2010 BMW X1 Exclusive Spy Video and Photos

The world might not need yet another wagon-style, pseudo-SUV compact crossover, but it's going to get one next year in the form of the 2010 BMW X1. Unveiled as a concept at the 2008 Paris Auto Show, the 2010 BMW X1 appears to have made it to prototype form almost unchanged. This particular test mule was caught testing recently on the Nürburgring during a break in the region's typically cold and wet weather.

If you're thinking that it looks just like the current X3, well...you would be right. Although slightly smaller, the X1 has roughly the same shape and design details. It sits a little lower, so it has a slightly less SUV-like profile — a difference that BMW hopes will make the X1 more appealing to younger customers. A larger X3 is also in development, so the X1 will slot in naturally as BMW's smallest and least expensive compact SUV.

Consistent with its small size, the X1 is also likely to feature a four-cylinder engine in the base model. Already in use in some of BMW's European models, the 170-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-4 should deliver solid fuel mileage if not particularly exciting performance.

BMW's larger 3.0-liter inline-6 will be available as well, along with a possible diesel engine option depending on the way sales of the 335d and X5 diesel pan out. Like the X3 and X5 SUVs, the X1 will use BMW's latest all-wheel-drive system to send varying degrees of power to all four wheels.

Deliveries are expected to start next fall in both Europe and the U.S. With the base price of the current X3 hovering just under $40,000, expect to see the 2010 BMW X1 start closer to $30K when equipped with the four-cylinder engine.

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