x1

BMW revealed in a press release yesterday that the production version of its sub-X3 crossover, the 2010 BMW X1, will debut this November. The German automaker will follow up with the introduction of several new hybrid models.

The X1 will be BMW's smallest utility vehicle when it debuts, as the X3 will grow in size when it is redesigned.

Although many spy photos have been floating around the internet, the X1 has only been seen in concept form, at the 2008 Paris Auto Show. Few changes are expected in the metamorphosis from concept to production model.

The press release also said that the BMW X6 and BMW 7-Series hybrids would be released by the end of the year.

The X6 ActiveHybrid prototype debuted alongside the X6 Concept back at the 2007 Frankfurt auto show, while the 7-series ActiveHybrid bowed at the 2008 Paris auto show, along with the rest of the 2009 7-series lineup.

The latter will use the 2009 750i's 4.4-liter V-8 and an electric motor that adds 20 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque to the V-8's 407 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque.

It will be distinguished from the rest of the 7-series lineup by an aluminum band on the lower front fascia that improves airflow and appears on the back around the exhaust pipes as well.