With that being said, this is all just pure speculation using common design cues associated with the BMW M brand. If (and that’s a big if) BMW is planning on building the X1 M, it probably wouldn’t enter into production until late 2016 at the soonest, considering that M models usually show up about a year after the standard model and the X1 goes on sale this fall. For now, though, at least we have something to dream about.

BMW just introduced the 2016 BMW X1 this week, and while the next-gen crossover will surely bring a bump in sales, it hardly does anything to draw in enthusiasts that have always flocked to the German brand. Because we’re betting that it’s coming, we conjured up a rendering of a sportier version of BMW’s new baby crossover, the BMW X1 M. At this point, there aren’t any solid rumors suggesting that an X1 M could become a reality, but with vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG and Audi RS Q3 out there, such a model would definitely make sense in the BMW lineup.

Rendering

Exterior

This second-generation BMW X1 is already a good step forward in terms of sporty design, but an X1 M model would clearly have a lower ride height and more aggressive styling, including the front and rear fascias and the lower rocker panels. Our rendering takes this look a step further with a wider track as well as a wide-body kit to accommodate the broader fenders, and there could also be special aero tuning elements like door mirrors inspired by the M3. The final touch for the X1 M would be a wide set of split-spoke wheels that we’ve come to expect from other M models.

Interior

Note: Standard BMW X1 interior shown.

Likewise, the interior of the BMW X1 M would get the familiar set of M upgrades found on other BMWs, including a sportier steering wheel with M-mode button, more supportive seats and a set of M-specific instrument gauges. Beyond that, the X1 M will surely be decked out with all of the luxury goodies at BMW’s disposal, including plenty of Alcantara trim on the seats and headliner and high-quality metal trim throughout the rest of the cabin. Being the range-topping model, this model will also be highly equipped in terms of standard equipment.

Drivetrain

Note: BMW X1 2.0-liter engine shown.

This is where the big question mark looms. In U.S. spec, the 2016 X1 has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder putting out 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Key rivals from Mercedes and Audi put out 355 horsepower and 340 horsepower, respectively, so the BMW X1 M’s output would have to be in this neighborhood for the performance model to make sense. Don’t expect BMW to get too crazy, though, as the BMW X3 M could easily be somewhere around 400-425 horsepower. Other than the engine, the X1 M would get plenty of tuning to the steering, brakes, transmission and suspension to make this little crossover track-friendly.

Prices

Pricing for the 2016 BMW X1 lineup has not even been released yet, but the base price shouldn’t change too much. In its current form, the X1 starts at $31,200 for the two-wheel-drive model and $33,000 for the xDrive all-wheel-drive model. Looking at the competition, it wouldn’t be a stretch to see the X1 M priced at or above the $50,000 mark.

Competition

In the U.S., the Mercedes-Benz GLA45 4Matic AMG is really the only thing that would rival the X1 M. This sporty little hatchback/crossover packs a hand-built AMG turbocharged four-cylinder under the hood laying down 355 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The base GLA250 starts at $31,300, while the AMG-tuned GLA is priced at $48,300.

Read our full review of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG here.

The Audi RS Q3 is the other big competitor 367 hp, 343 lb-ft, $65,000

Sadly, it’s not likely that we’ll ever get to see the Audi RS Q3 here in the U.S., but it is still an amazing little crossover. Powered by a turbocharged five-cylinder engine, the RS Q3 produces 340 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. Starting at €56,600 (about $63,000 at the time of publication), price is another reason Audi will refrain from bringing the RS Q3 across the Atlantic.

Read our full review of the 2015 Audi RS Q3 here.

Conclusion

BMW has yet to announce if it has any intentions of creating the X1 M, but seeing as how Audi and Mercedes are both offering high-performance B-segment crossovers, it’s hard to imagine BMW passing on the chance to go head-to-head with its key rivals. As much effort as BMW has been putting into the creation of its new vehicle segments lately (Gran Coupe, Active Tourer, etc.), a sport-tuned version of the all-new 2016 BMW X1 would be a perfect fit.