The Paris Motor Show is ongoing and what a chance to finally see the previews in metal, steel, and carbon fiber. BMW unveiled the X1 - the supposed entry-level SUV marketed as a crossover. While the one on show right now is slated as a concept, insider buzz says that what’s shown is more of a near-production version since the X1 is due to be out by next year. It is set to compete with the Ford Kuga and the Volkswagen Tiguan by 2010.

Compared to those crossovers, though, the X1 looks bigger (actual dimensions are 4.457 m length, 1.789 m width and 1.535 m height) and tougher. It rides quite high too, sitting on 18-inch wheels. It resembles a more outdoorsy look than a sporty people-mover look that many new crossover designs tend to have. It does really look like the younger brother of the X5 and X3.

Engine choices would include a 170 bhp 2.0L gasoline one for the xDrive20i model, a 177 bhp 2.0L common-rail diesel in the xDrive20d. Tamer xDrive18i and xDrive18d might also be in the works (18=1.8L). In time, BMW is lining up a power-punching 3.0L gas and diesel engines dishing out 272 bhp and 245 bhp, respectively.

Source: Autocar