When gathered together extolling the virtues of their cars, BMW owners often talk about the strong performance delivered by the carmaker's classic, naturally aspirated in-line six-cylinder engine.

For raw power, it represents the top in engine R&D for the company and the industry.

With the launch of the latest BMW X1, an all-new engine has again impressed aficionados - BMW's new 2.0-liter TwinPower turbo engine, code named the N20.

Compared to BMW's well-known N52 3.0-liter naturally aspirated six-cylinder, the N20 can produce stronger power at lower torque. It offers top acceleration, yet greatly reduces the fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

The BMW X1 2.8i has fuel economy that cuts consumption from 9.4 liters to 7.9 liters for every 100 kilometers, according to statistics from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

It seems a paradox - strong power and greater economy - but BMW's iconic EfficientDynamics strategy is leading the industry in improving both driving performance and fuel efficiency.

Advanced technologies like its Valvetronic, Double-Vanos and high precision fuel injection, in addition to TwinPower turbo technology, together make the N20 the best four-cylinder petrol engine available today.

BMW's engine plant in Shenyang, Liaoning province, the automaker's first outside Europe, will produce the N20 for all BMWs made in China, including the X1, the 5 Series long wheelbase and the new 3 Series. The plant has a designed annual production capacity of 200,000 units.

The latest reports said the N20 engine, now equipped on the Z4 and X1, will gradually replace the famed inline six on other BMW models. Some hardcore BMW lovers might be disappointed, but the new engines are part of the carmaker's "Less is More" spirit.

hantianyang@chinadaily.com.cn