[Updated] 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 first four-cylinder petrol engine to employ BMW's TwinPower Turbo technology is closely modeled after the Bavarian firm's force-fed in-line six-cylinder units and features an all-aluminium crankcase, twin-scroll turbocharging system, direct injection, plus the latest version of the company's patented VALVETRONIC variable valve control system.

The new generation engine has a displacement of 2.0-liters, producing an output of 245-horsepower at 5,000 rpm and a peak torque of 350Nm or 258 lb-ft, available at just 1,250 rpm. The 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine in the outgoing X1 xDrive28 was rated at 258HP and 310Nm or 228 lb-ft.

A six-speed manual gearbox is offered as standard, but there's the option of an eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW said that the with the manual gearbox, the new X1 xDrive28 completes the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in 6.1 seconds (6.5 seconds with automatic transmission). According to the Bavarian automaker, the standard sprint times are an improvement of 0.7 seconds and 0.3 seconds respectively on those for the previous model with the 3.0-liter straight six. The new X1 xDrive28i tops out at 240 km/h (149 mph).

With the new four-pot, the X1 xDrive28i is not only faster than the six-cylinder model it replaces, but also more fuel efficient as it returns 7.9 lt/100 km or 29.8 mpg US, an improvement of 1.5 liters / 4.8 mpg US. It's also cleaner as CO2 emissions are down by 38g to 183 g/km.

The new X1 xDrive28i will get its world premiere at the Geneva Salon in March and go on sale across Europe this Spring. BMW has not yet released any information regarding U.S. availability.

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