BMW All New 2.0T four-cylinder for X1
The new engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine, and is the first-ever gasoline engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. This new powerplant will play a crucial role in lowering fuel consumption and emissions for the traditionally performance-driven automaker by replacing the 3.0-liter inline-six engine.
BMW first revealed the X1 small SUV in late 2009 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but today the automaker has thrown a wrench into the mix and revealed an additional engine and trim level for the small SUV that is sure to raise significant interest both in the market place, and at competitors’ headquarters.
Of course most are likely wondering about the power coming from this new-age alternative to a thirsty six-cylinder, and the answer is 245 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. By comparison, the 3.0-liter inline-six it replaces achieved 255 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque.
Acceleration times also improved, with zero-to-62 mph taking just 6.1 seconds with the 2.0-liter TwinPower engine when paired with a six-speed manual, an improvement of .7 seconds. Should buyers opt for the eight-speed automatic transmission, the time slows to 6.5 seconds, still an improvement of .3 seconds over the inline-six.
With BMW’s naming scheme the addition of the new engine also means an additional model name, known as the xDrive28i with BMW TwinPower Turbo. The xDrive28i will also come with auto Start/Stop technology for an additional reduction in fuel consumption. Of course, with the “x” designation in the model name, that means this new model also features xDrive all-wheel drive. an M Sports package is available for this, and all other X1 models.
BMW also hasn’t announced just what power-trains will make their way to North America, though a diesel remains a possibility. The base X1 sDrive18d achieves an average of 45.2 US mpg combined, according to BMW. In Europe, the X1 will be offered with three diesels, ranging from the 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 143 horsepower and 236 lb-ft. of torque to a 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 204 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque, the X1 received the auto start-stop technology used in the 3-Series and in various Mini models. It marks the first time that BMW will use the technology in one of its crossovers.
A platform mate to the Mini Crossman, the new X1 takes design cues from across the BMW lineup. The taillights resemble those of the facelifted 3-Series, while the grille reminds us of the redesigned 7-Series. The headlights are angular and unique, and the foglights are positioned relatively high on the front fascia. The upward sweeping shoulder line and sloped rear window give the impression of an X6-like rear, despite a relatively conventional storage area.
