The BMW X1 will debut in Europe this fall with a choice of four engines – one gasoline and three diesels – and will be available in rear-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive configurations. The X1 will set new benchmarks in the premium compact segment for efficiency, comfort, utility, and of course driving dynamics. Achieving up to 5.2 L/100km on the European test cycle, the BMW Advanced Diesel-powered X1 sDrive18d will provide remarkable fuel efficiency while still achieving a top speed of 200km/h (124mph). Each drivetrain choice for the X1 will showcase the latest results of BMW’s EfficientDynamics engineering strategy, which is focused to reduce emissions and consumption while enhancing the performance expected of any BMW.

The BMW X1 is built at BMW Plant Leipzig where the new X model is produced on the same line as the three-door Sedan, the Coupé and the Convertible versions of the BMW 1 Series.

The X1 will be BMW’s smallest utility vehicle when it debuts, as the X3 will grow in size when it is redesigned. Although many spy photos have been floating around the internet, the X1 has only been seen in concept form, at the 2008 Paris Auto Show. Few changes are expected in the metamorphosis from concept to production model.

The press release also said that the BMW X6 and BMW 7-Series hybrids would be released by the end of the year.

The X6 ActiveHybrid prototype debuted alongside the X6 Concept back at the 2007 Frankfurt auto show, while the 7-series ActiveHybrid bowed at the 2008 Paris auto show, along with the rest of the 2009 7-series lineup.

The latter will use the 2009 750i’s 4.4-liter V-8 and an electric motor that adds 20 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque to the V-8′s 407 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. It will be distinguished from the rest of the 7-series lineup by an aluminum band on the lower front fascia that improves airflow and appears on the back around the exhaust pipes as well.