BMW is leaving nothing to chance when it comes to its line of sport/utility vehicles. Unlike other manufacturers who are cutting back even abandoning this once popular and highly profitable vehicle segment, BMW is introducing its fourth line, the X1, an SUV that is smaller, lighter and much more fuel efficient than most SUVs in its class.

By adding a fourth line of SUVs, BMW is signaling that it believes that customers are still interested in a vehicle that can get the job done on the road and, if need be, be taken off the road. Based on the same platform underpinning its 1-series line of cars, the X1 will be powered by a standard 2.0L I4 gas engine paired with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. That arrangement should help the X1 break the 30 mpg highway barrier, but it could be that a similar sized diesel engine will have the greatest appeal for customers as BMW estimates that its 2.0L diesel will achieve about 45 mpg on the highway.

Rear Or All Wheel Drive Available