BMW X1 Prototype Shows More Skin

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.