BMW Concept X1: City Savvy SUV

Motoring Channel Staff - 2/October/2008

Paris, France — It couldn't be labelled ground breaking, but BMW's new concept car does warrant a closer look.

Called the Concept X1, it is a precursor to the BMW X1 production vehicle that will join the X5 and X3 sports utility or 4WD vehicles in the next couple of years.

BMW chose to launch the new concept at the prestigious 2008 Paris Motor Show, and the German company argues that the new model is a younger and more urban concept than its X3 and X5 siblings.

The new X1 model, based on this concept, is based on a modified 3 Series floorpan, and as such could benefit from a number of high performance engines.

Gearboxes are likely to range from 6-speed manuals to 8-speed automatics, and BMW is predicting big things for this (relatively) small model.

The German company believes that it can sell up to 100,000 units of the X1 per year, which may not be such a stretch after all.

Customers on a world-wide scale are moving away from larger SUVs, but compact SUVs are still quite popular and BMW is hoping to capitalise on this trend.

When the production version launches, expected later next year, it will rival vehicles such as the Volkswagen Tiguan and will extend BMW's 'X' series to three models.

"The BMW Concept X1 sets the standard for cool elegance, modern style, and variable function in the premium compact segment," says Guenther Seemann, Managing Director of BMW Group Australia.

Talking up the vehicle's practicality and compact size, Seemann adds: "The BMW Concept X1 offers ample room for spontaneous mobility in many different ways, clearly reflecting the lifestyle of a modern and active target group.

"Many of the details on the concept car are a clear indication that an actual series production model is not too far away," says Seemann.

According to BMW, the new concept car combines typical features of a BMW X model with elegant and sleek proportions, giving the concept a unique character within the range of BMW X models.

The front end is typical BMW fare, with a few tweaks to give it a slightly fresher look than its X3 and X5 family members. 

BMW says the powerful front end design is also emphasised by its sheer width and a floor protection element, finished in silver, also emphasises the wide track.

At the rear the BMW Concept X1 features LED brake lights, and the show car sits on large 19-inch alloy wheels.

Exhibiting a number of the BMW 1 Series design cues, the new model isn't one of BMW's best. In fact it's a pretty dull product, especially considering it's been given the 'concept' moniker.

Fingers crossed the production version doesn't look so bland.

Though it's expected to be classed a compact SUV, the BMW Concept X1 is not very small.

Measuring 4,457mm long (just 10cm shorter than the X3) the Concept X1 will have a fairly large cargo space in the rear and enough room for five passengers.

BMW's new model is expected to deliver a number of innovative features, including advanced driving aids and multimedia options. 

These technological advances will go a long way to attracting more people to the new vehicle as the design is arguably one of the most uninspired we've seen from BMW in a long time. 

When BMW can unleash such amazing concepts as the CS, this jacked-up BMW 1 Series comes across as 

Stay tuned for more info on the BMW Concept X1 over the next week.

Related Links:
- BMW Concept CS (Concept)
- BMW 3 Series (2009)
- BMW 7 Series (2008)
- BMW GINA Light Visionary Model (2008)
- BMW M3 Coupe (2008)
- BMW 335i Coupe (Road Test)
- BMW X6 (2008)
- BMW X1 (2010)
- BMW 130i M Sport (Road Test)
- BMW 120i (Road Test)
- BMW 6 Series Update (2007)
- BMW 120i (Road Test)
- BMW 3 Series Convertible (2007)