BMW X1 spotted near the BMW plant in Leipzig

Just a month ago, we had the opportunity to show you exclusively the BMW X1 completely unveiled. Sure, it was only one photo and not an extremely close shot, but at least we have an idea of what to expect from the production model. The changes from the concept version revealed at the Paris Auto Show are insignificant and the only thing that stands out are the unique wheel design. Now, we’re pretty sure that there will be some minor cosmetic differences, but they won’t be obvious to everyone.

Mathis, one of our long time readers, have spotted the X1 near the Leipzig plant in Germany. Unfortunately the car was still wearing the now copied-by-others psychedelic camouflage and the design lines are well hidden again. The taillights are covered by the tape camo, a clear sign that we will some changes there compared to the concept version. The side creases popular on many recent BMW models, are also covered by the camouflage, but that’s an area that we have no doubt that BMW will simply leave it the way it is.

What really struck us about these photos is the actual size of the car and most important, the road presence. While originally, we believed the X1 will be far smaller than the current X3, to our surprise and from what Mathis has mentioned, the X1 has a slightly lower ride height, but it’s a bit wider. On the other hand, this is something many specialists and BMW fans expected, since the new generation X3 which will be unveiled next year, will grow in size therefore creating a spot for the X1 urban vehicle. Many of you might not know, but the BMW X1 is built on the next generation 1 Series platform and it will be part of the 1 Series family which will include several different bodystyles, from coupe to hatchback and Gran Turismo.

Mathis also mentioned seeing the same style suspension linkages that are visible on the 1 Series hatchback and this prototype is most likely powered by a four cylinder engine judging from the single exhaust.

With the risk of repeating ourselves, we will tell you that the BMW X1 will be available with four and six cylinder engines both diesel and petrol, but expect in the future to see the four cylinder turbo petrol in there too:

• 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline - 170-horsepower
• 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel - 177-horsepower
• 3.0-liter six-cylinder gasoline engine - 265-horsepower
• 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel - 245-horsepower

The BMW X1 will be available in four wheel drive, but also as a rear wheel drive. With the initial launch in the European market only, the four-wheel drive will be the only option offered. The production version will be unveiled within the next 3 weeks and it will be available in the European showrooms later this fall. Even though for now BMW has confirmed the X1 only for the non-U.S. market, sources close to BMW USA spoke of future plans which might include the X1 as well.

Pricing? Unknown at the moment, but we expect it to be set between the 1 Series and the entry level X3 SAV.