Preview: 2010 BMW X1

Posted Tue Sep 18 2007 12:15 PM by James Martinez

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 X-drive 4WD system, however, will be the lifted directly from the larger X3 SUV.

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, wrap around 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 mark with prices starting around €30,000. It will be tough market as rivals Mercedes and Audi are preparing their own versions, with the new GLK 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 V12 power.

Gallery: 2010 BMW X1

Reader Comments

Tue Sep 18 2007 1:05 PM
Stewie says

People are already complaining about the slow sales of the X3 & RDX - wonder how this will do.
Tue Sep 18 2007 7:08 PM
rickybobby says

looks like an oversize raised up 1-series hatch
which it really is \
and its hidious
Wed Sep 19 2007 7:08 PM
NaBUru38 says

BMW needs to learn how to do good hatches. Leaving Touring wagons aside, the X3's taillights are too strange, the first-gen X5 was terribly fat, the 1 Series CoupÃ© unnatural... The only two cars I can "rescue" (Uruguayan dialect, sorry) are the second-gen X5, which is only ok (but too large), and the 1 Series, whose tail is original butspoiled by the huge bonnet.

This X1 is a good move of BMW's. Mercedes-Benz should have never created the GL-Class and Audi should have started with the Q3 and Q5. Smaller off-roaders can be handsome and economical at the same time. I hope other luxury automakers do the same.
Wed Sep 19 2007 10:19 PM
Gaspacho says

I dont like it... it looks ugly... please Lexus come into the market with more suv's
Wed May 14 2008 12:38 PM
Chris says

gaspacho are you kidding me lexus isnt that great with styling their suv's, there are 4 or 5 companies ahead of lexus in terms of styling luxury suvs

MotorAuthority