BMW’s MINI division chose the Paris Motor Show to unveil its “Crossover Concept,” a thinly-masked preview of the forthcoming Crossman utility vehicle, but a new round of spy shots proves the Crossman isn’t 100 percent complete. Expected to share components with the forthcoming BMW X1, the Crossman will enter production a little over a year from now as a 2011 model

Despite a strong family resemblance, the Crossman will actually ride on a unique platform. The new architecture was needed to accommodate the Crossman’s all-wheel drive system and higher ride height. As noted, the basic chassis and most components will be shared with the BMW X1, though the models won’t have any visual similarity.

Compared to the standard Cooper, the Crossamn will ride just over 3 inches higher and will measure in at over four meters (157 inches). A 102.6 inch wheelbase and 72 inch width make the crossover larger than any previous MINI. Power will come from the same engines found in the Cooper and Cooper S.

Unlike the long-wheelbase Clubman, the Crossman has two doors on each side, rather than one on the right and two on the left. In concept guise, this MINI has a sliding door on the driver’s side, and a regular one on the passenger’s side. We suspect both sides will have regular doors come production, but anything’s possible.

Out back, spy shots reveal the Crossman will use a twin-door setup, similar to the one used on the Clubman.

While the X1 will be built in South Carolina, the Crossman will be assembled by Austria’s Magna Steyr. Both models will be sold in the U.S., but it remains unclear if their diesel versions will make the trek across the Atlantic. However, with CAFE regulations that much closer around the turn of the decade, it remains a distinct possibility that the U.S. could see an oil-burning option.

Expect to see the Crossman at MINI dealers in 2010 as a 2011 model.

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