New BMW X1: Soon also electric

Above all, the overhanging taillights catch the eye on the X1 – visually bridging to the "Monster" Concept XM, where the light units are likely to overhang even more. At the front, one can see sharper and higher-drawn light units, which give the car more dynamism and help to mask the increased size.

Because in other respects as well, the X1 is approaching the proportions of X3 and X5 and is likely to appear correspondingly bulkier than its predecessor. This means that it is also likely to offer a bit more space inside but will also get bigger again. The question is, why? Because even the current model offers enough space for four people with luggage – if the new one gets bigger again, it will also get heavier and less maneuverable – a fate it shares with X3 and X5. Incidentally, the next Mini Countryman will also follow this renewed growth, putting it somewhere in the worldwide middle-class SUV range, which at 4.5 to a good 4.6 meters is no longer really "compact."

Brand new interior with large screen

The interior is likely to be oriented towards the 2 Series Active Tourer or iX, meaning: Large screen, fewer buttons, more intuition and speech control. The compact 1 Series or 2 Series Active Tourer will again provide the technical foundation. The X1 will start with petrol and diesel engines (3- and 4-cylinder), always with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. The top model could be the 306-hp two-liter turbo four-cylinder, and we also expect at least one plug-in and for the first time an all-electric version, which could also replace the i3 as the entry-level electric vehicle at BMW.

More size and technology also means more money: which is why we assume that the new model will start at 35,000 euros (net: about 29,410 euros), currently starting at 33,850 euros (just under 28,450 euros net).

What does that mean?

Why do all successor models always have to be larger than their predecessors? The X1 will soon look as sturdy as a more compact X5, but will again require more space than its predecessor. This additionally brings challenges in terms of frontal area and production – where more must become less. It would have been really bold to trim the new X1 by a few centimeters and position it significantly more dynamically and crisply. However, it will remain a me-too mid-size SUV. With crisp handling and great BMW controls, but still "me too"...