This rendering shows the BMW designers will stick closely to the lines of the Concept X1 showcased at last month's Paris Motor Show.
This latest set of spy images, meanwhile, are the most revealing yet of the upcoming X1 - the latest prototypes shedding the heavy camo gear seen on previous test cars in favor of more revealing covering. We also get a chance to look inside the interior for the first time. The automatic transmission and predominant mph markings on the speedometer suggest this is likely a U.S. spec car being tested. As the renderings show, the X1 will also share a bit of the X6 crossover's updated styling, though avoids the awkward stance and front end of the larger vehicle.
The new X1’s running gear is based on the 1-series compact car but its ride height will be taller and BMW’s X-drive AWD system will also feature.
Engine options will range from a 145hp 1.8L four-cylinder petrol engine to a range topping 3L diesel. Transmissions will include a conventional six-speed manual as well an optional six-speed self shifter. Expect to see elements from the CS concept car make it onto the new X1 including an enlarged grille, wrap around headlights and an aggressive bumper.
Production is expected to top the 100,000 mark and will start at a BMW plant in Leipzig by the middle of next year. The X1 will be priced higher than the 1-series, likely starting close to the $30,000 mark. Much of the car’s components will also be shared with an upcoming SUV model from Mini to save on development costs, although the BMW model is expected to be significantly larger than the Mini.
Reader Comments
Wed Jun 25 2008 1:16 PM
InkMaster says
Wasn't that bloated Mini released just a little while ago? Seems like this is competing in the near exact same market...
Wed Jun 25 2008 4:09 PM
Gus says
BMW just gets sillier and sillier.
Wed Jul 2 2008 8:56 AM
mlevere1992 says
Looks just like an X6 that went through the dryer with the heat on to high.
Wed Jul 2 2008 11:57 AM
Germandude says
Most pointless car ever! after the SUV-coupés and the mini-SUVs, what will they come up with next? A convertible SUV? maybe one with a crane on top or one that flies? Why not just buy a normal car?
Wed Jul 2 2008 7:16 PM
Dann says
to be fair this will probably compete with the 2 door wrangler, the soon to bew H4 Hummer and 2 door G Wagon. Rich kids who want a small 4x4
Wed Jul 2 2008 7:47 PM
HECTOR says
The other day I saw an 850 parked on the street. What happened to the BMW that would put out such meaningful cars?
Now they put out the 1 series, the X1, the Mini SUV... They put gershift levers in the steering column, Chris *Flame Surfacing* Bangle, high glare DRLs....
No need to say that whatever respect I have for BMW for cars like the 335 or the X5 is immediately negated by the abominations I mentioned above.
Thu Jul 3 2008 2:08 PM
NaBUru38 says
Spealing in European terms, the X1 will be a C-segment off-roader/SUV/CUV/BLAH. That is, its rivals are the Tiguan, CR-V, RAV4, Kuga, etc. I guess that the Mini Crossman will be a B-segment off-roader, so it will be priced closer (ok, not that much higher) than the Terios, Urban Cruiser and SX4.
Thu Jul 10 2008 8:20 AM
Varan says
I hope its target is not the CR-V bc that would definitely be leaving the luxury market. I guess Acura has Honda, Infiniti has Nissan etc etc ... BMW really does not have a non-luxury brand to sell in so are they just making do? If so, that really will bring down the image of the brand ...
Thu Jul 10 2008 10:14 AM
dadan says
I doubt they will put a 1.8 in it...there will be a Xdrive18 but that will be a 2.0petrol/diesel
Thu Jul 10 2008 10:53 AM
Turkle says
I would love to see what kind of consumer index data pointed to this being necessary. How many people strolled out of the BMW dealership saying, "Gosh, I would get an X3, but I want an even smaller luxury SUV"?
Thu Jul 10 2008 10:57 AM
brad says
what is with this guy hector complaining about DRL's, we get it you dont like them, but you dont have to post about it in so many forums.
Sun Jul 13 2008 5:02 AM
94 Taurus owner says
@Germandude
There are SUV convertibles
1.Wrangler
2.Hummer HX/H4
Sun Jul 27 2008 1:33 PM
ver says
what a bad car man
Thu Aug 28 2008 3:49 PM
NoNameDenton says
Oh goodie another crossover, like there are not enough of those in the world.
Wed Nov 5 2008 6:53 PM
JMB says
GOD. what has become of BMW...
Thu Nov 6 2008 9:07 AM
JSH says
Instead of taking the taking the 1 Series wagon and jacking it up to pretend that it is a SUV, why not just give us the wagon. It would save a lot of money and be a better vehicles.
I'm tired of manufacturers ruining perfectly good wagons by trying to make SUV's out of them.
Mon Nov 17 2008 4:09 AM
azlan says
i dont see the point in making this car! soo stupid bmw!, waste of time and money.
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