BMW’s baby SUV takes shape

Here's proof that two small off-roaders are in the pipeline at BMW. Auto Express can also reveal that the plan to build a 1-Series-sized 4x4 called the X1 is well underway, too – as our picture of this test mule reveals. The X1’s existence was confirmed by BMW boss Norbert Reithofer last week, but Auto Express’s insiders added that drivers should expect the company to spring a few surprises when the machine makes its debut in 2011.

The newcomer is likely to mirror the look of the recently unveiled X6, and some insiders have hinted that the car could be a sporty three-door machine, rather than a conventional five-door SUV. There will be no questioning the quality of its engineering, however, as off-road expert Magna Steyr – which currently builds the X3 for BMW – is reported to be developing the 4x4 system.