BMW X1 confirmed for United States

One of the worst-kept secrets in the car world has been confirmed: The BMW X1 is coming to the United States in 2011.

It likely will come with rear-wheel and all-wheel drive and a variety of gasoline and diesel engines. BMW said it would announce the powertrain specifics closer to the launch as it factors uneven fuel prices in the United States.

The X1--as the name implies--is an entry-level utility vehicle to round out BMW's lineup, and could help the company against stiffer federal mileage rules to take effect for 2016.

The small ute is arriving in Europe this fall with four engine options, a gasoline and three diesels. A diesel-powered version got the equivalent of 45.2 mpg across the pond and can hit a top speed of 124 mph.

BMW is taking its time bringing the X1 to the States because it wants to launch the second-generation X3 here first, which is going further upmarket. The X1 is a five-seater and a sister vehicle of the Mini Crossman.

By Greg Migliore