July 01 2009   Source: Bryan Joslin via BMW

Official X1 Photos Leaked

We've been anticipating this all week. Official photos of the 2010 BMW X1 have slipped out onto the web prior to their embargoed release, presumably planned for this weekend. The photo set shows a lower-level model in white with cloth seats and an upper-end model in metallic brown with leather seating. The production version remains exceptionally faithful to the X1 Concept, which was shown last fall at the Paris Auto Show.

While we're still awaiting the official press release, we've been able to glean several details from reliable sources. Most important to American readers is that while the X1 is expected to go on sale in Europe this fall, it won't arrive in American dealerships until late next year as a 2011 model. We anticipate a late-summer launch.

Diesel engines will make up the core of the X1 lineup in Europe, with the top model getting the 200-horsepower, 295-lb-ft 2.0-liter sequential-twin-turbo engine and being wearing the X1 xDrive23d moniker. Don't expect to see diesels Stateside, at least not right away. We'll likely get just one engine at launch, the normally aspirated 3.0-liter gasoline six-cylinder that is found in the current X3 and X5 as well as 128i, 328i, and 528i models. Output will be 255 horsepower with 228 lb-ft of torque. BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive will be standard.

The X1 will seat five passengers and feature a significant cargo capacity. Versatility will be enhanced by a folding rear seat which splits 40:20:40. The pictures show a sporty cloth interior as standard, but we believe the base trim for the US will be leatherette, with leather available as an option.

In many ways, the X1 will take the place of the current X3, which will be replaced next year with an entirely new and larger version. Like the X3, the X1 shares its basic structural components with a car, in this case the next-generation 1 Series. In holding with BMW Sport Activity Vehicle tradition, the X1 will be designed as an on-roader with an emphasis on sporty dynamics with all-road capabilities.