More info on BMW’s N20 4-cylinder engine surfaced recently, including a neat little animation of the actual engine working. It is sure to appeal to the inner mechanic in you. The N20 will be making its first appearance in the European version of the X1 . Whether we’ll have a chance to see a 4-cylinder X1 in the states is still a topic up for debate, but BMW has made mention we’ll at least be seeing a 1-Series and 3-Series powered by this engine in the next couple of years.
The N20 can put out 245 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque in the X1, while achieving a remarkable 35.7 mpg and significantly lowering emissions. It also weighs less than a comparable 6-inline, and, according to US Magazine, lives up to the high-performance standards of the BMW namesake. There was a lot of skepticism about the engine’s performance, and even about BMW again dipping into the world of 4-cylinder vehicles, but first impressions have silenced the naysayers. It is noticeably more responsive than the standard inline-6, and outputs more than 10HP in comparison. It is smooth, free revving and performs well enough to live up to the BMW standard.
US Magazine says, “it is please to drive and highly pleasant, and doesn’t have to work hard to deliver its best”. The glowing review goes on to say everything but the sound is an improvement from the inline-6, and even that will be addressed as BMW plans to add a future “sound enhancer” to vehicles fitted with this engine.
