BMW Reveals X1 Concept Crossover Early

We've been hearing about BMW's upcoming subcompact 1-Series-based SAV for months now, and finally we get a glimpse

of what design chief Hooydonk and company have in mind. And if this is close to production, aspiring X3 fans have something to cheer about.

One thing's for sure, however, unlike some BMW designs that get near universal approval, like the new 1-Series Coupe and Convertible, the X1 Concept is destined to divide loyalties. Some will consider it cute and cuddly, with most comments on overnight blog posts positive, while others have already expressed their outright distaste.

BMW, mind you, won't care about any negatives. If there was an auto company design team with collectively thick skin it would be the Bavarian manufacturer, and they've

had the last laugh with their most controversial designs, such as the previous 7-Series and current 5-Series selling much better than their previous generations.

So no matter how many pundits knock the X1 Concept's proboscis for looking awkward from the side view, or find its front wheel arch design cumbersome, and they already have, buyer's will be lining up to lay cash down on its sculpted hood in order to get to the front of the queue. And that's because the X1 will feature BMW's sine qua non twin-kidney grille up front, which is a license to print money based on the brand's adherence to the key principles of superior road manners and high overall quality.

Expect

the same North American engine lineup as available in the 1-Series, namely BMW's efficient 230-horsepower, 24-valve, DOHC 3.0-liter inline-six with 200 lb-ft of torque, at the lower level, and the wonderful 300-horsepower, 24-valve, DOHC, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 with 300 lb-ft of torque, mated to six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions, the latter with a Steptronic gear lever and paddle-shifters. A clean diesel would make sense for North America if prices could be kept reasonable, but Rudolf's internal combustion alternative may not make the grade due to pricing concerns. Instead, the X1 may get a rumored four-cylinder model, also expected to become available in the 1-Series lineup.

The X1 will officially debut at the Paris auto show in a few days, and likely appear in dealerships in a year's time, mostly unchanged.