The German car maker released today the details and photos of the BMW Concept X1 ahead of its premiere at the Paris Auto Show. The BMW Concept X1 is a 4,45 m long, 2 meter wide and 1,53 meter high and has a wheelbase of 2,76 meters.
The front of the BMW Concept X1 give a powerful image by emphasising its sheer width with the floor protection element that gives additional emphasis to the wide track. The headlights of the BMW Concept X1 are cut off at the top in the typical style of the BMW brand, complete with a white-colored horizontal cover at the top edge.
A special design feature of the BMW Concept X1 are the 3D surrounds encompass the headlights and rear light clusters and help to create the special graphics of the side windows.
BMW Press Release:
Character:
• World debut of a concept BMW X model in the premium compact segment.
• B MW, 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.
• T he 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.
• T he 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 color 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-colored 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 center 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-colored 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.
• A s 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.
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 also beyond the beaten track 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 offroaders,
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 Coupe to successfully enter the market.
This unique model combining the dynamic lines of a Coupe 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 de -
sign 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 lines 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-colored 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 foglamps 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 stretchedout,
giving the entire vehicle a very sporting and agile look. And at the same
time the raked tailgate adds a coupe-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 center 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 flowing along the side of the car emphasising
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-color 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 color of polished aluminum.
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 color 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 color 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.