BMW to top Lexus as no.1 in U.S. luxury sales

BMW is on its way to take the best-selling luxury brand title in the United States from Lexus in 2009 - eight years after BMW has been stuck at number 2.

According to Automotive News, as automakers prepare to report June sales tomorrow, BMW is slightly ahead of Lexus with 76,819 units to 73,186. The U.S. is BMW’s largest market with 23 percent of its 1.27 million sales coming from the U.S. market last year. Germany was the second largest sales volume market for BMW with 19.6 percent.

During the first 5 months of 2009, Lexus’ U.S. sales have dropped 37.2 percent, wile BMW’s sales were down 30.5 percent.

“This year’s emphasis is on maintaining our market share and even growing our share a bit,” said Jan Ehlen, a spokesman for BMW of North America. “If this results in remaining in the top spot of the premium market, that would be a nice bonus.”

Cadillac dominated the number one spot in the best-selling luxury brand market from 1946 through 1997. Lincoln took over in 1998 followed by Mercedes-Benz in 1999.

BMW releases more X1 teasers, youngest Ferrari Enzo owner is 23 years old

Wrapping up the month here at egmCarTech, it is our last Miscellaneous Thoughts post for June - so here we go.

BMW releases more X1 teasers: BMW has released four additional teasers for its upcoming BMW X1 on its Facebook fan page. These are the third round of teasers prior to the compact SUVs debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Are you getting sick of these as much as we are? We thought so. - Facebook

BMW X1 Teasers:

Youngest Ferrari Enzo owner is only 23-years old: We’re pretty satisfied with where we’ve end up in our lives. We get to test drive some of the world’s hottest cars and are surrounded by our passion 24 hours a day. However this piece of ‘news’ has everyone here getting pretty depressed about their achievements. Yes, the youngest owner of a $1.2 million Ferrari Enzo is only 23-years old and owns a record company. He also just picked up a Rolls-Royce Phantom. - EDGE (via Jalopnik)

Cash for Clunkers final rules coming July 23: The U.S. Transportations said it will announce the final rules for the ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program on July 23 and warned dealers that they are legally responsible for trade-ins finalized before that date. The legislation was signed into law by President Barack Obama last week. - Automotive News

2010 BMW X1 pictures and details leaked

Just yesterday we were expressing our anger at BMW X1 teasers - thankfully, pictures and details of the compact SUV from BMW have now been leaked.

As reported previously, the BMW X1 lineup will start with the xDrive20d, which is powered by a 177-hp diesel engine. Second is the xDrive23d, which is powered boy 204-hp turbodiesel. The xDrive28i gasoline model is powered by a 3.0L 6-cylinder making 231-hp and a 199 lb-ft of torque. It will be the only model offered in North America.

Check out the leaked photos until we wait for the official press release and high-res images.

2010 BMW 7-Series to get xDrive all-wheel-drive this fall

BMW announced today that it will begin offering xDrive all-wheel-drive versions of the 750i and 750Li later this fall. Combined with the previously announced 760Li, the 7-Series now features five variants for the 2010 model year.

BMW says that its xDrive all-wheel-drive system has been upgraded for the 2010 BMW 75oi xDrive and the 750Li xDrive.

“BMW’s Integrated Chassis Management, using the remarkable speed of its FlexRay on-board network and the quick-responding xDrive hardware, is able to identify and limit understeer by shifting torque rearward (up to 80% to the rear axle) while preserving the stability for which xDrive has been so widely recognized.”

Read the press release after the jump for more details.

Press Release:

BMW 7 SERIES XDRIVE MODELS TO DEBUT THIS FALL.

Enhanced xDrive All-Wheel Drive System Available for the First Time on BMW’s Range-Topping Sedan.

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey - July 1, 2009… In the continuing development of BMW’s flagship 7 Series line, BMW today announced xDrive all-wheel drive versions of the 750i and 750Li. When combined with the previously announced V12-powered 760Li, the 7 Series range grows to five variants for model year 2010.

BMW’s acclaimed xDrive all-wheel drive system has been enhanced for these new models to ensure that the 750i xDrive and 750Li xDrive set a new benchmark for handling characteristics among all-wheel drive sedans. BMW’s Integrated Chassis Management, using the remarkable speed of its FlexRay on-board network and the quick-responding xDrive hardware, is able to identify and limit understeer by shifting torque rearward (up to 80% to the rear axle) while preserving the stability for which xDrive has been so widely recognized.

As a second step, the Integrated Chassis Management system can then apply a precise combination of throttle and individual rear-corner braking in order to maintain perfectly neutral handling in a corner - regardless of road surface conditions.

These key enhancements to xDrive ensure that the 750i xDrive and 750Li xDrive will be two of the most nimble all-wheel drive sedans available in any vehicle segment.

For driving enthusiasts, model year 2010 also marks the debut of the M Sport Package for all 7 Series models. The M Sport Package includes an M steering wheel, lift-reducing aerodynamic kit, Active Roll Stabilization (RWD only), Shadowline trim, Anthracite headliner and 19″ wheels with ultra-high performance tires. 20″ wheels with ultra-high performance tires are available at additional cost. Carbon Black Metallic exterior paint is available with the new M Sport Package.

2011 BMW X1 officially revealed, coming to the U.S. in 2011

After the image leaks we saw yesterday, BMW has finally revealed all the official details and high-res photos of the new 2011 BMW X1.

“For the first time the features and qualities so typical of a BMW X model are also available in a premium vehicle in the compact segment,” says BMW. “With its superior drivetrain technology also comprising BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system and its both modern and variable interior, the BMW X1 offers ideal qualities for truly versatile mobility ensuring a genuine driving experience.”

The 2011 BMW X1 will make its European debut this fall with a choice of one gasoline and three diesel engines.

The diesel lineup starts off with the BMW X1 xDrive18d (also available as the sDrive18d), which is powered by a 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine making 143-hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. While 0 to 62 mph will take a long 10.1 seconds, fuel-economy is estimated to come in at 41 mpg (in U.S. standards). Next in line is the X1 xDrive20d (or sDrive20d), which is also powered by a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine making 177-hp and a peak torque of 258 lb-ft. 0 to 62 mph comes in 8.4 seconds while fuel-economy is estimated at 43 mpg. Wrapping up the diesel lineup is the BMW X1 xDrive23d powered by a 4-cylinder diesel engine with BMW’s TwinPower turbo technology helping it produce 204-hp with a maximum torque of 295 lb-ft. 0 to 62 mph comes in 7.3 seconds with an estimated fuel-economy of 37 mpg.

Click through for more info and the high-res image gallery.

2011 BMW X1:

The only gasoline model being offered on the 2011 BMW X1 is the xDrive28i. Power comes from a 3.0 straight-six gasoline engine making 258-hp with a peak torque of 228 lb-ft. 0 to 62 mph comes in 6.8 seconds with a top speed of 127 mph. Fuel-economy is estimated at 25 mpg.

Inside the BMW X1 features elevated seating position and a driver-oriented design of the cockpit and BMW’s iDrive fitted in conjunction with one of the optional navigation systems. The rear offers a folding down rear-seat backrest split into three section that are adjustable for angle to increase luggage compartment capacity from 14.7 cubic feet to 47.3 cu ft.

BMW has confirmed that U.S. sales of the 2011 BMW X1 will begin in… drum roll please… 2011.

2011 BMW X1 in action and interior beauty shots

Yesterday, we saw the official unveiling of the 2011 BMW X1, which will be coming here to the United States in early 2011. The U.S. is expected to get only the gasoline variant, known as the X1 xDrive28i. Power comes from a 3.0 straight-six gasoline engine making 258-hp and 228 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 62 mph comes in 6.8 seconds with a top speed of 127 mph. Fuel-economy is estimated at 25 mpg.

BMW has just released two videos - one showing the 2011 X1 in action and one showing the interior of the compact SUV.

BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo gets the green light

At first there was doubt whether or not BMW will build a 3-Series Gran Turismo, following in the footsteps of the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo. However, it is now been confirmed that a 3-Series GT model will be moving forward and will sit between the 3-Series lineup and the X1.

“We haven’t cancelled the crossover of the 3-Series, as it is considered a volume builder with which we can earn good money,” BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer said.

The BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo will be heavily inspired by the 5-Series Gran Turismo and will feature the same split tailgate, roomy interior and raised driving position.

Engine choices are likely to be taken from the rest of the BMW 3-Series lineup.