The BMW X1 concept was first shown to the public at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

The BMW X1 is a small SUV designed to slot in under the X3. Although why BMW need another SUV model under the already small X3 is a difficult question to answer. Especially as both models look nearly identical. BMW's hit-or-miss design philosophy, which is called "flame surfacing" in proffesional circles, has struck again. This time it's a miss.

While the X1 concept will undergo some minor styling changes before production, the overall design will remain pretty intact. The rear 3/4 view is the BMW X1's best side. Here the design is characterised by crisp styling lines which create areas of sharply defined highlights and shadows. At the front the styling is overpowered by the ugly flaring nostrils and partially recessed headlights. In a way it looks like a poor replica of a generic BMW SUV.




Automotive designer, studied at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA (BS, 2004) and California College of Art (BA, 2003) in San Francisco, he started his designer's career with Volkswagen in the Europe (2002), Volkswagen and Audi in America (2003) and later with Nissan (2003-2004 - 1 year); since January 2005 with Designworks in California as a Senior Automotive Designer; Kim also teaches Art Center College of Design (from 2006)

Kim designed the BMW Hydrogen Powered Salt Flat Racer - a concept of the racing car built reusing ordinary materials like used oil barrels and old barbecue lids as the main building material of the car chassis and wheels

Kim designed the body of the new BMW X-1