BMW’s product barrage for 2022 continues, and the global debut of the third-generation X1 is only days away (U11). Meanwhile, the company’s entry-level crossover has been seen undergoing final testing with somewhat less concealment than previously. Images show a near-production prototype with a combustion engine, with the exhaust visible behind the bumper.
The German luxury brand will also release a completely electric iX1, with the two versions appearing almost similar to follow in the footsteps of the 7 Series G70 and i7. The fresh spy images seem to indicate an increase in size, since it appears to be almost as long as the original X3. BMW attempts (but fails) to conceal the flat door handles by using white stickers that resemble the style of its previous handles.
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The kidneys are undeniably huge, but BMW has shown that the grille can be much larger. Despite the mascara, the headlights seem smaller while maintaining the traditional sweptback shape. It’s the similar situation in the rear, where the X1’s sharper taillights have been reduced in size for the new model.
Because the top-spec M35i will have a quad exhaust arrangement similar to the M135i facelift, this must be a lower-spec version of the tiny crossover. Yes, even four-cylinder BMWs are receiving a more aggressive exhaust arrangement to compete with Audi and AMG’s entry-level performance vehicles. Overall, the Q3 and GLA competitor seems to have matured, and we like what we’ve seen so far.
Although the inside of the prototype has not been seen, we do not anticipate any surprises since the X1 should have the same dashboard design as the new 2 Series Active Tourer. As a crossover rather than a minivan, BMW may toughen it up here and there, but not much. The iDrive 8 is a foregone conclusion, so expect a 10.25-inch driver’s display and a 10.7-inch touchscreen to mimic the family hauler.
There should be many mild-hybrid engines available, as well as another plug-in hybrid, the zero-emissions iX1, and the performance-oriented M35i. Most likely, not all powertrains will be available at launch, with the M Performance variant coming later. The business has previously said that the EV would be released soon after the combustion-engined vehicle.
BMW has begun the countdown to the global premiere on social media, so expect the X1 to make its debut in the coming days.
[Images courtesy of instagram.com/wilcoblok]
