Officially Official: BMW Concept X1
by John Neff on Oct 1st 2008 at 11:59AM 
Click above for high-res gallery of the BMW Concept X1
After last night's impromptu unveiling of the BMW Concept X1 set off Dan's gag reflex, the Munich-based automaker has released the first batch of official info and images of its premium compact CUV. Most of us here at Autoblog echo Dan's sentiment that the Concept X1 is an ugly duckling, with very odd proportions for such a small CUV. The front end wears the new swollen nose first seen on the new 7 Series, while squared off wheel surrounds and lots of pinched surfacing reminds us of what we didn't like about the Bangle-era of BMW design. We also think BMW's X line of SUVs and CUVs is getting a little crowded with the X5 and X3 recently joined by the X6 and soon a production version of the X1. We have to see them side by side, but the Concept X1 and current X3 look too close for comfort in size and purpose. Check out the official press release from BMW after the jump where the brand tries to explain the design details of the Concept X1, as well as the new, high-res gallery below and a new video after the jump. We'll have live shots of the Concept X1 from the floor of the Paris Motor Show tomorrow, and we hope more details on the concept's mechanicals.
Gallery: BMW Concept X1
[Source: BMW]
PRESS RELEASE
THE FIRST SPORTS ACTIVITY VEHICLE IN THE PREMIUM COMPACT SEGMENT: THE BMW CONCEPT X1
• World debut of a concept BMW X model in the premium compact segment.
• BMW, the founder of the Sports Activity Vehicle segment, is consistently expanding the range of BMW X models.
• Authentic transition of the features and design language typical of a BMW X model into a new class of vehicles. A concept study offering a clear expression of modern style, agility, versatility and premium quality through its design alone.
• As an innovative vehicle concept in the premium compact segment, the BMW Concept X1 sets the standard for cool elegance, modern style, and variable function.
• 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. Numerous details on the Concept Car provide a clear hint as to the actual production of an appropriate series model within one year.
Exterior design:
• Typical features of a BMW X model combined with elegant, sleek proportions. This alone gives the BMW Concept X1 unique character within the range of BMW X models as a whole.
• The striking frontal view clearly expresses the robust and powerful character of the car by emphasising its sheer width. A floor protection element finished in a different colour gives additional emphasis to the wide track.
• The BMW Concept X1 comes with dual round headlights cut off at the top in the typical style of the BMW brand, complete with a white-coloured horizontal cover at the top edge. The position of the headlights and foglamps brings back the three-eye face of other BMW X models.
• Six contour lines and the three-dimensional shape define the surface design of the engine compartment lid emanating a strong feeling of dynamic performance. The inner lines taper out sharply to the front towards the BMW kidney grille, the outer lines continue into the shoulder contours at the side.
• Through its centre of gravity visibly positioned right in the middle, the small distance between the front axle and the steering wheel, and the almost square contours of the wheel cutouts, the side view of the BMW Concept X1 draws a clear parallel to other BMW X models. Black body surrounds made of a special, robust synthetic material highlight the clear orientation towards the wheels. The sturdy, silver-coloured roof railing extends far to the rear, determining the course of the roofline together with the spoiler at the back.
• Characteristic rear end with L-shaped rear light clusters ensuring a homogeneous light effect thanks to LED light tubes. Raked to a low angle, the rear window gives the BMW Concept X1 a truly sporting touch, the horizontal lines emphasising the sheer width of the vehicle.
• As a special design feature specific to this model, three-dimensional surrounds encompass the headlights and rear light clusters and help to create the special graphics of the side windows.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Beat-it-nerd 12:06PM (10/01/2008)
This is the worst.
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Goat Law 1:29PM (10/01/2008)
U-G-L-Y, you ain't got no alibi.
That thing is nasty, and the gold paint only makes it worse.
Crackberry Addict 12:06PM (10/01/2008)
Useless and Ugly.....
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Torrent 1:53PM (10/01/2008)
lol on posting it twice. It just explains that's it's double the ugly as any other car out there.
Crackberry Addict 12:07PM (10/01/2008)
Useless and Ugly....
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Korona 12:10PM (10/01/2008)
I have to disagree, I think it looks really good overall, especially that side view, I love the long hood.
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Patrick 2:19PM (10/01/2008)
What do you think of the corner where the side and perfectly vertical front meet? The transition looks terrible and the fog lights really muck it up.
Now that BMW has reduced their leasing, I'm guessing a lot of people won't be able to afford Bimmers anymore and sales will drop. Hopefully enough that Bangle will be booted.
-proud E46 M3 owner
BoneHeadOtto 12:11PM (10/01/2008)
nothing says up market like a gold car.
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RPM 12:16PM (10/01/2008)
Am I the only one who thinks it looks ok? A premium, small SUV is what the luxury market needs right now. I must say though, the color is horrendous.
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Red 12:39PM (10/01/2008)
Nah, I actually think it looks decent too.
On the comment about the X1 and X3 being too close for comfort, Edmunds reported that the X3 will apparently be going upmarket (how much further up can it go without stepping on the X5s toes?) and the X1 will essentially take it's place with a 170hp version (I would presume in at around $28,000) and a 265hp version.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/autoshows/paris/2008/bmwx1concept.html?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..1.*
montoym 7:59PM (10/01/2008)
Certainly 1000X better looking than the M-B GLK that I guess it competes with.
I don't think it looks too bad.
I also see some bits of Cayenne and XC90 mixed into it. I'm not a huge fan of the tail lights though. Could be much worse however.
jeff 12:19PM (10/01/2008)
They should skip an X1 and just do a sporty X2 coupe. I really like the design of the X6, except that it's just such a beast, the thing is insanely huge... If they had a similar vehicle done to a 3/4 scale and with a two-door option, that would bring more to the table than this 9/10ths scale X3.
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TJ 12:26PM (10/01/2008)
Jeff, you have that option.
http://www.supafly.com/images/journal/bmw_X6_amc_Eagle.jpg
J M C 3 12:17PM (10/01/2008)
The styling is so peculiar it's actually interesting.
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TheOne442 12:43PM (10/01/2008)
Look how closely this looks like the Audi. scroll back and forth on the maim Autoblog page.
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Level 12:25PM (10/01/2008)
It just looks like a refresh X3
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Sam Russell 12:25PM (10/01/2008)
I thought it was fugly on first glance, but maybe it's not so bad.. I do wish they released shots in black or red (not gold!) as this would probably detract from the initial gut reaction..
http://www.samalamadingdong.com
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Alex 12:25PM (10/01/2008)
Yup, now it is officially ugly.
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Torrent 1:56PM (10/01/2008)
this car has 100% suckage.
Jae 12:36PM (10/01/2008)
looks like an Infiniti EX, BMW-style =/
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