BMW's 1 Series-based, kids-meal size crossover isn't due to arrive until sometime in 2010, but a prototype in traditional BMW urban camouflage has been caught on camera by industrious spy shooters.
The X1 does not seem to be far removed from the European-market five-door hatch variant of the 1 Series it undoubtedly shares hardware with (the X1 also will reportedly shares some bits with the upcoming Mini Crossman). The spy shooters say the X1 is about the same size as a Toyota Rav4, although that would also make it similar in size to the present X3, leading to the probability that the next X3, due in 2011, is in for a growth spurt.
The X1 should share engines with the 1 Series, so expect versions with the naturally aspirated and twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six combined with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system.