Several high quality photos of BMW's upcoming X1 crossover have surfaced from German magazine FOCUS Online.
Looking virtually identical to the X1 Concept which debuted at the last year's Paris Motor Show, the production X1 features a dynamic appearance with a bold (if controversial) front end. Overall, the design borrows several styling elements from BMW's other SUVs (the X3, X5 and X6) as well as the recently introduced 5-series GT.
Inside, the baby bimmer boasts a luxurious interior that would make current X3 owners jealous. The most dominate design trait is a massive dashboard that houses BMW's prolific iDrive system. Elsewhere, the sport-ute features a fantastic looking Z4-inspired cockpit with all the major controls oriented towards the driver.
When the X1 is launched later this fall, base models will include the fuel-efficient xDrive18i and xDrive18d. Further up the pecking order is the 177hp (130kW) xDrive20d which sprints from 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds while consuming 5.8 liters of diesel per 100km. A slightly more powerful xDrive23d will also be offered, it features 204hp (150kW) which enables it to run from 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds before topping out at 223 km/h (139 mph). The final model is the petrol powered xDrive28i which boasts a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph).
Although all the launch models will feature xDrive (all-wheel drive), it is widely expected the X1 will be offered with sDrive (rear-wheel drive) shortly after production begins.
Look for the X1 to be officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
Bristol411S3
July 1, 2009 12:50 PM
