First Four-Cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo Engine Debuts In X1 xDrive28i

Future BMW models wearing the number "28" on their bootlid will no longer be fitted with six-cylinder engines but rather a new generation of four-cylinder gasoline engines complete with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The first of these models is the newly revealed BMW X1 xDrive28i, which has just made its world debut in Canada and will be arriving in the U.S. this fall.

Powering the compact crossover is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which thanks to TwinPower Turbo technology develops 245 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This is more powerful than some of BMW’s naturally aspirated 3.0-liter six-cylinder engines, which means that you can expect it to filter across to other models like the 1- and 5-Series eventually.

BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology is nothing new and has already appeared on some of the automaker’s V-8 and six-cylinder models. However, this is the first time that it has been applied to a four-cylinder gasoline engine.

TwinPower Turbo technology features a twin-scroll turbocharging system, direct fuel injection and solenoid injectors, the latter being the latest innovation for BMW’s VALVETRONIC variable valve control system.

This provides the four-cylinder engine with a significant torque upgrade over the previous six-cylinder engine with substantially reduced fuel consumption and emissions. This twofold improvement is reflected in some impressive performance specifications. The 0-62 mph sprint time is 6.1 seconds (automatic: 6.5 seconds), an improvement of 0.7 seconds (automatic: 0.3 seconds) over the previous model, which was only available as an automatic. Top speed is 149 mph.

At the same time, average fuel consumption in the EU combined test cycle has been cut by 16 percent to 29.8 mpg.

A six-speed manual is fitted as standard, while an eight-speed automatic remains an option. All-wheel drive is standard as well. The setup features an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch that continuously varies the drive power split between the front and rear axles and works in conjunction with the vehicle’s stability control system.

BMW is also launching for its X1 crossover a new M Sports package. Available on all X1 models, the latest M Sports package will come with a range of suspension, exterior and interior components. These will include 17 and 18 inch M alloy wheels, a full bodykit, special exterior colors, Alcantara-clad sports seats, an M gearshift lever and brushed aluminum trim accents for the cabin.