Last week BMW released this video clip to raise awareness of its new Concept X1, which we assumed meant the firm's star of the Paris Motor Show wouldn't be revealed until tomorrow, the first press day. However, BMW has released the details a day early and the concept looks remarkably finished.

Indeed, BMW admits that a vehicle like the Concept X1 will be in production within 12 months. There's nothing about the exterior of the show car that stands out as being concept-like, with even the exhaust and alloy wheels looking realistically sized.

If we hadn't the X1's dimensions to hand we'd suspect that the concept previews a replacement for the X3, though it turns out that the new car is over 100mm shorter, 64mm narrower and nearly 140mm lower than its bigger brother, though its wheelbase is only 35mm less. The proportions appear to be spot on, with the lower roof and long wheelbase lending the X1 a distinctly sporting look.

That's emphasised by the aggressive design of the X1's face, which features the larger kidney grille of the new BMW 7 Series and a heavily sculpted bonnet. In side profile, the deep swage line and silver lower section visually reduce the car's height, while the rear lights are an evolution of the new L-shaped design seen on the facelifted 3 Series.

We expect to see the showroom-ready version of the X1 in Geneva next year, featuring part-time four -wheel drive and a wide range of engines from the 1 Series and 3 Series ranges. It should be on sale throughout Europe by the end of 2009.

Shane O' Donoghue - 1 Oct 2008