BMW 1-Series-Based Softroader Still In The Mix

Is BMW still planning on a small off-road vehicle based on their 1-series? We haven’t heard much about it in the past year or so, but Autocar believes that the vehicle is very much on the table. In a small print-only article from the April 4 issue, the rumormongers at the UK publication say that the crossover is likely to also form the basis for a mooted-branded MINI SUV.

Autocar points to a BMW employee at the company’s Munich R&D center that was spotted driving a Honda Element as proof that that the company is still up to something. This might not be all that significant of an observation, until one realizes that Honda doesn’t sell that particular model in Germany (or any surrounding countries that we can think of). Of course, the company’s engineers could be benchmarking any of a million different things, from suspension settings to the damping action of a pop-out cupholder. But we digress.


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LexusNumberOne4ever - 4/28/2007 12:13:54 AM

+1 Boost

1er based crossover would go against the Toyota RAV4. Not a smart choice.

I'm sure a 3er-based vehicle would do better in the US. Not to mention class-leading dynamics.

david999 - 4/28/2007 7:33:26 AM

+2 Boost

X3 already exists. This version would be smaller. Whatever class, we know one thing, it will be overpriced.

TimE - 4/28/2007 5:04:51 PM

+1 Boost

Honda Element is there to be examined precisely - since it is a benchmark to upcoming funky MINI AWD crossover.

X1 (if getting a green light - not yet decided!) will be positioned between MINI AWD crossover and grown Mk2 X3.

MINI crossover & X1 will target European markets mainly - since small & mid-size crossovers are becoming very popular in Europe lately.

X3 & X4 production will be moved to Germany, USA & most possible China as well, while Magna Styer will produce X1 instead.

X1 is one of the planned new member of 1-series family: beside 3dr & sdr hatch, 2dr coupe & 2dr cabrio. Also Z2 roadster, F2 SportsCruiser & 1er sedan & touring are under consideration.