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It's finally here; BMW has unveiled its long-rumored four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine which makes its world premiere on the X1 xDrive28. The four-banger essentially replaces the firm's classic naturally aspirated 3.0-liter straight-six and will soon find its way in a variety of models. Even though the Bavarian automaker is keeping its cards close to its chest, expect to see the new unit, codenamed N20, on the 1-Series, X3, 3-Series, Z4 roadster and 5-Series models.

The X1 body is 4.45 metres (175.2") long, which is significantly longer than the other 1 Series models (4.24 metre / 166.9'' for the 3- and 5- door bodies, or 4.36 metre / 171.7'' in the 1 Series coupe and convertible). Quite logically, it remains shorter than the 4.57 metres 1.79.9'' of the larger X3 brother.

In wheelbase terms, the X1 enjoys a rather long dimension for the compact segment (2.76 metres /108.7''). It is equal to the 3 Series wheelbase (the X1 is a variation of the 3 Series platform), significantly longer than the wheelbase of the 1 Series models (2.66 metres / 104.7'') and slightly shorter than the 2.79 metres /110'' wheelbase of the X3 (More about the main exterior and interior dimensions of the new BMW X1).