BMW X1 US Launch Delayed Until After 2013 Facelift

While its off-roading credentials might not be on par with a Land Rover Defender, having the X1 in their range has been the equivalent to a license to print money for BMW. While the model has been on European roads for some time now, the move across the pond has only been partially made. The compact crossover is already available in many parts of Asia and even Canada, but it hasn’t made its presence felt in US showrooms.

First off all, the X1 was supposed be launched in the spring of 2011, but the arrival was pushed back to this fall. The delay was reportedly due to strong demand in Europe, with production at Leipzig plant in Germany already at full capacity. Also add the expected demand of the recovering U.S. market, and BMW would have egg on its face for not being able do keep up with demand.

Back in May, BMW’s US chief Jim O’Donnell suggested the arrival would be pushed back even further, towards the end of 2012. The reason this time was that demand was booming for the X3, which made a lot more money for the company.

According to Inside Line, the delay will be pushed even further, most likely to the arrival of the facelifted version, which is expected to be unveiled in 2013.

"It can be a positive to wait until the midcycle change and bring in a freshened vehicle. Global demand for the X1 is still extremely strong in markets where our volume potential is high for this type of vehicle. Here in the U.S., the X3 is and likely will continue to be our volume (crossover)," a BMW exec was quoted as saying by Inside Line.