BMW Delays US X1 Launch Following Increased European Demand

BMW X1 is apparently a massive hit for the German manufacturer who's now forced to delay the United States debut of the crossover as it tries to cope with the increasing demand in Europe. The X1 could thus be launched in the US later this year, but the official unveiling there could be pushed even to early 2012 in case sales across the Old Continent keep rocketing.

The crossover went on sale in Europe in November 2009 and, according to a report by Automotive News Europe, the decision to delay the US debut was made in late 2010.

"We are supply constrained," said Jim O'Donnell, CEO of BMW of North America. "As long as they keep selling them, I do not know when we are going to get it."

BMW X1 is produced in Europe at the German plant in Leipzig and is being offered with a total of six engines. In the first months of availability, the Leipzig production facility rolled out 75 units of the X1 range per day but the company has predicted even from the beginning the need to boost manufacturing in the next months to 300 units per day.

In the United Kingdom, the entry-level rear-wheel drive sDrive18d SE 143 (HP) starts at £22,660 in the UK, with the all-wheel drive version selling for £23,940. The more powerful sDrive20d with 177 (hp) was priced at £24,205 and the xDrive20d at £25,510. The most expensive X1 model is the xDrive23d with 204 (hp) and a 0-62 mph time of 7.3 seconds, at £29,055. The prices include delivery, number plates, first registration fee and BMW Emergency Service.