In addition to its new V-Series of cars, BMW is also rumored to be developing a new SUV model positioned below the current X3. Tipped to called the X1, the new model is expected to be unveiled in early 2010 and will be powered by a similar engine lineup as the 1-Series on which it’s based. The car’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, however, will be the lifted directly from the larger X3.
Though we doubt the X1 will be as heavily influenced by the Concept CS as this rendering suggests, there will be some similar features such as the enlarged grille, wraparound headlights and aggressive bumper. According to earlier reports, development has been carried out on the new model although final production plans are yet to be confirmed.
Production numbers are expected to be around the 100,000-unit mark, with prices starting around $30k. It will be a tough market as rivals Mercedes-Benz and Audi are preparing their own versions, with the new GLA and Q3 models.
With the introduction of the new X6 crossover and now this X1, the door is left open for even more ‘X’ variants including the possibility of an X4 crossover based on the X3 and an X7 SUV flagship complete with an air suspension system and V-12 power.
