Red BMW X1 Prototype Spotted Virtually Undisguised

Red BMW X1 Prototype Virtually Undisguised

On sale this fall

By Michael Gauthier
June 16, 2009 10:45 PM
Filed Under: BMW, German, Spy Photos

Our spy photographers have managed to catch BMW's X1 crossover virtually undisguised while undergoing testing on and around the famous Nurburgring.

Although the X1 won't be officially unveiled until the Frankfurt Motor Show, these pictures provide us our best glimpse of the upcoming BMW as only a few pieces of tape hide minor design details such as the character lines and rear tail lights.

At launch, the X1 will be offered with variety of powertrains including three diesels and one petrol engine. Diesel versions include an entry-level xDrive18d, an xDrive20d with 130kW (177hp), and a more powerful xDrive23d packing 150kW (204hp) and 400Nm of torque. So far the only confirmed petrol model is the xDrive18i, but don't be surprised if more versions are announced closer to production.

Despite launching all X1s with xDrive (all-wheel drive), BMW is expected to offer sDrive (rear wheel drive) models shortly after launch.

Look for the new BMW crossover to start arriving in European showrooms later this fall with a base price somewhere in the neighborhood of £20,000.

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Tags: BMW X1, 2010 BMW X1

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Comments

fatt1

June 16, 2009 11:00 PM

expected more considering all the hype BMW doin for this car

fatter1

June 17, 2009 7:15 PM

Well its not the best BMW now isit? -cough erhem cough- ;) Didn't see you in college today =|

sfero

June 16, 2009 11:09 PM

For some kind of reason I dislike recent developments of BMW. That is to say when it comes down to the design aspects.

fusion01

June 21, 2009 8:23 PM

Agree 100%. They look better in black. Hides all the awkward lines. 3 series, new M5, M6 all look good but 1 series (esp hatch) and this are really poor. Nothing dynamic at all.

SebXX

June 16, 2009 11:17 PM

OMG... these rear view mirrors look way too big.

scratchy996

June 17, 2009 3:08 AM

a new law is making those mirrors bigger. i wonder if the blurred plate numbers are standard or an option.

ShinyG

June 17, 2009 9:48 AM

I want some of those blurred license plates for... uuuh, educational purposes.

MTC

June 17, 2009 1:16 PM

I think they are trying to make it look cute by fitting it with some big ears

Renegade

June 16, 2009 11:22 PM

Nothing to see here people...move on, as for you BMW, go back to the drawing board.

TheKing

June 17, 2009 11:26 AM

Here's a comment made by one of the readers on BMW Blog and after looking at the various pictures, I kindof agree. But I have to see this car in flesh to make up my mind: "The mere fact that it looks even worse than the Concept means that this is going ot be hard to accept. Just want to zoom into a few spots that I think messed up the entire car: The front bumper section - it looks as if it was designed on its own. From these pictures, look how flat the front is!!!! It’s almost like the box! Look at the lower black plastic airdam - that’s is like a groaning mouth - it’s the expression that you have when you are seeing something gross. The lights are weirdly shaped and is far from being sleek and modern. The front overhang seems too long due to the flat, box shape at the front…. as a matter of fact, it looks far longer than the X5 and X3. The wheels are far too small for those huge wheel arches. I cannot see how a bigger wheel will compensate for those arches visually unless you put those concept rims on, which would be completely illogical. There isn’t a direct side view of this car, but from the concept, I found something quite uncomfortable with the proportion: the front bonnet area didn’t rise enough to meet the windshield, tehrefore the front section looks disjointed. I can see it from these angles as well. The car is chuncky in the middle and rear, but somewhat thin at the front.

I can see that current 1 Series parts have been used - some of the multi-link arms at the rear (silver) and the rear wipers (also rather weak and thin considering this is a large car) - looks flimsy on the 4X4 - they could have made a larger cover or something. Roof Rails would also be a nice feature - but I guess they will charge the customers extra for that to make more money."

bavorak

June 16, 2009 11:27 PM

I am a big fan of bmw but this car is absolutely unneccessary...I think it is very similar to X3...but it is much more ugly at front... X3, X5 and X6 is really enough in my opinion..there is no need to have another small SUV. It would be better if they develop a car to compare with R8 and 911...some kind of M1 or something like that

Edited by user on June 16, 2009 at 11:28 PM

ovyd

June 16, 2009 11:39 PM

IMO, it looks much better than the current X3, it's also clear that the new X3 will have larger dimensions.

wjaprep

June 16, 2009 11:41 PM

Ummm.... the front looks nice... well... BMW like

rsrtampa

June 17, 2009 12:19 AM

Yikes. It looks like its melting. And the grill looks like a buck tooth child in need of braces. Did Bangle design this before his exodus? It looks like his work.

Paulds

June 17, 2009 12:36 AM

Looks like a mad hippopotamus... not good enough design...

DSC_OFF

June 17, 2009 12:50 AM

Will this be available in the US?

Imasa

June 17, 2009 1:42 AM

I'm liking those stripes.

DieselDog

June 17, 2009 1:50 AM

Hmmm. Much better (propertionally) than the upcoming 5GT. The color is the best I've seen (but what wouldn't be better than the metallic excrement color previously illustrated?). Since VW will not be sending the Tiguan TDI to the States (idiots!), then perhaps BMW will offer this unit with a diesel and manual transmission option. Still, it looks a bit hunch-backed and I prefer a hunkered-down look. I will bet that the 3-series touring outsells this thing in spite of all the marketing $$ pushing the X1. ((yawn)) Wake me when when it's over.

Bristol411S3

June 17, 2009 2:36 AM

Seriously, who gives a toss...

norther

June 17, 2009 3:15 AM

hey, nice WRX STI there in the background of the first picture, on the left. oh sorry, this is abou a bmw. barely have noticed it, being so damn ugly. what the heck is wrong with this brand?? 5series gt, then this... in what class, and what would be the role of an suv, smaller than an X1?

norther

June 17, 2009 3:16 AM

pardon me... smaller than an x3

man1

June 17, 2009 3:35 AM

Welcome to Uglyville! Here u will find a new level of uglyness.

awhk

June 17, 2009 5:28 AM

The front end looks like a E65 being crashed into a wall or something... Tailgate seems to be stolen from a Q5. Come on BMW, anything worse coming?

Airbag

June 17, 2009 6:21 AM

Just wait for the X0.5, that's when the sh|t will really hit the fan.

ShinyG

June 17, 2009 10:00 AM

Eh, BMW is smarter than to use fraction for names! But they already have a smaller "crossover/SUV/deuchemobile". It's called the Mini SUV or whatever... Technically, that's the X0.5 :p

Sacto8780

June 17, 2009 6:30 AM

I wonder has BMW said anything about selling the X1 in the USA market?

I would not be surprised that BMW may offer the X1 with the 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine and the 3.0-liter 230 bhp gasoline engine (the 128i coupe gasoline engine) as options for the US-market model, both with six-speed automatic transmissions.

alessandro

June 17, 2009 9:45 AM

That X looks lika a car in these days. We live in dark age.

ShinyG

June 17, 2009 9:55 AM

The new BMW X1, all X, now with up to 74.5% more ugly! Be the first to buy the cheapest, most desirable deuchemobile on the market. Get it now, before Audi makes a Q3 and Merc does a MLK or whatever!

N20_Purge

June 17, 2009 10:10 AM

I was about to like the X1, but then I saw the new WRX STI in the background, so now this car looks bland again, lol.

GeeNee

June 17, 2009 10:16 AM

Looks like a Volvo

BabyMilo

June 17, 2009 10:54 AM

I like it, i think it looks good - like most of BMWs designs

but please if anyone gets one dont get that colour

RzGTmorio

June 17, 2009 3:35 PM

I prefer the X3... lol

khd

June 17, 2009 4:04 PM

seriously i think it looks good, it'll look even better in the flesh...

too many bmw haters on here, only problem is how big will it be relative to the x3? x5 is massive so they may well increase size of X3. it will sell... new generation 'chelsea tractor'!

Siawa

June 17, 2009 5:03 PM

All the hype for this?! Not saying it's ugly or anything... it's nothing different from their current line-up.

Meh.

Triple_X

June 17, 2009 5:36 PM

Guys, don’t forget that BMW is above all a unique driving machine that people buy because of the driving experience. The first tests I have read in the press concerning the X1 are very positive in that sense. Just like the design of an X6, you love it or you hate it. But, like the X6, if you make your opinion just based on the design, you are totally wrong. Drive an X6 and you will understand ! (even though I am not a fan of big cars) Yes I am a BMW lover ;-)

SigSauer

June 17, 2009 6:29 PM

I guess I'm the only one who likes this? lol. Yes, it could use larger wheels. Yes, it's similar to the X3, but imo, it looks a lot better. I'm liking the new design with the front headlights and grill (similar to the new 7). Slap on some 19's with wider tires, add a side step (like on the X5), and with Jerez Black (probably not an option, but I can dream) and this would be stunning. Not a big fan of the engine options though. Although, I've been looking at diesel's, this may be an option in the near future. I'd wait for the sDrive though.

When the 1 Series was introduced and came out, this site was spammed with comments similar to this. "Oh it's similar to the 3 series" "What's the point" Blah, blah blah. The 1 Series was a big hit and is amazing to drive. I can only venture to say that the X1 will be similar.

Windtalker01

June 17, 2009 6:49 PM

No, I like it too!! Actually, I even like the concept Gold/yellow colour!! Looks young and sporty! Really stands out! Hope it comes to my country!!

SigSauer

June 17, 2009 7:22 PM

I can't wait to see it in person. Pictures never do cars justice.

coopergt

June 17, 2009 6:53 PM

UGHLY

HEMI426

June 17, 2009 7:26 PM

What is the differents between this an the X3? It looks the same size. I love the side view of this car small beatifully rounded windows, and this, for the size of the car huge bonnet. BMW knows what a bonnet should be, not like all the frontwheeldrive cars with a bonnet of 2 inches! It is way more beatiful than any of it's competitors, (I judge this as the new X3) Hope they also put a six cylinder petrol in it.

Targa_Florio

June 17, 2009 7:48 PM

Please BMW, come back to the "sausages of different sizes" from the 90s and before, as Bangle was pleased to call them. Except the 3-series Coupé, the new Z4, and maybe the X5/X6, their design is killing my BMW-loving heart.

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