This latest spy photo captures BMW’s headlong rush into smaller SUVs.

Yes, the new BMW X1 is nearing production reality – and our scoop proves the production X1 follows closely the tippy-toed 4x4 style of the Paris 2008 concept car.

Dubbed E84, the new BMW X1 borrows the oily bits from today’s E90 3 Series which helps keep costs down from the pricier X3 and X5.

No surprise there, but even the 4x4 sceptics in the office are impressed by the anticipated £23,000 starting price for an X1 18d come autumn.

That makes it cheaper than the equivalent 3 Series Touring.

To prove the X1 soft-roader has the SUV gumption to match the bravado, BMW is equipping it with xDrive four-wheel drive.

It’s a similar system to that in the X6, with a rear-biased 60:40 torque split and a barrage
of electronic traction nannies to keep the handling shipshape on road or grassy field.

There will be a 261bhp 3.0-litre petrol straight six at the top of the family tree, but the big sellers are likely to be the smaller diesels familiar from the donor 318d and 320d saloons and estates.

All will come with Efficient Dynamics, bringing BMW’s stop-start and intelligent alternator control to stymie those fuel and tax bills.

Even the profligate 3.0-litre range-topper should top 28mpg while hitting 62mph in less than 7.0sec.

We hear it will pack a 410-litre boot, extending to 1,500 with the seats down, which makes it a tempting proposition for those who find the 3 Series Touring just a little too obvious.

  • Spy shot material is supplied by Car Magazine. Visit its website at www.carmagazine.co.uk