2010 Geneva Preview: AC Schnitzer does the BMW X1

The 2010 Geneva Motor Show is one auto show that even popular German tuners like to attend to show off their latest creations. AC Schnitzer will be on hand showing an extensive modification range for the new BMW X1 and rather than just offering some visual upgrades, Schnitzer is also offering a nice chunk of power upgrades.

The BMW X1 xDrive23d has been upgraded from 204-hp to 240-hp. The 2.0 d and 1.8 d engines also feature Common Rail injection and a turbocharger, and with the AC Schnitzer tuning package they can make 210 and 171-hp respectively. AC Schnitzer says that performance upgrades are available for both the sDrive and xDrive versions, however, the company didn’t provide any numbers.

As for visual upgrades, AC Schnitzer offers a bunch of modifications to make the X1 look aggressive, but we could’ve done without the hood nostrils.

Click through for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

AC Schnitzer BMW X1:

Press Release:

New Standards in Driving Pleasure
Quality and Emotion: The BMW X1 by AC Schnitzer

The X1 is the latest welcome addition to the compact vehicles segment, and brings the characteristic BMW “Driving Pleasure” to this class. With an extensive range for the BMW X1, the AC Schnitzer version now celebrates its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 2010.

The BMW X1 is available with choice of a 6-cylinder petrol engine and three 4-cylinder diesel power plants. Here again, AC Schnitzer is setting totally new standards for driving pleasure in the premium compact segment. The BMW X1 xDrive23d has been upgraded from a 150 kW/204 HP diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo and Common Rail injection to 240 HP. The 2.0 d and 1.8 d units in the BMW X1 also feature Common Rail injection and a turbocharger, and with the AC Schnitzer tuning package achieve 210 and 171 HP respectively. Naturally, the power upgrades are available for both the sDrive and xDrive versions. The AC Schnitzer engine styling including capacity logo is available for vehicles with and without performance upgrade.

Acoustically, the sporting driving experience is enhanced by the AC Schnitzer sports rear silencer for the petrol X1 xDrive 28i (in development). Visual elegance is provided by the chromed “Racing” tailpipe trim which is also available for all other models.

The superb driving behaviour of the BMW X1 with its focus on agility, precision and handling is the direct result of the sophisticated suspension technology used on the extremely solid body structure. AC Schnitzer has built on this and with its suspension spring kit and an aluminium strut brace, ensures the perfect balance between sporting performance and driving comfort.

The AC Schnitzer aerodynamics package is far more than mere decoration, although it harmonises effectively in the overall concept. The front spoiler and rear skirt extension, in combination with the rear roof spoiler, improve downforce and ensure additional ground adhesion. Engine bay venting is optimised by the AC Schnitzer Bonnet Vents. These are enhanced further with chromed centre webs available as an option. In aesthetic terms, the AC Schnitzer aerodynamic conversion emphasises the expressive styling and reveals to the observer on first glance the universal sporting ambitions of the X1 by AC Schnitzer.

Impressive design elements also lend a sporting and youthful note to the interior of the BMW X1 by AC Schnitzer. These elements include silver “Exclusiv” carbon interior trim, illuminated leather gear knob, aluminium gear knobs with or without digital gear display, “Black Line” aluminium cover for the i-Drive system controller, aluminium handbrake handle and pedal set, foot rests and velours foot mats.

The finishing touch comes from a set of attractive wheels, so the X1 retains its stylish appearance not only on twisty or changing terrain, but also outside a fashionable cafe. An ideal choice is the brand-new Type VIII wheel in 19″. The new wheel with its 5 double spokes in BiColor Finish is an evolution of the well-known Type VI wheel, and complements perfectly the styling language of the BMW X1. AC Schnitzer Type IV wheels in silver or in BiColor in 18, 19 or 20 inch, together with the Type VI rim in 18″, complete the range available for the BMW X1.

– By: Kap Shah