Among the main design element of the X1 Concept are the design of the hood, characterized by six contour lines, the three-dimensional surrounds of the headlights and the L-shaped rear light clusters.

The robust nature of the car is highlighted by styling cues such as the black body surrounds - made of synthetic material, the almost square contours of the wheel cutouts and the underfloor protection finished in silver paintwork which accentuates the car's width.

Exterior Design

Measuring 4,457 millimetres in length, the BMW Concept X1 is 108 millimetres shorter than the BMW X3.

Thanks to the 2,760 mm wheelbase, the general proportions, the four doors and a large tailgate, the X1 Concept offers its passengers a high amount of space.

The Meridian Gold Metallic paintwork colour accentuates the youthful and dynamic look of the Concept Car, and creates an effective play of light.

The 19-inch light-alloy rims feature a new ten-spoke design - another typical styling element of of BMW’s X models.

Front-end

"The front end, the side and rear merge smoothly into one another, their various surfaces forming one whole and striking lines creating a smooth and flowing link between the individual elements of the body."

Design features typical of the X mdoel line-up include the kidney grille, dual round headlights cut off at the top, the large, almost square wheel cutouts, the black band stretching around the lower section of the vehicle, the distinctive contour line along the side and the horizontal lines at the rear.

The upright BMW kidney grille has extra-wide bars positioned far apart from one another, thus symbolising the robust nature of the vehicle.

Through their sharply cut “eyelids”, the dual round headlights have white-coloured horizontal covers at the top.

Yet another new design feature is the three-dimensional surrounds on the headlights.

The foglamps are positioned far to the outside, just above the air intake scoop.

The robust character of the BMW Concept X1 is emphasised by the car’s underfloor protection, which spots a silver paintwork.

The front frame around this protection element forms the lower surround on the air intake.

Together with another silver crossbar extending across the entire width of the air intake, this forms two contrasting horizontal lines giving the vehicle an even more powerful and wider look.

The surface design of the powerfully contoured engine lid is characterised by six striking contour lines moving towards one another in a V-shape at the front of the vehicle.

The two inner lines lead to the BMW kidney grille where they almost meet , while the two outer contour lines extend in the opposite direction from the front end of the engine compartment lid all the way to the side section of the vehicle where they continue into the shoulder lines extending all the way to the back.

This particular flow of lines emphasises the sculptural design connecting all body elements with one another.

Side view

The silhouette is sleek and stretchedout, giving the entire vehicle a sporting and agile look. At the same time the raked tailgate adds a coupé-like appearance.

Here the typical design elements of the X series include the short front body overhang, the waistline slightly lower around the A-pillars, the large wheel arches with their almost square contours and the black plastic protection panels on the lower level of the body.

Another characteristic highlight is the visibly low centre of gravity.

earing clear reference on the BMW X models to the harmonious interaction in conveying the power of the engine to the road.

The connection between the front and rear wheels is highlighted by a crease line on the lower edge of the plastic frame running along the entire length of the sidesills fi nished in silver.

The dynamic, surface modelling of this element provides an interplay of light and shade, accentuating the robust character of the vehicle.

The surrounds on the side windows have a three-dimensional look which matches with the design of the headlights and rear lights.

The dynamic contours of the window graphics include the contour-swing at the bottom of the D-pillars well known as the “Hofmeister kick”.

The side view also offers an interplay of concave and convex surfaces between the characteristic lines.

The shoulder line extends out of the engine compartment lid and flows along the side of the car emphasising its dynamic character.

"This character line starts around the direction indicator at the side, initially moving down slightly and then striving upwards first quite moderately and then with increasing dynamism before tapering out in the rear door."

It ends exactly at the window surround on the window graphics with its “Hofmeister kick”, thus creating the impression of one complete contour extending over the entire side view of the vehicle.

Both the robust character and the functionality are highlighted by sturdy roof railing extending far back to the rear and ending in the air flow spoiler.

Finished in Liquid Silver, the roof railing is indeed yet another feature emphasising the refi ned look and premium character of the entire vehicle.

The newly designed, 19-inches twin-colour wheels feature narrow spokes twisted slightly to the outside, while the rim bars are cut off at the front and are finished in polished aluminium.

The side flanks and the rim hump are fi ished in Dark Grey to provide a sporting contrast.

Rear end

Like the front view, the rear view is characterised by the underfloor protection finished in silver.

The rear frame of the broad protection element creates a contrasting colour highlight also at this point, again emphasising the width of the vehicle.

The rear light clusters - moved far to the outside into the rear side panels - have the BMW’s characteristic L-contours which are clearly showcased also at night.

This unique night design is further highlighted by the fluorescent, red-glowing rows of lights fed by LED light units.

These rows of lights continues all round into the side of the vehicle where the lights move up slightly, thus emphasising the L-shaped contours of the light clusters.

Design Process - Image Gallery

(Source: Bmw)