Following the recent debut of the 2016 BMW X1, independent designer X-Tomi took it upon himself to render an M version of the car, even though BMW has no immediate plans for such a thing. Tomi’s BMW X1 M looks pretty interesting though. It should definitely be considered by BMW’s top brass.

The idea of an X1 M is not at all outlandish. Even before the 2016 BMW X1 actually launches into the market, there are talks about a hot, 300bhp version with M Sport kit, M wheels and suspension, and M’d up interior. BMW needs only to take one step further than this and they will have an X1 M, boasting something like 360 horsepower and a bespoke body kit rather than just some M Sport body components. It’s not difficult really.

The question is though, is there a market big enough for a hotted-up X1 to justify the cost of development and marketing. For that BMW can study the market performance of Mercedes-Benz’ GLA 45 AMG. If after a few more years they haven’t dropped the car yet then the Bavarians can safely go ahead and make the X1 M. The rendering of the car sure does look good enough to warrant at least some research.

Rendering by X-Tomi Design