BMW’s baby SUV takes shape

Here's proof that two small off-roaders are in the pipeline at BMW. Auto Express can also reveal that the plan to build a 1-Series-sized 4x4 called the X1 is well underway, too – as our picture of this test mule reveals. The X1’s existence was confirmed by BMW boss Norbert Reithofer last week, but Auto Express’s insiders added that drivers should expect the company to spring a few surprises when the machine makes its debut in 2011.

The newcomer is likely to mirror the look of the recently unveiled X6, and some insiders have hinted that the car could be a sporty three-door machine, rather than a conventional five-door SUV. There will be no questioning the quality of its engineering, however, as off-road expert Magna Steyr – which currently builds the X3 for BMW – is reported to be developing the 4x4 system.



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DaHarder - 10/15/2007 3:27:23 PM

+1 Boost

Wow!

Even at this early stage, it looks less goofy than the X3...

JUGNU - 10/15/2007 3:59:13 PM

-2 Boost

Even if that thing (as it is) becomes a production model.Ignorant German fans will pick it over Lexus.

JUGNU

bmwdrvr - 10/15/2007 4:25:01 PM

+1 Boost

wtf are you talking about....

S4cabriofoxone - 10/15/2007 5:28:23 PM

+1 Boost

Is this a joke?

S4cabriofoxone - 10/15/2007 11:28:51 PM

+1 Boost

I've never seen test mules this strange before.

EL34 - 10/15/2007 6:19:51 PM

-1 Boost

I'm ashamed of BMW!

It looks like they're copying Lexus :(

gothemi8 - 10/15/2007 10:58:02 PM

+1 Boost

this test mule is just to test suspension geometry and such its about a year old. I remember hearing about i

Kinger - 10/16/2007 8:44:05 AM

0 Boost

Isn't this a test mule for the Z4 replacement? I remember seeing pictures of this mule in a magazine quite a while ago and it was stated that the chassis for the next Z4 was underneath that.. er.. thing!