[UPDATE] BMW Concept X1 video added above and press release below
Ahead of its planned unveiling at the Paris Motor Show, the first images of the BMW Concept X1 have hit the web. It is due to hit European dealerships in the fall of 2009 with pricing starting at around £20,000 (€25,246,$35,524) for the UK market, BMW have predicted sales will hit a lofty 100,000 units a year as consumers shy away from the larger gas guzzling X3 and X5.
If You think the Concept X1 looks big, you would be right. It is 4457mm long with a wheelbase of 2760mm which is only 108mm and 35mm shorter than the larger X3 sibling. Surely BMW have taken into account that an X1 with such similar dimensions is going to hinder the sales of its larger SUV.
The underpinings of the model are actually derived from the E90 3-Series platform, contrary to previous reports that it shares the same platform as the current generation 1-Series. It means we can expect to see a range of more powerful engines than we had expected including four and six cylinder turbocharged direct injection petrol and diesel units and further down the line, a hybrid. Six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmission systems will be available come production time and they will pass the power to the wheels via a part time four wheel drive system that only transfers power to the front wheels when required.
Full details and high-res shots should hit your screens in the next 24 hours, so stay tuned. Recently launched microsite here: www.bmw.com/conceptx1
The First Sports Activity Vehicle in the Premium Compact Segment:
The BMW Concept X1.
Once again the successful history of BMW X models is opening up the door for further inspiration in the development of innovative vehicle concepts:
The BMW Concept X1 offers all the thrill of agile and versatile mobility in a new segment of vehicles. Proudly presenting this new Concept Car, BMW is offering an outlook at the world’s first Sports Activity Vehicle in the premium compact segment.
Through its design alone, this new concept model clearly expresses all the strengths and qualities of such a vehicle, the BMW Concept X1 exuding a strong touch of agility and versatility both in its driving qualities and practical use. And at the same time the Concept Car clearly reveals the stylish elegance of this five-door as well as its modern function.
Creating this unique Concept Car, BMW is catering for the demands of a modern target group in search of an up-to-date automobile meeting both the challenges of everyday traffic and the personal needs of many purchasers for an active lifestyle and a versatile driving experience. The BMW Concept X1 expresses that very special sheer driving pleasure so typical in this unique form of a BMW X model combined with a high standard of all-round functionality. So now these qualities are for the first time being carried over to a vehicle in the premium compact segment.
Ongoing innovation in the Sports Activity segment established by BMW.
As the founder of the Sports Activity Vehicle segment, BMW has already proven its outstanding competence in developing innovative vehicle concepts.
Indeed, the German premium car maker first established its position as the leader in innovation in this segment – a position BMW still holds today – in 1999 through the presentation of the first-generation BMW X5.
In a market segment previously dominated by conventional off-roaders, the BMW X5, through its outstanding dynamic driving qualities alone, set new standards right from the beginning. Now in its second generation, the BMW X5, through its superior driving qualities and wide range of practical use as well as its luxurious interior ambience, still sets the standard for vehicles in its category to this very day.
The exceptional potential offered by this new segment of vehicles also enabled BMW at a very early point to carry over the attractive features of this Sports Activity Vehicle to other market segments. In the guise of the BMW X3, for example, outstanding agility on all kinds of terrain also proved to be a huge success in the segment below the BMW X5. Indeed, the BMW X3 was the first and for many years the only vehicle in this segment to come from a premium manufacturer, with worldwide sales of the BMW X3 now amounting to more than 500,000 units.
The ongoing expansion of the BMW X model range is likewise the result of the unique, innovative power offered by the world’s most successful manufacturer of premium cars. The BMW X6 launched this year, for example, is the world’s first Sports Activity Coupé to successfully enter the market.
This unique model combining the dynamic lines of a Coupé with the superior power and cultivated robustness of a BMW X model, continues the emphasis on dynamic driving qualities originally initiated with the BMW X5, maintaining BMW’s philosophy most clearly and convincingly. Indeed, BMW has once again, through the BMW X6, set the foundation for a brand-new type of vehicle reaching additional target groups now once again thrilled by the BMW X model concept accounting in the meantime for sales of more than 1.2 million units the world over.
BMW X models: unique concept, superior technology, outstanding quality.
The global success and great appeal of BMW’s X models results not only from the precise and target group-oriented development of this vehicle concept, but also from the implementation of typical BMW features in this category. Hence, the particular thrill and unique style of every BMW X model forms a perfect match with uncompromising premium quality.
The unique driving characteristics of a BMW X model result not just from the concept, but also from BMW’s worldwide leadership in the area of drive systems. And last but certainly not least in this context, the huge innovative power of the BMW Group comes out clearly also in the equipment and features of BMW’s X models featuring superior suspension technology and driver assistance systems as well as a supreme standard of safety and comfort.
Yet another essential factor is that every BMW X model combines this exclusive range of qualities with a level of efficiency quite unparalleled in the respective segment: In their balance of performance and fuel consumption, BMW’s X models achieve a standard generally far superior to comparable models built by the competition.
Again last but definitely not least, the modern and up-to-date character of BMW’s X models comes out clearly through their stable value, non-partisan market studies regularly confirming the lasting value of the BMW X5 and the BMW X3 as pre-owned cars.
All this sets the foundation for BMW’s entry into another market segment where the BMW Concept X1 already reveals the perspectives involved. The Compact Car clearly shows which features are to be expected of a BMW X model in the segment of premium compact vehicles. Through its design alone, the new model clearly belongs to the range of BMW X vehicles – while at the same time it offers all these features in truly individual style representing the design language so typical of BMW.
The Concept Car clearly confirms BMW’s claim to offer maximum driving pleasure and efficiency, versatility and functionality, as well as safety, comfort and quality also in the premium compact segment. And with all these factors already being largely considered and taken into account in the BMW Concept X1, it is fair to say that an appropriate production model will see the light of day within just one year.
The BMW X1: authentic transition of the BMW X model concept into a new vehicle segment.
In its design and driving characteristics, every BMW X model bears out the unmistakable DNA of this kind of vehicle, at the same time showing an individual rendition of the brand and the features typical of the concept. This clearly ensures the authentic transition of the brand values and characteristic features of a BMW X model into each market segment.
The BMW Concept X1 naturally lives up to this demanding standard and claim, the Concept Car clearly standing out as a BMW X model from every angle, despite its body dimensions smaller than a BMW X6, a BMW X5, and a BMW X3. At the same time the design of the new car establishes typical BMW features again reflecting the specific characteristics of the premium compact segment and generating new momentum in the appreciation and perception of vehicles in this class.
Introducing the BMW Concept X1, BMW is taking on the leading role also in the premium compact class. For the first time the characteristics of a Sports Activity Vehicle are being carried over authentically into this market segment, creating the concept of a vehicle which, in an urban environment, ensures the highest conceivable level of freedom and spontaneous activity.
Indeed, the BMW Concept X1 presents mobility options never seen before in this segment. The new model offers versatility and agility in a compact rendition, thus providing a very appropriate interpretation of the sheer driving pleasure so typical of a BMW X model in our current day and age.
Measuring 4,457 millimeters or 175.5” in length, the BMW Concept X1 is 108 millimeters or almost 4.3” shorter than the BMW X3. The wheelbase of the BMW Concept X1, in turn, measures 2,760 mm or 104.4”.
Through its proportions and four doors together with a large tailgate, the Concept Car hints towards a very generous feeling and experience of space. In addition, the clear design and shape of the vehicle bears testimony to a high level of function meeting all the driver’s and passengers’ requirements in everyday traffic. And last but not least, the BMW Concept X1 combines all these features with the self-confident elegance so typical of a premium vehicle. Through these qualities alone, therefore, the BMW Concept X1 is destined to become the trendsetter for a modern style of urban mobility clearly pointing into the future.
Front-end design: dynamic lines, characteristic emphasis on width.
The sculptural lines of the new model make the BMW Concept X1 a truly exceptional highlight in the premium compact segment with all the features and qualities of a BMW X model. The front end, the side and rear merge smoothly into one another, their various surfaces forming one whole and striking line creating a smooth and flowing link between the individual elements of the body.
Design features typical of the brand additionally emphasise the unmistakable look and impact of the vehicle, the upright BMW kidney grille, dual round headlights cut off at the top, the large, almost square wheel cutouts, the black band stretching around the lower section of the vehicle, the distinctive contour line along the side and the horizontal lines at the rear again clearly confirming that this concept car is a genuine X model from BMW.
The powerful stature of a BMW X model comes out clearly in new design at the front end of the BMW Concept X1. The DNA typical of BMW X is also to be found in the strikingly contoured engine compartment lid and the structure of the upright BMW kidney grille with its extra-wide bars positioned far apart from one another at the outside on the BMW Concept X1, thus symbolising the robust nature of the vehicle.
Through their sharply cut “eyelids”, the dual round headlights so typical of BMW offer a clear view and focus, white-coloured horizontal covers at the top enhancing this effect to an even higher standard.
Innovative surface design highlighting the vehicle’s striking features.
Yet another innovative design feature is the three-dimensional surrounds on the headlights. This particular design element to be admired on the BMW Concept X1 and reflected by the surrounds on the headlights and the side window graphics highlights the superior technical character of the headlight units with their clear glass look in a very convincing manner. Again reflecting the typical style of a BMW X model, the fog lamps are positioned far to the outside, just above the air intake scoop.
The robust character of the BMW Concept X1 is further emphasised by the car’s underfloor protection. This protection unit bearing clear reference to the use of the vehicle off the beaten track, takes on a particularly sophisticated and elegant style through its silver paintwork – and at the same time the front frame around this protection element forms the lower surround on the air intake.
Together with another silver crossbar extending across the entire width of the air intake, this forms two contrasting horizontal lines giving the vehicle an even more powerful and wider look. The surface design of the powerfully contoured engine lid is characterised by six striking contour lines moving towards one another in a V-shape at the front of the vehicle. The two inner lines lead to the BMW kidney grille where they almost meet one another, while the two outer contour lines extend in the opposite direction from the front end of the engine compartment lid all the way to the side section of the vehicle where they continue into the shoulder lines extending all the way to the back. Again, this particular flow of lines emphasises the sculptural design of the BMW Concept X1 connecting all body elements with one another. Side view: an especially sleek look combined with the features typical of a BMW X model.
Both the unmistakable proportions of the BMW Concept X1 and the newly interpreted features of a BMW X model come out clearly at the side of the car. The silhouette of this compact five-door is particularly sleek and stretched out, giving the entire vehicle a very sporting and agile look. And at the same time the raked tailgate adds a coupé-like appearance.
With its short front body overhang, the waistline slightly lower around the A-pillars, the large wheel arches with their almost square contours and the black plastic protection panels on the lower level of the body, the BMW Concept X1 comes with all the typical features of a BMW X model also from the side.
Another characteristic highlight is the visibly low centre of gravity bearing clear reference on the BMW X models to the harmonious interaction of the front and rear wheels in conveying the power of the engine to the road. On the BMW Concept X1 this connection is further highlighted by a crease line on the lower edge of the plastic frame running along the entire length of the sidesills finished in silver. The dynamic, powerful surface modeling of this element provides an attractive interplay of light and shade, again accentuating – like the strong, sturdy and sophisticated underfloor protection front and rear – the refined but robust nature of this new Concept Car.
The surrounds on the side windows come in a particularly elegant three dimensional look taking up the design language already to be admired on the headlights and rear lights. Again, this expresses the dynamic contours of the window graphics including the contour-swing at the bottom of the D-pillars well known as the “Hofmeister kick”.
Striking flow of lines with that characteristic sweep.
The BMW Concept X1 offers a highly attractive interplay of concave and convex surfaces between the characteristic lines to be admired at the side. The interaction of light and shade created in this way gives the entire vehicle a powerful and agile look, the shoulder line extending out of the engine compartment lid and fl owing along the side of the car emphasizing its dynamic character.
The lower character line, as it is called, running parallel to the side-sills, creates a unique, exceptional touch in the side view of the BMW Concept X1. This character line starts around the direction indicator at the side, initially moving down slightly and then striving upwards first quite moderately and then with increasing dynamism before tapering out in the rear door. In its sweeping flow of power, the character line ends exactly at the window surround on the window graphics with its “Hofmeister kick”, thus creating the impression of one complete contour extending over the entire side view of the vehicle.
The flow of this character line first rising up moderately and then in an increasingly dynamic process offers a particular highlight in design also reflected on the engine compartment lid, on the contours around the rear lights and the lines on the side mirrors, and thus adding yet another striking touch to the BMW Concept X1. Both the robust character and the variable functionality of the BMW Concept X1 are highlighted by the strong and sturdy roof railing extending far back to the rear and ending in the air flow spoiler. Finished in Liquid Silver, the roof railing is indeed yet another feature emphasising the refined look and premium character of the entire vehicle.
The BMW Concept X1 comes on 19-inch light-alloy rims in high-quality innovative ten-spoke design again characteristic of BMW’s X models. The newly designed, twin-colour wheels add a special touch of urban sportiness and agility in particularly elegant style. The narrow spokes on the rims, in turn, are twisted slightly to the outside, while the rim bars are cut off at the front, proudly presenting the bright silver colour of polished aluminium. The side flanks and the rim hump, finally, are finished in Dark Grey to provide a particularly sporting contrast.
Striking rear view with innovative lights technology.
Like the front view, the rear view of the BMW Concept X1 is again characterised by the underfloor protection finished in silver. The rear frame of the broad protection element creates a contrasting colour highlight also at this point, again emphasising the impressive width of the vehicle.
In their design, the rear lights combine those unique shapes so typical of BMW and truly innovative technology. The light clusters come with BMW’s characteristic L-contours proudly boasting their typical shape also at night. This unique night design is further highlighted by BMW’s innovative technology, with consistently fluorescent, red-glowing rows of lights fed by LED light units serving as the light source. The result is a genuinely homogeneous flow of light with a powerful signaling effect on energy consumption significantly lower than with conventional lights.
Here again, the rear frame of the extra-wide protective element adds an attractive position of the rear light clusters moved far to the outside into the rear side panels. The rows of lights formed by fluorescent tubes continues all round into the side of the vehicle where the lights move up slightly, thus emphasising the L-shaped contours of the light clusters even more distinctly. Again, this three-dimensional look contributes to the characteristic night design of the BMW Concept X1.
Last but certainly not least, the paintwork on the BMW Concept X1 emphasises the innovative, modern and sophisticated character of the vehicle, the new Meridian Gold Metallic paintwork colour accentuating the youthful and dynamic look of the Concept Car. Indeed, this strong golden-yellow finish is truly fascinating both in the glow of headlights from other vehicles and in the bright sunshine, creating a highly effective play of light and adding additional momentum to the artistically chiseled surfaces of the BMW Concept X1.
Absolutly agree with you andy. I don't understand BMW styling since 2001 7-Series - Chris Bangle era. I quite like the current 3-Series, X5 and of course the new 7-Series, but other models like 5-Series, 6 , X6 or 1-Series are not pretty for me. I would rather like to buy Audi or Mercedes models.
i honestly cant believe so many people find this car so ugly. admitedly its nt the best looking in the small SUV market, but surely it iis not THAT ugly?!
Oh dear sweet lord BMW, how did you manage to ruin this!?! I have to agree with all above, that thing is HIDEOUS! Those headlights look good on the new 7-series, but you can't just transplant them to a baby SUV and expect that it will look good. I'm so disappointed. The current 1-series headlights (slightly updated) would have been so much better. In fact, since this is the X1, shouldn't they have based it (chassis and looks) on the 1 series. I agree, the hatchback is ugly, but the coupe doesn't look so bad. And yes, if this is almost as big as the X3, where does that fit in? Seriously BMW, what have you done? The next X3 better blow my mind. First they ditch the M3 CSL and now this. I don't hate it, but worse instead, I'm getting bored.
The 1 series is based on the 3 series. "Based" is used loosely here. The 1 series is almost a complete 3 series, minus some wheelbase & body structure. Thats why it weighs so much for its size. But hey, the little thing is a rocket! Who am I to complain?
there might be enough blind people who likes the looks of it but then BMW has to invent something that enables them to see where they are driving but not able to see the car at all. No, seriously BMW have to find a new designer team
so why don't BMW now work on the X4 which would be of the same size as the X5, and the X7 which is the same car as the X6 only uglier, because right now the customers have so small choice.
i thought it was going to be ugly but not that ugly. why do they continue to make the kidney grill bigger and bigger its so ugly i liked when they were small and it where placed at the same high as the headlights just like the e39 or the e38. why did they make it whats the point. god i miss the old bmw desing like the 850 or the z8
It's actually cooler than I thought it would be. The sketched pictures show the X1 without mirrors. Why don't they leave out the mirrors on the real model too and replace them by camera's like on the VW 1L concept? Then it would really be a cool car!
What with the sk8r boi teaser videos I was expecting something more exciting. This is just a X3 shot from further away. And people say Porsche has no imagination!
Oh Audinator, please keep your childish temper to yourself. Do not tell others to shut up. Quite frankly, other people have much better taste than you. People who have a taste for VW, Seat and Skoda and Audi products do not qualify to comment on people who like superior products like BMW, which is a class above. Also if you have manners, you would not tell others to shut up on a public site, whichjust shows your manners and possibly your education level. You remind me of those Afircan counties' speakers of parliament with a lack of eeducation and manners. Is this what all VW and Audi drivers behave?
Look at that one picture of one designer's "masterpiece", he made an ugly mess all over that paper (let alone that watery "effect" if you want to call it).
BMW, how do you hire your employees? Do they ever go to university?
Ugly. Useless. Pointless. These are the most common words in response to this X1 but funny enough it was the exact same for the X6 and that model is sold out. I find this X2 to be very adventurous. Its not meant to be a 7 series where elegance and timelessness is the selling point. Its not meant to be an M3 where sportiness is the selling point. I think BMW got the styling spot on and its a design thats growing on me. As for the X3 i'm sure that model will grow in size as there were talks about moving the X3 more upmarket. I love that BMW is taking these risks and not playing it safe (design wise). Otherwise we'd be stuck with the same old designs for god knows how long.
No No No No NOOOOO ... this looks all WRONG ... and that's coming from a long term BMW fan ... the only stylish feature of this car is the headlamp eye brow effect (I always loved it on the 5 series and it still looks fresh on the new 7) ... the rest has the overall appearance of a very badly conceived Chinese knockoff copy of the unattractive X3
I am sincerely amazed at the incredible predictability of the styling of any new BMW. Just scale the next closest vehicle in the Range (in this case X3) and then add in the minor evolutionary styling cue featured in the last new model (in this case the 7). This perfectly yields the X1. You can do this for any Bangle era design.
These are some people who, incredibly, have shown more Breadth in their body of work than Bangle.
1. Shania Twain 2. That guy in SanFran whose art consisted of throwing buckets of paint into an airplane propeller. 3. Pol Pot 4. Pick your favorite two album boy band. 5. Steven Seagal
Its just a bit smaller than the current X3, the X1's platform is based on the E90 3-series and uses the same 2760mm wheelbase. Expect the next X3 to grow slightly bigger to make room for the entry level X1.
Hmm, I thought I had why it looks bad, it looks as though they shortened the lower half and kept the upper half, I tried photoshopping it to see what a lower upper half would look like, I think it's a bit better, but the front end is still fugly. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v39/joe_limon/9081001002Mini1L.jpg
After the new 7 and updated 3, its obvious where BMW design is headed. I like the way the surface detailing mimics the hard body components. Its an interplay of taut and inflated (like the original "flame surfacing" was), but with defined points, now. Makes me excited about what the new 5 series will look like. Good job BMW! Some would consider this fine art.
This is a masterpiece, look how heavily sculpted this car is. Absolute beauty. If you don't like this, then you probably got your eyes glued onto the same old boring design audis. Look at the rear, look at the side, look at that big grille. It is a sign of a young dynamic sporty person. Look at that colour! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. Unlike the ugly duckling Q5. If you don;t like this, you're probably too old for this car.
If you think this is "absolutely amazing", than you seriously need to read what majority of other people are saying. This car has no beauty lines at all. The SAME SILLY SAUSAGE, DIFFERENT LENGTH definately applies here as it inherit lots of ugly design cues from other atrocious BMWs (including your beloved X3). If this is what you call beautiful, you are beyond help. As far as I am concern, there is no GOOD looking BMW at all.
The new BMW 7 is beautiful, the 1 Coupe ad cenvertible is a masterpiece, the M3 is stunning. What do you mean there's no good looking BMW? If you look next door at the copycats (Audi), all their cars look the same - A3, A4, A5, A6, whatever A's they are the smae piece of sh!t from VW, same ugly fish mouth grille Now to mention that ugly TT that looks like a stupid snail.
that's the problem, most 12 year olds will think that the RS4 and R8 is cool without looking deeper into the companies and product origins. If a car uses VW parts and is of VW quality and tries to compete in the premium segment, what else is it if it is not RUBBISH. Maybe for some, it is different, but who want to be different in an inferior way? There's a reason that Audi comes with the image of being understated. If you are not excellent, you're not good therefore the understated image!
BMW's Z4 got an award when it was launched a few years ago, in 2005, BMW 3 Series E90 was the top 3 car design in the world, the BMW 5 Series got the best looking business class sedan in the world. As a matter of fact, audi has never won anything with their VW designs
These cars, included X1 are old and made for old. They have no design beyond of the socially approved (collective) perception of that art. Like Mao's and Lenin's monuments are not a sculpture-art are not these cars a design, Bangle's arrogsant manipulations included. BMW have almost all possible awards for their engines too.
You actually this or the x3 look even remotely as good as the Q5? of course people have their opinions, but don't go dissing people who like audis. In my opinion, this and the X3 are just plain crap ugly.
BMW is making the same damn models every time with the damn same design. Only thing they change is the size and the form, with each time is getting uglier and its now the perfect car for my grandmother
I think you're talking about Audi, look at the A3, A4 A6, all the same ugly boring design with that ever bigger fish mouth grille - TT looks like a snail, R8 is a sports car want to be but handles poorly compared to BMW's M6 and M5. Audi is a joke!
kevoluetion, o course I can read, not only words. I can see for myself, too. I don't think anyone would say that the 1 looks like the 7, or 3 series or 5 Series, unlike Audi's cars that all look the same. Get glasses if you cannot see the cars properly, don't just only read what Audinator says (clearly he is an Audi fan, for what reason no one knows - maybe he actually likes VW but it would sound too cheap to say VW - misconception that Audi is any better)
GPKH is right. Whatever he has mentioned is pure facts. Sad dont you think how you people try to go againts statistics and facts, i guess thats what they are there for. Audi's are all similar. I know people who cant tell them apart until they are up close. Although BMW shares many of its features amongst its line up, Audi seems to be using same parts *not true*. The tail lights in the A4,5,6. Many of u probably notice many other similarities as well. Either way, both companies make extremely good cars. This X1 will, people will want one. Enough said.
All premium segment cars and Audi almost a joke just because of their design and overestimated build quality. The 1-series is OK car in that lineup made for "holy simplicity".
GPKH is obviously poorly misinformed about cars. R8? handles poorly? when has bmw made a car that has been as acclaimed and praised as the R8? M6? that's just a jacked up 6 series. The R8's even been car of the year for many comparisons, and it's entirely new. where will you find a car with such stunning looks at that price? seriously go learn something about the modern world of cars. And if you look on car and driver's top 10 most beautiful cars, you'll find an R8 and an S5, but no BMW. don't go assuming things are the way you want them to be. just face the facts that bmw needs to get its game on in the premium segment and stop with the low end ugly cars. I respect BMW for its M3/3 series coupe, as well as the 5 series but honestly, nothing more.
Seriously...if Audi made the 1 series, 3 series, 5 series and all the other jokes....as if you will say these cars are beautiful. Alessandro, darzav and GPKH....majority of BMW drivers are blinded by a medical condition called Brand Ignorance. Audi makes cars that are both elegant and classy. Please dont even mention BMWs are beautiful...they are not even good to look at! I prefer Mazda designs over BMWs rubbish anyday! Bring on the Jap cars!
I totally agree with you The_woo_factor. Those who cant tell the difference between audi models wouldnt call themselves car fanatics. Stylish and elegance = Audi. Bold and over stated = BMW
i honestly cant believe so many people find this car so ugly. admitedly its nt the best looking in the small SUV market, but surely its not THAT ugly?!
by super_car_muscle_man | October 12, 2008 3:00 PM
i honestly cant believe so many people find this car so ugly. admitedly its nt the best looking in the small SUV market, but surely it is not THAT ugly?!
