2020 BMW X1 Review

　　

2020 BMW X1 Review

byJosh JacquotCorrespondent

　　Josh Jacquot is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.

　　The 2020 BMW X1 might be called a compact crossover SUV by virtue of its position in BMW's SUV lineup, but it's bigger than you might expect. Big enough, in fact, to be a practical family vehicle for many people. Its 27 cubic feet of cargo space behind its second-row seats is more than either the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA offers. And at about 59 cubic feet of space with its rear seats folded, there's ample room to haul a bicycle if you're willing to remove the bike's front wheel.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 BMW X1 sDrive28i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$168/mo  for X1 sDrive28i

　　X1 sDrive28i

　　sDrive28i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $35,200 MSRPxDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $37,200 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　But, wait, aren't BMWs supposed to be the "ultimate driving machine"? The X1 delivers here, too, with athletic handling and lively acceleration. When it comes to having a fun-to-drive vehicle in this class, the X1 is about as good as it gets. For 2020, BMW has also given the X1 a few updates. There's a bigger new grille, restyled bumpers and a larger infotainment touchscreen as standard equipment.

　　On the downside, the X1 has a busier and less comfortable ride than much of its primary competition. It can also get expensive since some luxury features are only available with costly option packages. But on the whole, the X1's matchup of reasonable space, ample motivation and solid handling makes it a compelling pick for a compact luxury crossover SUV.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　8.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the X1 drive? For those that remember the Ultimate Driving Machine days of BMW, the X1 still feels like a vehicle of that era. Its all-wheel-drive system adds curvy-road agility and confidence, supported by responsive steering and excellent brakes. This may be an SUV, but it sure behaves like a performance hatchback.

　　Power delivery from its turbocharged engine is smooth and ample. In our testing, the X1's sprint to 60 mph took just 6.4 seconds, which is among the quickest times in its class. This would be all for naught if the X1 didn't perform at slower speeds as well, but we found it easy to drive in routine driving. Shifts from the eight-speed automatic transmission are quick and responsive.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the X1? The seat cushions are on the firm side but are also highly adjustable; even the lateral support can be adjusted, which is rare in this class. Ride comfort — or the lack thereof — is the X1's most glaring weak spot. You'll feel a lot of  bumps in the road because of the stiff suspension tuning and run-flat tires. (The sidewalls of run-flat tires aren't as compliant as those of regular tires.)

　　The climate controls are old-school hard buttons and knobs, and they're easy to operate and do a great job of maintaining cabin temperature. Rear air vents ensure backseat occupants get their share of circulation. The cabin is also one of the quietest in the segment. Only mild wind and road noise seeps in. The engine is virtually silent at idle and only makes itself known under heavy acceleration.

　　

Interior

8.5/10

　　How’s the interior? Ample passenger space is one of the X1's defining traits. Generous amounts of space up front, plenty of rear toe room, and an airy cabin make the X1 feel larger than other subcompact crossover SUVs. It's easy to get in and out of the cabin, and a relatively upright greenhouse makes for good visibility all around.

　　The X1 has an older version of BMW's iDrive infotainment system, but we actually prefer it to the latest system in cars such as the 3 Series. It looks dated but it's easier to use. The combination of an 8.8-inch touchscreen and rotary controller is still fundamentally a great approach.

　　

Technology

7.5/10

　　How’s the tech? The X1 has just enough tech to stay current but in no way pushes the envelope. The standard audio system will be fine for most people, but discerning audio enthusiasts may note the lack of richness. Voice controls use natural language, so you don't have to memorize a rigid command structure, but they lack the depth of Mercedes' MBUX system.

　　A total of four USB ports ensures plenty of charging options for passengers. Wireless Apple CarPlay is great, but there's still no Android Auto support. The native navigation system is thankfully quite easy to use.

　　BMW's driving aids generally work well. The operation of the optional adaptive cruise control system feels natural but won't automatically restart the car after it comes to a stop. Lane keeping assist and a 360-degree parking camera are not available.

　　

Storage

8.5/10

　　How’s the storage? The X1 sports a healthy of 27.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seat as well as one of the lowest liftover heights in its class. We believe the cargo volume advantage is mainly due to the large underfloor storage where a spare tire might be otherwise. If so equipped, the 40/20/40-split second row can slide and recline. It folds flat for maximum flexibility, though we wish there was a release mechanism in the cargo area.

　　There are no super creative solutions for small-item storage, but there is a good amount of space for personal effects. In terms of installing a child seat, the car seat anchors are very easy to access, but you'll likely find that you'll have to slide up the front seats somewhat in order to fit a large rear-facing safety seat. That said, most competitors are smaller inside and have even less room for car seats.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the X1 gets 26 mpg combined (23 city/31 highway). That pegs the X1 as one of the most fuel-efficient options in the class. We observed 28.2 mpg on our 115-mile highway-heavy evaluation loop, which is right where we'd expect the X1 to be.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the X1 a good value? Like most modern BMWs, the X1 is solidly built. The quality of materials is up to class standards, with soft-touch surfaces and convincing wood and aluminum trim. But compared to the latest Mercedes-Benz SUVs, the design is somewhat plain and uncompelling.

　　In terms of cost, both the Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40 start at lower price points and ultimately cost less once optioned up. And despite the BMW's performance advantage, the perceived bang for your buck is greater in those models. Those buying an X1 will either value its sporty advantage or prefer BMWs in general.

　　Loyalist or not, BMW will provide you three years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance, plus bumper-to-bumper and drivetrain warranties that last four years/50,000 miles. Roadside assistance is good for four years/unlimited miles.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　The X1 is exactly what you'd expect. Though slightly restyled for 2020, it looks largely the same as it did when this generation debuted in 2016. It delivers on BMW brand's sporty core values yet remains one of the more practical subcompact SUVs in the segment.

　　

Which X1 does zzdcar recommend?

You can consider getting the xDrive28i if you need the extra traction of all-wheel drive in wet-weather driving. Otherwise, save some cash and get the front-wheel-drive X1 sDrive28i. It provides similar performance in most scenarios and gets slightly better fuel economy, according to the EPA. We'd also add the Premium package for its heated seats and steering wheel plus LED headlights.

　　

2020 BMW X1 models

The X1 is available in two trim levels, the front-wheel drive X1 sDrive28i or the all-wheel-drive X1 xDrive28i. Every X1 comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is also standard.

　　The X1 comes with a reasonable list of standard features, and BMW will happily sell you more in one of its option packages. But every X1 comes with features such as simulated leather seats, an 8.8-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, power-adjustable front seats, automatic wipers and a power liftgate. A variety of advanced driver safety features, such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, are also standard.

　　The Convenience package adds a sunroof, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, LED foglights, keyless entry and several other niceties. The Premium package offers upgraded navigation, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, and LED headlights with cornering lights. Other notable upgrades include 19-inch wheels, leather upholstery, a sport-tuned suspension, traffic-adaptive cruise control and a premium sound system.

　　

2020 X1 Highlights

Trim: sDrive28ixDrive28isDrive28i

　　

Base MSRP	$35,200
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$168/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	27.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles