Here’s the BMW X1 seen for the first time without the cladding that BMW has been using to disguise the car. The X1 will go on sale in 2010 and slot into the range below the X3.
Significantly less awkward looking than the current X3, the X1 is a continuation of the softening of BMW’s controversial design themes. It appears more evenly proportioned than an X3. Expect a large side window in the C-pillar, and a full length glass sunroof is likely to be an option.
Our exclusive pictures of the car’s interior show that the X1 shares most of its componentry with the 1-Series – even the steering wheel is the same – which confirms the fact that it is based on the same mechanical platform as the hatchback.
>>See more pics of the forthcoming BMW X1
The 1-Series platform has been modified to take a compact four-wheel drive system, and the same chassis will underpin the forthcoming Mini SUV as BMW attempts to improve its economies of scale.
We’ll have to wait for pricing details, but expect BMW to position the X1 against the lower reaches of the Freelander range.
