The next couple of years will be very busy for BMW as it launches a handful of new models including new versions of current top sellers and some models we’ve never seen before. The new X1 falls into the latter category and will take the carmaker into the compact SUV market currently dominated by the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
The latest round of photos, which have surfaced on several Internet forums, reveal the vehicle’s details inside and out. BMW family traits can also be found in the front and rear lights, which resemble the recently revealed 5-series GT and the 7-series sedan, respectively.
The shots also confirm that BMW designers have stuck closely to the lines of the Concept X1 showcased at last year’s Paris Motor Show.
The new X1′s running gear is based on the 1-series compact car but its ride height is taller. The car is actually expected to use a mixture of 1-series and 3-series parts, sort of bridging the size gap between the two – not that the gap was large to begin with. BMW’s X-drive AWD system will also feature.
The range will kick off with two base models: the xDrive18i and the xDrive18d, and these will be followed by an xDrive20d with 130 kW that is good for a 0 – 100 km/h sprint time of 8.4 seconds and fuel economy of 5.8 l/100km. Also available will be an xDrive23d model with 150 kW and a zero to 100 km/h time of 7.3 seconds. Topping out the range will be an xDrive28i model.
Production volume is expected to top the 100 000 mark and will start at a BMW plant in Leipzig by the middle of the year. The X1 will be priced higher than the 1-series, likely starting close to the US$30 000 mark. Expect to see the X1 unveiled for the first time at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show with sales to follow shortly after.
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