It’s seems that over in Munich they love the letter “x”. Despite purists of the BMW brand maybe scratching their heads, the company is seriosly intent on broadening its range of SUVs and SAVs.

The great success of the new X5 and the X6 is clear testimony to the heightened appeal of this type of car. In means that BMW certainly does not have any intention whatsoever of curbing its nvestment in such fertile niche markets.

In fact in 2010 it will be X1’s turn, the smallest of the BMW SUV’s whose dimensions place it halfway between the series 1, whose mechanics and platform it will use, and the series 3 touring. The new entry-level of the X range will have much a stylistic recall to its X6 sister. In particular the back-window and rear shape seen in camouflage phase, will be less truncated than the X5 and X3.

In the following year it’s all for the second generation X3. The new car, based on the chassis and system of the E90 (although it’s possible it will adopt a rear suspension system similar to the X5, in place of the McPhearson), will increase in both length (by 460cm) and width. It will be manufactured in the USA where the X5 will also be assembled, and will be ready in the first half of 2011. Characteristics of the new vehicle will be the larger interior and increased off-road performance, to fend off competitors Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLK.

And, like the success of the X5, some months after X3 sales have commences, a new sports version is set to arrive: the X4. The car will be conceptually very similar to the X6 with a more agressive rear and front design compared to the original model, with a lowered base (160cm from the ground) for improved weight distribution, four seats and a tail end that looks inspired by a coupè.

Currently the X4 is still waiting for the go-ahead: BMW management is holding back to see if, after the clamorous acceptance of the X6, the public will maintain its demand for this kind of car. All in all, if the project gets the green light, it could benefit from the top of the engine range currently reserved for the X3, such as the new and highly expected 2.0i twin-turbo petrol or the six-cylinder 3.0 twin turbo diesel or petrol.

Via|Autozeitung.de

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