BMW X1 Prototype Shows More Skin

 BMW X1 Prototype Shows More Skin
BMW X1 prototype spied in Germany

Inching closer to production

Our spies have managed to catch the best pictures so far of BMW's upcoming X1 crossover and this time we can get a better glimpse of what to expect when production model debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Now in final testing, some of the camouflage has come off which gives us our best look yet at the bold production grille which strongly resembles the one introduced on the recently redesigned 7-Series. Elsewhere we can catch a glimpse of the new headlights which appear to be a variation of those used on the 5-series GT concept which was shown in Geneva earlier this month. At the rear, we can see an updated version of BMW's SAV taillights that now feature "wave" effect lens in a similar fashion to the new 7-Series.

Power options will mirror that of the 1-Series which means we can expect two versions of BMW's 3.0-liter V6 engine, a naturally aspirated one with 230 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque as well as the highly regarded turbocharged version with 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The model will come standard with rear-wheel-drive (sDrive in BMW speak) with all-wheel drive (xDrive) being optional.

Set to take on the Mercedes GLK and Audi Q5, expect the new BMW X1 to start arriving in dealerships in 2010 with German pricing starting somewhere in the neighborhood of €32,000.

 

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 Imasa Imasa
Looks like the same size as the X3. What's the point of this car? Will it replace the X3?
March 16, 2009 6:55 pm
 Renegade Renegade
Nahh, just another SUV, Yaaaawn.
March 16, 2009 6:58 pm
 AG4 AG4
The X3 uses a stretched version of the E46 3-series platform, while the new X1 uses the same platform (same wheelbase) as the current E90/E91/E92/E93 3-series. The X1 is a bit smaller than the current X3, while the next X3 will probably grow a bit bigger and more upmarket.
March 16, 2009 7:11 pm
 politz politz
It would be really cool if the next X3 sported the same concept as the X6, but in a smaller package. That would honor the sporty 3 series heritage in its name, and would sell like hotcakes too!
March 16, 2009 9:22 pm
 khd khd
looks better then the concept shown at the previous show, dont mean to nit-pick but is it a typo where is said bmw 3.0 litre V6 because im sure that its a straight six?? P.S. the 4th pic is nice one cuz theres an E34 in the background kinda shows the 'evolution' of BMW design...
March 16, 2009 6:58 pm
 scratchy996 scratchy996
yeah , i'll wait for the Audi Q3.
March 16, 2009 8:03 pm
 motorjedi motorjedi
BMW doesn't make V6es!!!
March 16, 2009 9:03 pm
 Geefiasco Geefiasco
Looking forward to see what it looks like. But I still don't see the point of this car.
March 17, 2009 6:01 am
 BDSawicki BDSawicki
Really ugly... I wouldn't even think about it? Wonder who will?
March 17, 2009 7:40 am
 paczo911 paczo911
Maybe it's just the new X3... no surprise for me here...
March 17, 2009 11:16 am
 ESEKO55 ESEKO55
ANOTHER WONDERFUL CAR, THIS IS JUST ANOTHER GREAT BMW MODEL..... BEAUTIFUL
March 18, 2009 9:43 am