BMW planning baby SUV based on new MINI Countryman

BMW are planning a new compact SUV to sit below the X1, aimed at the new Audi Q1 and based on the next generation MINI Countryman. Due in 2017.

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The market for compact SUVs shows no sign of slowing, and BMW look set to cash in with a model sitting below the X1, based on the next generation MINi Countryman and aimed right in the firing line of the soon to arrive Audi Q1.

It might seem that BMW’s plans would undermine the next MINi Countryman – dues to launch in 2016 – but it seems the draw of a still burgeoning market for little rufty-tufty ‘town’ SUVs is too big to resist.

Built on the same underpinnings as the MINI – and the new FWD BMW 2 Series – the new very compact SUV, dubbed Urban Cross – will, according to Auto Motor und Sport, get a more coupe-like design than the X1, come with a choice of three and four-cylinder engine sand front-wheel-drive as standard.

It seems BMW aren’t planning a pure EV version – although we’d have thought such a compact SUV, aimed at town dwellers, would be a perfect candidate – but they are planning a plug-in hybrid version.

The new Audi Q1 is expected to launch in 2016 – as is the new MINI Countryman – and the new baby BMW SUV will arrive just a year later.

But it won’t be called the BMW X0.