Today, we have the end result and it is quite impressive. 800 children, aged between 5 and 13 years old assisted by BMW staff, visited BMW Welt last week and contributed to the X1 Lego project. The task was completed in four days and there were approximately 165,000 LEGO bricks used.

While the project was developed as part of the Joy marketing campaign, BMW also used this opportunity for more charity work: for every LEGO block used, BMW donated money to the Munich children’s foundation “Die Arche”.

The X1 LEGO replica will be displayed at the BMW Welt.

[Source: Carscoop ]

The X1 model tested was the 177 horsepower xDrive20d. Both the Audi and VW were powered by the same 170 horsepower diesel engine while the X3 also uses the 177 horsepower diesel from the X1.

There were five categories that Autobild focused on: chassis, powertrain, comfort, driving dynamics and pricing.

The details can be found in the article published by Autobild and translated with Google, but the conclusion was that BMW X1 makes almost everything perfect….

Could have really BMW hit a home-run with this new SAV? A vehicle that has been generally criticized by the BMW community prior to its launch?

But since we all love photos, especially BMW ones, we decided to upload some more shots of the BMW X1, this time, in the classy Alpine White.

The BMW X1 will launch in the next two weeks, but the U.S. market will get their first X1 vehicles in 2011. Pricing in the U.S. is expected to be set between the 1 Series and the new X3.

Despite some initial criticism, the BMW X1 is starting to become widely accepted by BMW fans and journalists across the world. The X1 fits into BMW’s strategy to build fuel efficient, but still dynamic cars and it will take on the American market starting in 2011.

In the past, we have been publishing lots of photos, videos and several reviews from prestigious car magazines, but today we’re coming back with an extensive photo gallery of the new color available to order with the X1: Marrakesh Brown.

The odd, but “Eye-Popping Color” has been heavily promoted by BMW on most of their marketing photos and also in private events or auto shows. An interesting choice to promote a new product, but for some reason, we find it to be very catchy, and looking at these latest wallpapers, we’re starting to fall for the X1.

Our editor Benny over at BimmerToday.de, takes a trip at the factory where BMW will built their latest Sports Activity Vehicle. Built on the 3 Series platform, BMW X1 is the new entry-level SAV that plans to conquer a new market for BMW.

Exhibition vehicles were sporting the same colors as the ones seen at Frankfurt Auto Show, the now classy Alpine White and the new Marrakesh Brown color. In display, there was also the gorgeous Deep Sea Blue paint that made its debut with the new Z4 Roadster.

In addition to the extensive photo gallery, we have received some information on the Performance Control in the BMW X1.  You might notice that “dynamic” word missing before the “Performance Control” and that’s not an omission.

This system is known as a stripped down version of the one found in the BMW X6 and the M-variants of X5 and X6. But it would be a mistake to believe that the system is less sophisticated in the X1.

As with the “Dynamic Performance Control” , the system found in the BMW X1 gives more power which improves turn-in. Unlike the BMW X6 , the mechanical component is not responsible for this, but the system is improved  through the extensive software capabilities of the all-wheel-drive system.

To reinforce this effect even further, the inner wheel is automatically braked slightly. The effect is therefore essentially identical to the one of the BMW X6, but the solution in the X1 is much more cost effective.

One other thing we learned was regarding to the question about the “old” automatic gear shifter: there is a reason why BMW has not installed the newer and much more modern optical lever. Technically it would have been quite possible, but there is no new technology behind it that will take advantage of the new gear shifter. From an aesthetic point of view, the new shifter is more appealing, but BMW decided against using a new label on an existing product.

As far as the interior design, the xDrive23d in these photos comes with the Premium Package, leather and wood trim. Automatically the luxury level has been raised and in our opinion, it is at the same level as the ones in the 1 Series and even the 3er models. In the end, the X1 was built for the pleasure to drive and won’t serve as a limousine. The 5 GT and 7 Series have that area covered.

The car was built as an entry level SAV and it shares some design elements with the 1 Series, another model considered to be an entry level for BMW, therefore, in a way, it is expected to have a less attractive interior when compared to the higher-end and more expensive BMWs.

But does it really disappoint? Truth is the BMW X1 was designed to be a fun car to drive, an urban car that can be used for weekend activities that might require extra cargo space. Interior luxury was probably not the top priority for BMW and that’s okay with us, as long as the car rides as a BMW and reminds us of that thrill that made us fall in love with the brand.

But let’s take a look at their review:

“If you’ve got a problem, yo I’ll solve it,” rapped last decade’s most inspirational Caucasian hip-hop phenomenon. And those funky words must still ripple through the corridors of power at BMW’s Bavarian HQ, because the maker seems hell bent on creating a car for every need. The X1 is its latest niche filler, a pioneering car that wraps premium soft-roading in its smallest package yet; the X1 stands alone as the very first production small premium 4×4. It’s a nice, nice baby SUV.

Paradoxically though, the X1 isn’t a niche car at all – according to BMW it’s a car for absolutely everyone. Young people, parents and empty nesters unite: the X1 is the aspirational first step onto the Beemer SUV ladder, a school run-ready crossover, and a retirement wagon for active grandparents, all at once. But is it any good?

In the Metal

When the X1 was first unveiled in concept form some witnesses vocalised its apparent similarity in size to the BMW X3. Parked side-by-side, though, the junior car is markedly smaller – not massively, however, and its superior packaging means there’s only a marginal drop in perceived cabin space. The exterior design is an evolution of the newer X5’s, which means it shares the bigger car’s purposeful stance and aggressive detailing; the X1 is an as visually appealing as any recent BMW – assuming BMW visuals appeal to you.

Sadly, the exterior grandiloquence is not mimicked in the cabin: the X1 possibly has the poorest quality interior of the maker’s entire range. It’s about on a par with the 1 Series, but the car’s size and cost raise expectations so it feels disappointingly built down to a price. The lower level plastics, and even the instrument binnacle cowl, are all hollow, scratchy and relatively low rent. While the cabin is all arranged with BMW familiarity, familiar BMW tactility is missing.

Full Review

At the same time, several other videos have been released giving us a closer look at the new X1 interior and exterior design, and one of the engine options in the X1. One video also “touches” the Joy campaign where a young fella takes the X1 to a river for some whitewater rafter activities.

On another note, watching several conversations on the web and reading some reviews, we’re seeing around of positive vibe around the X1, mostly from people that have seen the car in person. Same as the 5 GT, the BMW X1 seems to appeal more in person and the car received lots of attention at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

If the X1 will come to a car show or event near you, take the time to see it in person.

Those of us living in the U.S. will have to wait a little longer than a year before we would see the entry level SAV. So far reviews have been on the positive side, with the main focus being placed on efficiency and performance. There are still voices that disagree with the interior design quality, but that’s another story we’ll get into in the near future.

Hidden deep into their review, there is a small piece of information that will make some of the BMW fans happy: “But then the BMW people reassured us that this four-cylinder diesel will be coming over to North America in the X1 and other BMWs by 2012.” In a way, expected, but still nice to receive reassurance that the BMW diesel engines offering will increase in the United States.

Here is an excerpt from the X1 review:

After we had our initial privileged go at a BMW X1 prototype in May, we were really pleased with the vehicle’s dynamics but there were few deeper facts to relate. BMW experts kept mentioning the Volkswagen Tiguan as a competitor for the forthcoming X1, but that is certainly mostly a European market concern. To forget the Acura RDX, Infiniti EX35 or Lexus RX 350 in the U.S. market would be foolish. Not to mention the Audi Q5, Land Rover LR2 or even the Cadillac SRX. Maybe a Nissan Rogue could fit on that shopping list if something less than $28K was preferred.

But every one of those other crossovers is noticeably bigger than the 2011 BMW X1, particularly in overall height. The X1 turns out to be truly a unique piece. There’s plenty of space inside for four humans (or five if you must) — their heads, their shoulders and their cargo. Yet the X1 is configured to ride lower than other crossovers and thus shows off some crisp Bavarian dynamics, while the exterior look is nicely faithful to what we expect to see when staring down a BMW.

Full Review At Edmunds.com

Even though we’ve been craving for an X1 since the moment we saw the first official photos and actually even more after the Frankfurt Auto Show, we will have to wait until 2011 when the first X1 models will arrive on U.S. soil.

But in the mean time, let’s take a look at the X1 xDrive20d, a vehicle also tested by Hannes Oosthuizen, Deputy Editor of Car Magazine, who told us during a Twitter conversation that for an SUV, the X1 has very good dynamics, firm, but not uncomfortable ride and with a great interior design.

So, let’s see what the other Car Magazine editors are saying:

How does the X1 fair on the road?
Very well. As 4×4s in this sector go, it’s definitely up there with the class leaders, sharply turning in with very little body roll, and backed up by a helm that has no slop or slack. And at speed it’s quiet too, with only a faint rustle from the enormous door mirrors.

The engine is also a peach, spinning smoothly and sweetly, but it’s more audible in the X1 than the equivalent Three. Blame the extra kerbweight, and our test car’s six-speed automatic, which does its best to restrain an otherwise fine engine.

We’ll reserve our judgment on the X1’s ride until we try one in the UK though; over some (rare) rough German tarmac there was enough of a hint that the X1 might be too stiff for our roads.

Verdict
Some of you will hate this car because it’s a BMW, some of you will hate it because it appears to be a 4×4. But spec the X1 with a manual transmission and rear-drive chassis, and we reckon it’ll come close to being as great as a 3-series Touring. The official figures won’t be far off either.

Read the final conclusion and more information about the X1, over CAR Magazine.

With power and efficiency, versatility and functionality, 4×4 or rear wheel drive, the BMW X1 is perfectly engineered to satisfy every whim. Skiing, surfing, hiking, golfing – it’s all possible in the sporting yet compact BMW X1. Nothing can’t be more fun than having the car for yourself and experience the “Joy”.

The new BMW X1 will be available at the following locations in UK:

• The O2, London – 24-30 September 2009
• Xscape, Milton Keynes – 10-11 October 2009
• Xscape, Castleford – 17-18 October 2009
• Metro Snow, Olympia – 21-25 October 2009

As well as seeing the new BMW X1, you’ll be able to experience all the activities that it sets you free to do. How? By playing on the Wiis that are setup for you.

By registering to enter the prize drawings, you will also receive a voucher for two tickets to the British Music Experience at the The O2.

Also, three BMW X1s will be making a tour of UK cities in October:

• Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, York – 10-11 October 2009
• Birmingham, Cheltenham, Bristol, Bath – 17-18 October 2009

The X1 caravan will be sending out messages by Bluetooth. Whenever they stop, people will be able to play on Wiis installed in their spacious storage areas.

[Source: Daredigital and BMW ]

At the moment, 75 BMW X1 were produced in Leipzig on a daily base, but production will increase to 300 X1 daily by the end of this year. An X1 needs 40 hours from the first welding to the finished product.

The official launch takes place on October 24 and according to BMW, pre-order numbers have been more than satisfactory.

BMW X1 in production form will be unveiled next week at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

BMW X1 will launch initially in Europe with sales starting in the U.S. later in 2010. There will be four diesel offerings and one petrol with the high-end models, xDrive23d and xDrive28i.

The xDrive23d produces 204 horsepower and 295 lb-ft(400Nm) of torque at 2,000 rpm. This is the second fastest X1 vehicle with 0 t0 62 mph in 7.3 seconds.

In Germany, the entry level X1, sDrive18i starts at 27.200€ while the top model, xDrive28i is priced at 41.500€. While no official statement has been released, we expect to see both a diesel and petrol model being offered in the U.S.

The X1 will debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show next week and we will be there to report live.

Thanks for the photos “lovebmw”!

The X1 campaign was developed by GSD&M Idea City which become the lead global agency of creative for BMW brand advertising communications. The first task for GSD&M was the development of a new global communication campaign focused on the “Joy” theme. But this video was created by BMWs online lead agency Interone, a German multi-channel agency based in Munich, Germany. Their unit from Hamburg is responsible for the BMW and MINI online communication now since the internet is existing. They create and develop nearly all online activities for BMW (online specials, campaigns, mini-sites and country-websites) around the world

The goal? A new, modern target audience of customers who, in particular, spend time on the Web using social-media platforms. And awaken their enthusiasm to achieve the targeted market domination. As we’ve said many times before, BMW is heading towards the right direction: online marketing. The marketing efforts can be targeted towards specific demographics, results can be analyzed far easier and deeper than with regular radio or printed ads.

In their latest JOY IS WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT video released on Youtube, BMWBLOG is featured as one of the leading websites in promoting the X1 and the Joy campaign. We have to admit, we are big fans of this campaigns since it speaks our language and it shows the power of online media, along with all the benefits that come with it.

Despite the initial criticism it received, the X1 can become one of the leading BMW models in the near future. We’re looking forward to seeing the car live in a couple of weeks and we will give you our final assessment.

Here is how BMW describes the “Joy” campaign:

Strategy.
An integrated, multiplatform campaign. With the JOY IS WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT slogan, we are kicking off an awareness phase on the social-media platforms where the core target audience spends time. We are aiming, in particular, to make them aware of the vehicle concept and the joy it promises. With 3D clips which lead to a duplicate of the contact media on the fan pages which are visible to friends. And attract interest on popular automotive and marketing blogs with its special design.

Implementation.
Initially, we developed a Flash application where fans could upload and send their images on Facebook. The best clips were included on the BMW websites in the participating markets. Alongside regular YouTube and Twitter uploads, we publish exclusive images and information until the BMW X1 appears in the image area. Now fans can create 3D clips with the BMW X1, decide on their favorite colour and engine, take part in further activities and arrange test drives. On 40 BMW websites worldwide, true to the motto: JOY IS WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT.

The official launch is scheduled for October 24 and according to sources close to BMW, pre-orders have been more than satisfactory for BMW. The E84 X1 SAV will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in two weeks, a world premiere of the final production model.

The Leipzig plant currently produces 730 vehicles per day and runs at full capacity. It will be interesting to monitor the activity at the plant if the BMW X1 sales are exceeding their forecast numbers. In the beginning, out of 730 vehicles built there, 75 will be X1 models. By the end of the year, BMW expects to produce 300 X1s every day.

For those of you interested in the X1, here are the German prices:

• BMW X1 sDrive18i – 27.200€
• BMW X1 sDrive18d – 29.550€
• BMW X1 xDrive18d – 31.550€
• BMW X1 sDrive20d – 32.400€
• BMW X1 xDrive20d – 34.400€
• BMW X1 xDrive23d – 38.800€
• BMW X1 xDrive28i – 41.500€

[Source: BimmerToday ]

The three models are BMW X1 xDrive20d, sDrive20d and xDrive23d. The entry level rear-drive model starts at £24,205 and produces 177 horsepower. Next one on the pricing scale is the all-wheel drive, xDrive20d, producing the same 177 horsepower but at a higher price: £25,510.

The top model, xDrive23d, goes on sale for £29,055, powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged diesel with 204 horsepower.

Those of you that are interested to see what options are available, feel free to head over to the BMW UK website and play with the configurator.

The focus of this campaign is once again around the “Joy” buzzword and as BMW says “Joy is what you make of”. For the first time we can see on video which demographic BMW is aiming with the X1: younger crowd, full of energy, people that enjoy outdoor activities, but drive in urban environment as well.

The BMW X1 can fulfill several requirements and it is very flexible when it comes to the owner’s needs. Even though we weren’t big fans of this concept when it came out – we mostly thought it was blend – now, we have to take those words back and the X1 keeps growing on us. The car looks great in every video we have seen so far and it seems to target the right crowd. Owning an X3, we can totally see ourselves moving towards the X1 SAV which can be perfect for the Chicago area we live in.

The X1 will be initially launched in the European market and slowly will be introduced in other markets as well, including the U.S. The X1 is also the first BMW is the first SAV to offer a rear-wheel drive option as well and will be available with both diesel and gasoline powerplants.

The official unveiling of the BMW X1 production model will take place at the upcoming IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, an event where BMW will display over 70 models.

The X1 goes on sale this Fall with the sDrive18i as its entry level model and a base price of 27,200 euros.

Video after the jump

Many will already argue that the X1 will in fact take the place of first generation BMW X3 which will receive a much needed makeover next year, but truth is that the X1 will fit into a category where the main players will be the upcoming Audi Q3 and a new smaller SAV based on the B-Class platform from Mercedes-Benz.

The BMW X1 will initially launch in the European markets, but it will make it to the U.S by the end of 2010. So testing the car can be quite difficult these days and only a few selected publications had the opportunity to get their hands on one, Car and Driver, is one of them and the least we can do is to give you their impressions on the X1.

The X1 definitely wants to be the sports car in the compact-SUV segment. The Servo­tronic steering system is tuned comparably to the 3-series’ helm and feels much more responsive than the X3’s. The optional Sport package lowers the ride height by 0.8 inch and comes with 18-inch wheels and tires in place of the standard 17-inchers. Despite this, it’s more comfortable than the X3 and exhibits better body control in taking corners. Harsh impacts cause fewer tremors than in the X3.

Exactly what the X1’s niche is, though, we’re not quite sure: the sporty member of the really small and expensive cute-ute category, perhaps? When it goes on sale, it will be in a class of three, joined by the Land Rover LRX and the Audi Q3, and it will likely start at about $36,000.

PERFORMANCE (MFR’S EST):
Zero to 62 mph: 6.8 sec
Top speed (governor limited): 127 mph

FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):
EPA city/highway driving: 18/25 mpg

Continue reading at Car and Driver

The UK pricing seems to follow the same line, the entry level, rear-wheel drive sDrive18d SE starts at £22,660. The all-wheel drive variant sells for £23,940. The more powerful sDrive20d was priced out at £24,205 and the xDrive20d £25,510.

The most expensive X1 model is the xDrive23d, the 204 horsepower SAV, at just a bit over £29,055.

The prices include delivery, number plates, first registration fee and BMW Emergency Service.

The reason for that is that X1 jumped into the BMW line-up as an entry level SAV, a replacement for the current X3 which will relaunch next year with a new design and larger size.

By taking the  proportions of the first generation X5, the X3 has left an empty spot that BMW has quickly filled it with the new compact SAV X1. As you will see in our short comparison, the exterior dimensions of the two cars are close to each other and since we don’t have the specifications of the future Q3 model, this will have to do for now.

Exterior Dimensions

The BMW X1 measures 175.35 inches (4,453 mm) in length, while the Audi Q5 measures 182 inches(4,622 mm). The width different is even less, 74 inches(1,879 mm) for the Q3 and 70.78 inches(1,798 mm) for the X1. In height, the Audi Q3 measures 65.1  inches(1,653 mm), while the X1 stops the measuring tape at 60.82 inches(1,545 mm).

The difference between the two cars shortens even more when we are looking at the wheelbase length. The X1 has a wheelbase of 108.6 inches and the Q5, 110 inches.

Even though we don’t have the ground clearance exact dimensions, judging by these photos, we can clearly see that this is an area that the Q5 differentiate itself more from the X1. The Q5 gives more an impression of an SUV, while the X1 stands out as a combination between a Touring and SAV model.

Pricing

Since only the X1 German pricing is available at this time, we will going to compare them against the German edition of the Q5. And here is where the two cars start to differentiate more. The 34,400 euros X1 xDrive20d could be compared to the Q5 2.0 TDI which has a base price of 38,800, a significant difference that tells us that we’re looking at two different classes..

The most expensive X1 model is the gasoline powered xDrive28i with a price of 41,500 euros. In contrast, the high-end 3.2 FSI Q5 stops the money count at 46,900 euros.

The conclusion that can be drawn from here is that the two cars are not meant to go head-to-head against each other and that they indeed target different customers. When the Q3 will be out, we should have better metrics and be able to make a more fair assessment.

And to spice up things even more, we decided to make some comparative photos of the BMW X1 and Audi Q5, hoping that we will get your input as well.