BMW risen back to the top of the premium SUV segment with the new X1

Bmw made quite a buzz with the launch of the X1 compact crossover and has risen back to the top. The car was designed in order to attract cost-conscious young buyers and since its introduction in late-October 2009, the Bavarian manufacturer sold more than 64,049 X1s.

It appears that the key in achieving these sales is the price: the X1 is at least 9,000 euros less expensive than the other premium SUVs in the segment. The Bmw X1 price starts at 27,200 euros (about $35,800) in Germany. Regarding its competitors, the Audi Q3 and Saab 9-4X are due to arrive in 2011, while the MINI Countryman (priced from 20,200 euros in Germany) made by sister brand, will make its debut in the U.S. in early 2011.