BMW Concept X1 makes world debut

The new BMW Concept X1 – which will sit below the BMW X3 in the carmaker's off-road range if built – is the company’s first ‘baby’ 4x4 and follows the groundbreaking BMW X6 coupe-SUV launched earlier this year.

And if the BMW Concept X1 goes into production it will rival the Mini 4x4, Ford Kuga and Volkswagen Tiguan.

View images of the new BMW Concept X1

BMW has not released engine details yet, but expect to find the full complement of the company’s award-winning units, including the popular 177bhp 2-litre diesel and the 170bhp 2-litre petrol engine.

And BMW might even fit the 2008 International Engine of the Year into the BMW Concept X1 – the 306bhp twin-turbocharged 3-litre petrol engine seen in the BMW X6 and the BMW 135i coupe.

BMW says the Concept X1 “expresses that very special sheer driving pleasure so typical in this unique form of a BMW X model combined with a high standard of all-round functionality.”

The five-door Concept X1 measures 4,457mm in length – around 200m longer than a BMW 1 Series – and sits 1,535mm high off the ground.

And the Concept X1 has a “visibly low centre of gravity” which BMW claims is a “clear reference” to the car’s dynamic capabilities – meaning it should handle superbly, like the stunning new BMW X6.

No prices have been announced yet, but expect to pay between £20,000 and £25,000 if the car hits production.

View images of the new BMW Concept X1

It’s press day at the 2008 Paris Motor Show with a host of stunning new cars making their debuts including the Lamborghini Estoque, VW Golf GTi and Ferrari California.

Want to see the world's most futuristic BMW in action? This is the GINA concept: