German Car Zone

the mini sav should be a vehicle made in austria (graz) - the reasons for this are around - check the info about the NextGeneration X3, i don't want to lean me too much out of the window
but as you know, x3 production is going to be moved, so there would be an empty BMW Manufactoring site on the facility ground...

magna is always searching for new sites, but graz is pretty important to them

Picture: Stefan Baldauf
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.

Source :BMW SUV | Spy Shots | News | Auto Express

We've seen this test vehicle before...but in this side view you can see the extremely short wheelbase....looks like a small 2-door fun-car is in the making..

This "mule" is running the platform for the 1er but it is not four wheel drive.
Two exhausts give the biggest clue . It is a development prototype for just that development, just as this previous car was also the base for the 1er Coupe as was several 1er hatchbacks.

Two exhausts like in a baby "M" or two exhausts like in something else?

Rendering from CAR Magazine:



and:

I actually like this.

M

That's not too bad! The kidneys will propably be more "X-series style" though.

Especially the headlights! That's what they should have done with 1er's FL. They aren't that big in this rendering and they look 10 times better than the real deal.

Yeh, the 1er's headlights do have that slight "happy puppy"-look to them.

Hey, this looks really nice
love the shape of the doors. front bumper not too bad as well

thanks for the heads up Merc !

Nick