X1 will include a host of unique styling cues inside and out, plus larger alloy wheel designs shod in wider tires and a sports tuned suspension.

The prototype models of the X1 with the M Sport Package that were spied by our man with the long lens in Germany had most of the aero parts covered in BMW's traditional swoopy wrap. These include the modified front and rear bumpers plus the new side skirts. Being prototype models, the X1s seen here appear to be fitted with normal alloys, however the actual M Sport Package will offer buyers a choice of special wheel designs.

Inside, while the test car seem pretty much stock, it is certain that BMW will adorn the cabin with M-Sport-sourced steering wheel, handbrake lever, gearbox knob and pedals, as well as unique trim and upholstery for the sports seats. Expect the M Sport Package to join BMW's option list early next year.

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http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/12/spied-bmw-x1-tries-out-m-sport-package_01.html?m=0

BMW Gains UK Police Approval, Announces 330d Saloon Interceptor

Good news for police officers bad news for tax-payers in the UK; Hyundai (see here) is not the only maker to be approved as a key supplier for all 52 Police forces around the country by the National Policing Improvement Agency. BMW has also received the agency's blessings, which means the Bavarian firm's cars and motorcycles will become standard issue to the UK's Policemen and women as part of the four-year deal.

Crime fighters in blue will be able to get behind the wheel of cars such as BMW 330d Saloon and Touring, 530d Saloon and Touring, all variants of X1, X3 xDrive20d, X5 xDrive30d and xDrive40d, while the R1200 RF-P Police bike is also on the menu.

Aside from the latest 5 Series models, which are an all-new addition to Police fleets, BMW also announced a specially modified 330d Saloon Interceptor as its High Performance Pursuit Vehicle.

In civilian form, the 330d comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six diesel delivering 245HP, which accelerates the sedan from 0 to 62mph [100km/h] in 6.1 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph [250km/h].

According to BMW, the UK Police force-spec 330d Saloon Interceptor features special upgrades but the company said it couldn't reveal full technical details of the car "for security reasons".

Tim Abbott, Managing Director of BMW UK, said: "This is excellent news for BMW and shows the breadth of appeal of the products we sell. We have a very strong commitment to the 'Authorities market' throughout the world and have a very close relationship with the UK's Police forces. Orders for BMW Police vehicles started as long ago as the mid 1970s in the UK. This latest news reaffirms our commitment to 21st Century policing."

And just so you know, the Bavarian firm said that some of the BMW police vehicles will be unmarked and perform "less visible policing roles."

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http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/10/bmw-gains-uk-police-approval-announces.html?m=0

Geneva Preview: AC Schnitzer Treats the new BMW X1 SUV

After showing us all sorts of alloy wheel designs for the new BMW X1, AC Schnitzer announced today that it will celebrate the world premiere of its complete tuning package for the Bavarian automaker's compact SUV/Crossover at next month's Geneva Motor Show.

The main event of the German company's tune are the new upgrades for the X1's diesel powerplants. With these kits, output of the xDrive23d's 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged unit raises from 204HP to 240HP; the "s" and xDrive20d's 2.0-liter turbo from 177HP to 210HP and the "s" and xDrive18d's 2.0-liter turbo from 143HP to 171HP.

Those that opt for the xDrive28i with a 258HP straight-six petrol will have to do with a new sport exhaust system only.

Along with the improved engines, AC Schnitzer also offers a sport suspension and a choice of 18-, 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels in various designs.

For the X1's exterior, AC Schnitzer has readied a package that comprises of a front spoiler, rear apron, bonnet vents and a roof spoiler.

Interior upgrades come in the form of special carbon-fiber trim, illuminated leather gear knob, aluminium gear knobs with or without digital gear display, a unique aluminium cover for the i-Drive system controller, aluminium handbrake handle and pedal set, foot rests and velours foot mats.

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/02/geneva-preview-ac-schnitzer-treats-new.html?m=0

BMW Adds New Four- and Six-Cylinder Gasoline Engines to X1 SUV Range

Starting from March 2010, BMW's most compact X model will be available (in most markets) with a new entry-level four-cylinder version and an additional six-cylinder power unit expanding the engine portfolio available in the X1 to a total of three gasoline and three diesel engines.

The new entry-level X1 sDrive18i is powered by BMW's 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline unit producing 150HP at 6,400 rpm and a peak torque of 200Nm or 147 lb-ft at 3,600 rpm.

When fitted with the standard six-speed manual gearbox, the rear-wheel drive (that's what the 'sDrive' moniker stands for) crossover accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 9.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 202 km/h or 125 mph.

In conjunction with the optional six-speed automatic transmission, the X1 sDrive18i reaches 100 km/h in 10.4 seconds and has a top speed of 200 km/h or 124 mph.

BMW announces a combined fuel economy in the EU test cycle of 8.2 lt/ 100km (equal to 28.7 mpg US and 34.4 mpg UK) with a CO2 rating of 191 g/km for the manual model. The corresponding figures on the automatic transmission model are 8.4 lt /100 km (equal to 28 mpg US and 33.6 mpg UK) and, respectively, 195 g/km of CO2.

Supplementing the top-of-the-range 258HP X1 xDrive28i is the new X1 xDrive25i that comes with a straight-six petrol that delivers an output of 218HP at 6,100 rpm and 277Nm/204 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm.

Featuring BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system and a six-speed automatic transmission as standard, the X1 xDrive25i sprints from 0- 100 km/h (62mph) in 7.9 seconds and has a top speed of 223 km/h or 138 mph.

According to the Bavarian firm, the xDrive25i's combined fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 9.3 lt/100 km (equal to 25.2 mpg US and 30.4 mpg UK) with a CO2 emission rating of 217 g/km.

In addition to the two new engine variants, for 2010, BMW has extended the availability of its six-speed automatic transmission to the X1 xDrive18d, X1 sDrive18d, and the X1 sDrive20d models while the range of paintworks has been enhanced with five new shades - Space Grey, Cashmere Silver, Tasman, Sparkling Bronze, and Graphite Blue metallic.

We remind you that BMW's baby crossover / SUV model is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in 2011.

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/01/bmw-adds-new-four-and-six-cylinder.html?m=0