Mercedes-Benz�s X1 basher, BLK-Class Rendered

The moment any auto company introduces a new and successful product the rivals come up with their own version of the same product. Auto Biggies like the Audi, BMW & Mercedes Benz are constantly in a race to introduce similar platform vehicles to give the buyer a broader spectrum of choice. BMW made the first mark in the mini-SUV segment by introducing the X1. Many disapproved the car, but more people loved it. And the car is doing exceptionally well in the Indian, as well as the International market. In no time the Audi camp was ready with their double downsized Q7 which was their version of the mini-SUV � the Q3. The Audi Q3 which will make its Indian debut late 2011 or early 2012.

Now finally Mercedes Benz is planning their own mini-SUV which will be named BLK-Class. We have some image rendering done and the car looks like it has drawn some serious inspiration from the recently introduced A-Class Concept right from the headlight, the front grille, coupe like roof line, the creases on the flanks and the hatchback rear end. The mini-SUV BLK Class is based on the Mercedes Front-wheel drive architecture (MFA) which will also be seen on the A & B Class.

Engine options for this one are many, the ones speculated are the 1.8 lit petrol which makes 168bhp to 200bhp. Then there is the 1.6lit Renault diesel engine which comes from the Daimler-Renault partnership making 120bhp. Finally the Mercedes might put in the 2.1 liter diesel which makes power ranging from 170bhp to 204bhp. Whichever engine Mercedes decides to plonk will be mated to the six speed manual and the six speed dual clutch auto box.

Expect this car by late 2012 or early 2013. A package good enough for you in the first look?

BMW Launches the X1 in India @ 22Lakh ex-Delhi

BMW has launched its cheapest model in India, the X1. The new SUV is priced between Rs 22 lakh � Rs 29.9 lakh. The new vehicle will be assembled locally in India at BMW�s plant in Chennai.
Bmw is offering two engine options for the X1. There is one 1.8-ltre petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel. The petrol sDrive (2WD) 18i, will be available for Rs 22 lakh. The diesel variant will have two options � X1 sDrive 20d, priced at Rs 23.9 lakh and X1 sDrive 20d Exclusive priced at Rs 29.9 lakh respectively.

The power output for the petrol and diesel engines is rated at 150bhp and 177 bhp respectively. The troque from the diesel engine is rated at 350 Nm from 1750 to 3000 rpm while the diesel mill dishes out a peak torque of 200 Nm at 3600 rpm. The claimed 0-100 km/h sprint timings for the petrol and diesel variants are 10.4 seconds and 8.3 seconds respectively.
The ARAI certified fuel efficiency for the petrol and diesel versions is 11.24 and 15.24 kmpl respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Andreas Schaaf, BMW Indian President said �The new BMW �X1' sets the benchmark by bringing together features of a sports activity vehicle with spontaneous flexibility and outstanding fuel economy,�
With the X1, BMW is planning to bring is a substantial chunk of sales from the competitors, as there is no other such vehicle in the market at this point. The net compact SUV is also expected to cannibalize into the sales of SUVs such as the Toyota Fortuner , Nissan X-Trail , Hyundai Santa Fe and the Mitsubishi Outlander.

BMW regains the top spot. To launch X1 on 23rd Dec.

BMW has regained its number-one spot again!

According to SIAM (Society Of India Automobile Manufacturers), the German manufacturer managed to sell 5,345 units in the last 11 months of 2010, which is more than the current leader and closest competitor Mercedes� 5,109. The third German in the luxury car category, Audi managed to sell a total of 2,803 in the same period.

• BMW recently increased the production capacity at its Chennai facility from 3000 vehicles per year to 5400 units. They plan to invest another Rs.70 crores by the year 2012 in order to increase the capacity even further.

• BMW will launch the X1 on 23^rd of this month in New Delhi, details of which will be available soon.

BMW fans get ready �cause this year these numbers will surely rise.

See all BMW cars available in India

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