BMW X1 Readies For Debut

[JoshCalkins]

BMW X1 Concept

At the end of September of last year, BMW unveiled the concept model for their new X1 compact SUV. Earlier this week, some spy shots leaked onto the internet of the production prototype of the X1 from a video shoot for what one assumes is a promotional video that will be shown at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September, where the car will make its official debut prior to production.

X1 Spy Shot

Styling-wise, there seems to be little change between the concept and the production prototype. BMW will release performance details as the Frankfurt show draws closer. At this point, one begins to question why the X1 is being developed. Styling and proportions for the X1 look to be almost the same as the current X3, and if someone wanted to have a more car-like vehicle with some extra space, the 328i Sports Wagon starts at $35,000. While the X1 doesn't have a price associated with it, it's hard to imagine that it would cost less than that. The 128i coupe, which the X1 will share a platform with, starts at a price of $30,000, and the addition of all the cross-over mechanics will certainly bump the price up a few thousand. And, if that doesn't seem like a tight enough price window, the X3 starts at just under $40,000. Will the X1 sell with all of those similarly priced, already-established, vehicles in the BMW lineup?

Assuming that BMW realizes this, then they have probably planned something to set the X1 apart from other models in the lineup. Maybe a four-cylinder engine? What else is there that will separate it from the other cars and justify its production?

You can check out pictures of the X1 Concept and a high-res version of the spy shot in the Concepts Gallery.