Camouflaged prototypes of the upcoming BMW X1 have made plenty of appearances since the SUV made its spy debut back in 2020. As we reach closer to the official debut in 2022, the X1 is shedding more of its camouflage, with the latest shots revealing triangular-shaped bumper intakes similar to the X2. The pictured prototype was caught during testing at the Nürburgring together with the BMW i7. While it looks rather sporty, it is not the M135i xDrive variant which is distinguished by the quad exhaust pipes. Instead, it appears to be a regular ICE-powered X1, since prototypes of the plug-in hybrid X1 and the fully electric iX1 come with special stickers signifying the presence of a battery.
The side bumper intakes on the new X1 look
very similar to the X2 although the grille has grown larger and the central
intake is slimmer and wider. We don’t know if and when BMW will launch the
next-generation X2, but the X1 already has a sporty silhouette as seen in our
latest spy shots.
Another new detail that appeared in the
latest prototype is the vertically arranged reflectors on the rear bumper,
similar to the larger X5 M and X6 M. Last but not least, the X1 gets a rather
large rear spoiler and a discreet diffuser without visible exhaust pipes in
this specific trim.
The new generation of the BMW X1 will sit
on the updated UKL/FAAR architecture that will also underpin the MINI
Countryman sibling. BMW has confirmed it will offer the X1 with a choice of
gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric powertrains, following the
same recipe with the larger X3 / iX3. The M135i xDrive variant will sit at the
top of the range in terms of performance, while the fully electric iX1 has been
confirmed to offer a WLTP range between 412-438 km. The
official debut of the BMW X1 range is expected soon, with production starting
at the Regensburg plant in Germany before the end of the year.
