Click above for high-res gallery of the BMW X1 Concept

For better or worse, the BMW X1 "concept" and MINI Crossover are destined for production. BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer maintains that both models will do well in these economic and fuel-conscious times, but the X7 - originally slated for production in 2013 - has been killed due to the CUV's inability to "generate sufficient growth," according to Automotive News.

If the overly contrived teaser video wasn't enough for you, there's now another image of the BMW X1 for those who care. There's not much to see in the teaser, just a very dimly lit shot of the vehicle that will slot below the pugnacious X3. A little Photoshoppery doesn't shed much more light, but it does make the profile more clear. When we finally see the X1 in Paris, it will likely resemble a stubby shrunken X5. No word on whether or not it'll drive like the supersonic aircraft that originated the moniker.

We're less than a month away from the official unveiling of the BMW X1 concept in Paris, but the boys from Bavaria are already planning a sportier, two-door version of their new compact 'ute. Dubbed the X2, this coupe-ish soft-roader will be to the X1 what the X6 is to the X5.

BMW's chief executive officer Norbert Reithofer has revealed that the company has axed plans to build a larger sport-ute to top the range currently inhabited by the X3, X5 and X6 crossovers. Reithofer cited economic problems in the United States and Europe as the main reason for the cancellation of the program, i.e. sales of SUVs are dropping like a rock.

Meanwhile, other reports suggest that the green light in Munich has been given instead to a smaller crossover to be based on the 1-Series platform, which would enable BMW to expand its X range with an X1 instead of an X7. Smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient is probably a smarter direction to head in these times than bigger, heavier and greater guzzler.