BMW 1-series destined for US - Confirmed . . .
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CL Community Team
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Canada
BMW 1-series destined for US - Confirmed . . .
Posted on Monday 9 October 2006
source : motorauthority.com
BMW’s new CEO, Norbert Reithofer, has confirmed that the small 1-series will be sold in the US but not in its current form. Unlike Europe, where premium hot-hatches are particularly popular, the US version will likely follow its larger 3-series sibling with the introduction of three distinctive shapes including a sedan, coupe and wagon.
Last year, a barely disguised BMW test mule was caught by spy photographers that resembled a 1-series but with a sedan-like trunk. Originally, the car was rumoured to carry 2-series badges, it now appears the car was a version of the 1-series that is destined for sale in North America. BMW’s sold in the US are already significantly cheaper than most other markets around the world, in many cases less than half price. The introduction of a new car priced even lower than the current 3-series will only further dilute the brand and it’s not like BMW needs more models to expand its range.
We have a report from Automotive News that the company may be planning even more models including a new super-luxury vehicle positioned above the current 7-series but below the Rolls Royce Phantom. The car could even be made available “by the end of the decade,” according to Reithofer.
Last year, a barely disguised BMW test mule was caught by spy photographers that resembled a 1-series but with a sedan-like trunk. Originally, the car was rumoured to carry 2-series badges, it now appears the car was a version of the 1-series that is destined for sale in North America. BMW’s sold in the US are already significantly cheaper than most other markets around the world, in many cases less than half price. The introduction of a new car priced even lower than the current 3-series will only further dilute the brand and it’s not like BMW needs more models to expand its range.
We have a report from Automotive News that the company may be planning even more models including a new super-luxury vehicle positioned above the current 7-series but below the Rolls Royce Phantom. The car could even be made available “by the end of the decade,” according to Reithofer.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Miami, Florida
I am not sure if you will like these vehicles. I have driven them in Mexico a few times, and have a few neighbors with ones parked near my RX. The 120i is 2.0l 148 hp, but there is a 3.0l 130i that puts out 261 hp and just flies, but that goes for $40,000 USD down here. They lack the charm that the 3-series has in terms of an interior and the suspension seems to lack for a vehicle on these roads down here. However, like me neighbors say, "Hey, I am driving a BMW."
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,337
Likes: 213
From: Miami, Florida
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,337
Likes: 213
From: Miami, Florida
That is an excellent point. Mercedes did well not to sell its small A-series vehicle in the U.S. (was here in Mexico) and I can tell you I would see the little A-series all over the place down here. A guy at the Benz dealer in my neighborhood told me that when he used to sell in Toluca (a big city to the west of Mexico City over the mountains), virtually every 3rd sale was an A-series. You could get them for about 17,000 USD or so here on the cheapest package.
Last edited by Lexmex; Oct 10, 2006 at 08:19 AM.
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Lexus Fanatic
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Bring it on. 
I'm not necessarily saying I would buy one, but though I haven't actually seen one yet in person, just from the pictures, though, it looks like it is the FIRST Bangle-designed BMW I could actually LIVE with...and NO I-Drive ! 
I'm not necessarily saying I would buy one, but though I haven't actually seen one yet in person, just from the pictures, though, it looks like it is the FIRST Bangle-designed BMW I could actually LIVE with...and NO I-Drive !
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: WA
BMW is coming out with a 4 door version of their Mini Cooper. This car I would think would take away from the sales of such a vehicle. Yes, the Mini has some Nostalgia, but folks would rather a "BMW" at the same price point. I agree the A3 and Volvo C30 would be possible competiton to this 1 series, not the TSX. Those cars look better than this 1 series IMO. Bangle has to change the angles of this car for it to sell.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,230
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From: WA
BMW is coming out with a 4 door version of their Mini Cooper. This car I would think would take away from the sales of such a vehicle. Yes, the Mini has some Nostalgia, but folks would rather a "BMW" at the same price point. I agree the A3 and Volvo C30 would be possible competiton to this 1 series, not the TSX. Those cars look better than this 1 series IMO. Bangle has to change the angles of this car for it to sell.
Why not the TSX? about the same hp, about the same size, about the same price, about the same weight, about the same ammount of technology, same fuel economy Appealing to the same crowd. how do they not compete?
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,574
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
No. They seem to be two completely different cars. The Mini is built more for retro styling and compactness...the 1-series is more of a mainstream BMW. Also, though I generally don't buy into the idea of automotive stereotypes, the Mini is quite popular with females.....probably a lot more so than the 1-series will be.
