The 2020 BMW X1 is powered by a 2.0 Litre Turbocharged inline-4 engine which can produce 228 horsepower and a peak torque of 258 lb-ft. The engine is mated to an eight-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission which has been enhanced for 2020 and must say feels better than before on the road. As standard power is sent to the front wheels but buyers can opt for an all-wheel-drive system by paying $2,000.
As for the turbocharged engine, it can reach 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and can finish a quarter-mile in 15.1 seconds. These timings are pretty quick for its class. The engine sounds amazing and is always ready to surge ahead when you give the throttle input. But that doesn't mean it disappoints when driven slowly. Instead, you get a fun driving experience which is surely going to put a smile on the face of laid-back drivers.
Models
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2020 BMW X1
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2020 Audi Q3
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2020 Mercedes Benz GLA Class
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2020 Volvo XC40
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MSRP
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$35,200
|
$34,700
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$34,250
|
$33,700
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Engine
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2.0 Litre Turbo Inline-4
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2.0 Litre Turbo Inline-4
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2.0 Litre Turbo Inline-4
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2.0 Litre Turbo Inline-4
|
Drivetrain
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FWD
|
AWD
|
FWD
|
FWD
|
Transmission
|
8 speed automatic
|
8 speed automatic
|
7-speed manual
|
8 speed automatic
|
Power (hp @ RPM)
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228 @ 5,000
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228 @ 5,000
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208 @ 5,500
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187 @ 4,700
|
Torque (lb-ft @ RPM)
|
258 @ 1,450
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258 @ 1,700
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258 @ 1,250
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221 @ 1,400
|
0-60 MPH (seconds)
|
6.3
|
7.8
|
6.4
|
7.8
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Quarter Mile (seconds)
|
15.1
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16.4
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15.3
|
16.1
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Top speed (MPH)
|
137
|
130
|
134
|
134
|
When compared to its rivals, BMW X1 decimates all the others by being the quickest on the road. The Audi Q3 comes with the same power delivery as the BMW X1 but the acceleration is significantly slower in the Audi. The less powerful Mercedes-Benz GLA Class turns out to be faster on the road and comes in the second position after the Audi Q3. The Volvo XC40 and the Q3 perform similarly in the 0 to 60 mph sprint, both taking 7.8 seconds.
How well does the 2020 BMW X1 handle?
The powerful engine feels impressive when driven straight. But do not worry as X1 delivers an excellent experience even if you take it to complex and sharp turns. This brings us to the steering wheel which is electrically assisted. We must say it is one of the best you will come across in this segment as it feels perfectly weighted and offers pretty good feedback from the road. So one will not have trouble going straight as well as on sharp corners.
However, the only problem one will find here is the suspension system. It is a bit stiffer than usual which complicates the ride quality. So as long as one passes over small to medium bumps it should perform pretty well. Push it further on larger bumps or rougher roads and everything starts falling apart.
2020 BMW X1 Braking Performance
Being a powerful machine makes it necessary to have a competent braking system. On top of that BMW X1 weighs 3,554 pounds which is not light for its segment. Fear not though, as BMW is known for loading efficient braking systems. Currently, there is no information available regarding the rotor size of X1. But we do know that all four disc brakes are properly ventilated and are efficient enough to keep the vehicle under control.
Various assists such as hill descent control, electric parking brake, and hill hold control are incorporated within. This makes it impressively controllable whether you drive it easy and slow or aggressive. All this is the reason why it can be stopped from 60 mph to zero within a short distance of 122 miles.
Models
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2020 BMW X1
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2020 Audi Q3
|
2020 Mercedes Benz GLA Class
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2020 Volvo XC40
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Brake Rotors: Front (inches)
|
N/A
|
13.4
|
12.6
|
13.6
|
Brake Rotors: Rear (inches)
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N/A
|
12.2
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11.6
|
11.9
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Curb Weight (lbs)
|
3,554
|
3,905
|
3,296
|
3,574
|
60-0 (feet)
|
122
|
125
|
110
|
125
|
Because of the unavailability of rotor size data, it gets harder to compare it with its rivals. However, weight-wise X1 is lighter than both Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40 but heavier than Merc GLA Class. When it comes to stopping power, Merc GLA Class takes the lead here followed by BMW X1. Both Q3 and XC40 stay behind the X1 with a similar braking distance of 125 feet of 60 to 0 mph.