2010 BMW X1 To Launch In Malaysia Early March

BMW X1, the new BMW mid-size SUV showcased at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, will be launched in Malaysia in early March, insider sources have revealed to us. Introduced to extend BMW's so-called Sports Activity Series, X1 will become the entry-level SUV model, replacing the X3 which will be positioned further upmarket.

X1's timely entry would also mean that BMW Malaysia could withdraw the current X3 from the market, and wait for the launch of the all-new, second-generation X3—which will arrive in a couple of months, if rumours are to be believed.

Like X3, X1 is a five-door, five-seater SUV, one that handles better than cars of such height and weight have a right to, according to foreign sources such as Edmunds and Auto Express which have driven the X1. Then again, that is hardly surprising considering how BMW is synonymous with handling. On the other hand, we can only guess when it comes to the engine range and pricing.

Expect to see a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 141 bhp and 190 Nm, and a 2.0-litre diesel engine with 175 bhp and 350 Nm; Both paired to BMW's six-speed automatic transmission. Pricing should start below RM 300K, benchmarked against rivals like Audi Q5 and Volkswagen Tiguan. More details should emerge next month. Meanwhile, enjoy the mega gallery!

AboutSeow Yaohan

Seow Yao Han strives to bring you the latest and the most comprehensive information on cars available in Malaysia. But it's never easy for him to talk and write cars in this part of the world because what you lust after is often not what you drive home. When the euphoria of test-driving that branded, super-expensive sports car dies down, he just goes home in his less-than-glamorous ride.