BMW Concept X1 in video and pictures

“The BMW Concept X1 sets the standard for cool elegance, modern style, and variable function in the premium compact segment,” says Guenther Seemann, Managing Director of BMW Group Australia. Another day, another SUV with tenuous marketing justification. To be fair, this X1 looks a damn sight better than the hideous X6. Expect BMW to sell plenty of X1s and expect plenty to never see any dirt.

Pics and BMW Australia’s press release after the jump. Official Concept X1 microsite HERE.

BMW Concept X1 Set For Paris Debut

This year’s Paris motor show will celebrate the world debut of a concept BMW X model, for the first time in the premium compact segment.

The BMW Concept X1 marks the expansion of the range of BMW X models, from the founder of the Sports Activity Vehicle segment.

The design study, a precursor to a series production version, takes typical BMW X model design cues and translates them in into a younger and more urban concept.

The concept study expresses modern style, agility, versatility and premium quality.

“The BMW Concept X1 sets the standard for cool elegance, modern style, and variable function in the premium compact segment,” says Guenther Seemann, Managing Director of BMW Group Australia.

“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.

“Many of the details on the concept car are a clear indication that an actual series production model is not too far away,” he says.

From the exterior, the concept car combines typical features of a BMW X model with elegant and sleek proportions, giving the concept a unique character within the range of BMW X models.

At the front, six contour lines and the three-dimensional shape of the bonnet project a sense of dynamic performance. The inner lines taper out sharply to the front towards the BMW kidney grille, whilst the outer lines continue into the shoulder contours at the side.

The powerful front end design is also emphasised by its sheer width and a floor protection element, finished in silver, also emphasises the wide track.

The BMW Concept X1 comes with dual round headlights cut off at the top in typical BMW style, complete with a white-coloured horizontal cover at the top edge. Typical of BMW X models, the fog lamps are positioned far to the outside, just above the air intake scoop.

The side view of the BMW Concept X1 also comes with all the typical features of a BMW X model, with short front body overhang, large wheel arches with almost square contours and waistline slightly lower around the A-pillars.

Black body surrounds made of a special, robust synthetic material emphasise the wheels, whilst the sturdy, liquid silver-coloured roof railing extends far to the rear, determining the course of the roofline together with the spoiler at the back.

The concept boasts trademark BMW L-shaped rear light clusters, featuring red-glowing LED light tubes. Like the front, the rear features underfloor protection finished in silver. 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.

Measuring 4,457 millimetres in length, the BMW Concept X1 is 108 millimetres shorter than the BMW X3. The wheelbase of the BMW Concept X1 measures 2,760 mm.

The BMW Concept X1 sits on newly designed twin-colour ten-spoke 19-inch light alloy rims.

Finally, the BMW Concept X1 is finished in new Meridian Gold metallic paintwork accentuating the youthful and dynamic look of the concept car.