BMW brought its all-new X1 Sport Activity Vehicle to the New York Auto Show, a new entry for the automaker in the premium compact vehicle segment. This vehicle is slated to go on sale in the fall of 2012 at a starting MSRP of $31,545 (including $895 destination and handling).

Available models include the BMW X1 sDrive28i, the X1 xDrive28i and the X1 xDrive35i, which will retail for $31,545, $33,245 and $39,345 respectively (including $895 destination and handling).

The X1 will come with two powertrain choices: a four-cylinder or six-cylinder option depending on the model. Both engines are BMW TwinPower Turbo gasoline engines that feature twin-scroll turbocharging, High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-Vanos variable camshaft control.

Each engine is matched to an automatic transmission and uses the company’s EfficientDynamics technology. Auto Start Stop is available on the 28i model, but regenerative braking and demand-based activation of ancillary units on the vehicle are designed to provide both fuel economy and performance.

Performance-wise, the inline six-cylinder engine under the hood of the BMW X1 xDrive35i can produce 300 hp, while the four-cylinder engine can produce 240 hp in the BMW X1 sDrive28i and BMW X1 xDrive28i. The automaker hasn’t released fuel-economy details as of yet.

The BMW X1 sDrive28i with BMW rear-wheel drive and the all-wheel-drive xDrive35i are exclusive to the U.S. market. The all-wheel drive system in the BMW X1 xDrive35i and BMW X1 xDrive28i varies the distribution of power between the front and rear wheels, as required.

BMW designed the exterior and interior to emphasize BMW X-model design cues and the X1’s new “sporting” characteristics. Turn signals are integrated into the side mirrors, the headlights have a new design and an LED accent light is offered as part of the optional xenon light package.