BMW X1 Latest Spy Photos Shows Rear Window

BMW X1 spy photo / CarPix

April 4, 2009 4:30 AM
Filed Under: BMW, German, Nürburgring, Spy Photos

The BMW X1 is one of the most photographed prototypes lately. It's even been tested by some "select" auto journalists and photographers. But now the X1 has lost a lot of its camouflage and more details are revealed without the special invite. On two photos we can see the quarter panel rear window without camouflage, something that the BMW engineers noticed and taped up again later.

Set to take on the VW Tiguan and the upcoming Audi Q3, the X1 is mostly based on the 1-Series even if there are some parts shared with the 3-Series as well. Power will come from both four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines and both petrol and diesel will be available. Base model will be front-wheel drive only but of course all-wheel drive is optional.

Debut is set for Frankfurt in September.

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Tags: BMW X1

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Comments

AG4

April 4, 2009 5:05 AM

The X1 seems to be based on the E90 3-series platform, it even uses the same exact 2,760 mm (108.7 in) wheelbase as the 3-series. Check the specs of the (near-production ready) Concept X1.

Edited by user on April 4, 2009 at 5:09 AM

stelvio

April 4, 2009 5:50 AM

base model is front wheel drive???

lucifa

April 4, 2009 6:28 AM

My thoughts exactly -- since when does BMW do fwd? If it's based on the 1 platform, then it's set up for rwd!

sovietmole

April 4, 2009 6:46 AM

yea.. james may once said that BMW thought FWD is the work of satan

motorjedi

April 4, 2009 8:38 AM

And he was right. WCF, check it out.

BabyMilo

April 4, 2009 7:12 AM

This aint gona be a work of art, I can tell you that now.

freeway

April 6, 2009 8:06 PM

and what's next for BMW??? BMW X0 and BMW X-1... or maybe a pick-up truck? they look so creative lately... :D

wjaprep

April 4, 2009 8:01 AM

It looks alright I guess, the hood is a bit to long for me.

TheKing

April 4, 2009 11:00 AM

The X1 was suppose to "wow" the world...they failed as they produced something boring and ugly again

TheKing

April 4, 2009 10:59 AM

This car is out of proportion! The long front (front windscreen up) seems to be stuck onto the rest of the car, just doesn't flow. Look at the blob of big fat bumper in front of teh front wheel, where's the short overhangs that BMW used to have on all their cars.

The extensive amount of black plastics used on this poorly proportioned car makes it look even cheaper, doesn't evenlook like it is something from the premium market! Just like the old X3 when it first came out with those ugly black cheap bumpers. Hva ethey not learnt from their mistakes that customers are buying a BMW and do not want something that looks cheaper than a Toyota and Tata - becasue even they spray their parts in body colour.

As for the front grille, what on earth is that??? Did they just slap those narrow front grille on the car after they have finished designing it?Because not only is it narrow and ugly (not suitable for a SAV like this), it also doesn't flow and blend with the overall design.

The lower bumper cut which resemble the new 7 Series just looks stupid here, especially in that cheap black plastic.

This is an X1, BMW was suppose to make this an exciting vehicle for the exciting youth. This car could have had so much potential, yet they come out with something as ugly, boring and conservative as this. This is a disappointment.

FWD? I don't think so. BMW only produces RWD and if they make this a FWD, I might as well buy an Audi because BMW is not BMW anymore.

thamzn

April 4, 2009 11:04 AM

All MINIs are FWD

adottkiddy

April 4, 2009 12:16 PM

Thats MINI, BMW will never do FWD and it never has, so why would they change now.

AG4

April 5, 2009 6:34 PM

I think the FWD part is just a typo, its supposed to use the same Drivetrain as other BMW models, that means it has a RWD/AWD layout.

ShinyG

April 4, 2009 12:21 PM

I think the FWD part is pure speculation. The current generation xDrive works by using a wet-plate clutch instead of a center diff. The system drives most of the torque to the rear wheels via a shaft. The remaining torque goes to the front wheels via another shaft. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:BMW_xDrive.jpg Having all the torque sent to the front wheels using this system would be more inefficient than using a transverse mounted engine with the differential included in the gearbox, like some Audis have. I doubt BMW would sell such a dinky contraption of a transmission system, but then again we're talking about the manufacturer that will soon have more pseudo-offroad cross-overs than normal cars.

pscs

April 4, 2009 4:35 PM

...sharing so many parts with the base model line... then inflate the model range with minimum costs... then overprice these crossovers...

BritBoy

April 4, 2009 7:40 PM

Why do they go to all the bother of covering it up when we have all seen it in concept form? We all know the concept was 99.9% the production version...

Edited by user on April 4, 2009 at 7:41 PM

v6s_stink

April 4, 2009 8:27 PM

If not for the Insignia this would be the most insipid and uninspired design coming out of Germany.

LMS

April 5, 2009 3:51 AM

Maybe when I have lots of money to spend on whims, I'll make myself an ugly car collection...

kooper

April 5, 2009 4:54 AM

I seriously, seriously doubt it will have FWD only, even as an option. Take a good look at the amount of metal between the A pillars and the front wheel arches. That's typical and classical BMW RWD layout.

Deutsch100

April 5, 2009 5:50 PM

I really don't understand how and why they are going to price, market and sell an X1 and and X3. I don't see the logic in this. Didn't they learn their stupid ways with the X5 & X6? Honestly though, the X1 & X3 seems stupider. Way to go BMW!!!

wills2007

April 5, 2009 9:28 PM

There isn't going to be an Audi Q3, at least not called the Q3 because of Audi's legal battle with Nissan over using Q to designate certain models (eg. Infiniti QX45)

Sure the X1 is ugly and boring and bland, but get the pricing right for the X1 in the UK, fit it with a "eco-fast" 2.0d Efficient Dynamics engine and this will be a major seller, it's not for me though.

RS5

April 5, 2009 9:56 PM

Didn't Nissan also have a thing with BMW for using 'M' to designate a certain Infiniti for an advertisement?

politz

April 6, 2009 6:37 AM

that's soooo dull... the perfect choice for rav4 buyers going upmarket.

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