The 2020 BMW X1 comes in one trim level i.e. 28i but is available in two different variants. sDrive28i and xDrive28i which only have differences in price tag and drivetrain. Other than this both variants come with the same list of features which includes an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay support, dual-zone automatic climate control, Power adjustable front bucket seats, simulated leather seats, navigation system, 18-inch wheels, rain-sensing automatic wipers, and a power liftgate.

Two packages (convenience package and premium package) are also available. The convenience package loads auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, keyless entry, sunroof, and LED fog lights. Premium package adds heated front seats and steering wheel, LED headlights with cornering lights, updated navigation system, and heads-up display.

Which Trim should you buy?

Sure 28i is one and only trim, but from two variants (sDrive28i and xDrive28i) we would suggest going for the sDrive28i and save some money as it is $2,000 cheaper and comes with front-wheel drive. Powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the X1 offers a long list of features which is pretty good and easily justify its price tag. Inside the cabin, you will find features such as an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, power-adjustable front bucket seats, a navigation system, and Apple CarPlay support.

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.

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.

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.

BMW X1’s 288 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine surprises us here. Despite being a powerful and impressively fast engine on the road it is amazingly efficient. As it offers a mileage of 24 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highways, and 27 mpg when combined. These numbers are some of the best in their class. But what makes it even more joyful is the 16.1 gallons fuel tank which is easily one of the biggest you can find in its segment.

Combine these and X1 offers you a top-tier driving range in its segment varying from 386 to 531 miles. This makes it one of the best vehicles in the class which can be driven in the urban jungle as well as for long highway trips and one will not have to worry about fuel gauge that often.

The BMW offers better fuel efficiency compared to its rivals like the Audi Q3 and the Volvo XC40. The Mercedes-Benz GLA Class offers similar city fuel economy but goes ahead of the Bimmer in highway efficiency. However, the BMW X1 again takes back its lead with a bigger fuel tank. The highway range in the BMW X1 is hands down the best in the segment. The Mercedes-Benz comes in second followed by the XC40 and the Q3 at third and fourth position, respectively.

When it comes to the inside of the 2020 BMW X1, a visually beautiful interior greets you. As the dark tone provides a confident feeling with good quality materials everywhere. It might not be as premium as a Merc interior but still good enough to compete in the segment. As for the dashboard, you get a unique design with everything projected toward the driver providing much better accessibility while driving. A manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel can be had as a heated one and offers a good range.

As for the occupants, front bucket seats are power-adjustable and can be upgraded to heated ones. A rear 40/20/40 split-folding bench seat with manual reclining is available. Both front and rear row seats offer excellent room for occupants including amazing thigh support. What makes it even more impressive is the 27.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity which is the biggest in its class. All thanks to the extra volume where the spare wheel should have been. The inside of the cabin also offers plenty of storage spaces for small items.

The 2020 BMW X1 offers a spacious and comfortable cabin which when compared with its rivals comes out on the top by having maximum volume. Even the cargo capacity it offers is far superior to the others. This can be further increased by folding down the rear row bench seat. The other rivals are unable to match the space inside the BMW X1, especially for the rear seats. Below are some of the key interior features include:

• Power adjustable front bucket seats
• Heated tilt and telescopic steering wheel
• Heated front seats
• Remote release power cargo access
• Illuminated locking glove box
• Leather upholstery

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The infotainment system of BMW X1 is powered by the BMW iDrive system which might feel a bit older but works flawlessly. On top of that for 2020, instead of a 6.5-inch display, buyers get an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen which is far superior with color quality and touch response. The UI itself is easy and intuitive and the voice command system is pretty good. You don't have to learn specific commands to work it out, making it a very good one. Though please do not expect it to be as good as Mercedes’s MBUX system. Apple CarPlay support is available however Android Auto is still missing.

Other features such as four USB ports enable easy charging of multiple devices, auxiliary input jack, and Bluetooth connectivity is available. The standard 7 speaker audio system is decent but not going to impress audiophiles. However an optional 12 speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system should attract the crowd. Below are some of its key infotainment features include:

• 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen
• AM/FM Stereo
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• HD radio
• 12 speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system
• Apple CarPlay support
• Navigation system

The biggest changes one can find in the 2020 BMW X1 are in the exterior. BMW has implemented various changes making it look dashing than ever before. This time at the front you get a bigger BMW grille with updated pointy LED headlamps at the sides. The front bumper has also been updated with differently designed vents and fog lamps. The sides of X1 are still the same with extended fenders, metallic look side window trims, and power heated side mirrors. 

On top a clear panoramic sunroof is available and at the rear, the updated LED taillights with spoiler look good. The power liftgate is wide and low enabling one easy loading of heavy cargo. BMW also updated the 18-inch wheels which look pretty good. However, 19-inch wheels are also available for an extra price. The 7.2 inches of ground clearance it offers is pretty good for its segment.

Dimensions wise BMW X1 is somewhat similar to Q3 and GLA Class. However, the Volvo XC40 is a bit bigger. The ground clearance X1 offers is pretty good and is only second to what XC40 comes with. The wheelbase of the BMW X1 is the shortest in the competition, but it manages better space inside the cabin. Below are some of its key exterior features include:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Updated bigger grille
• Enhanced LED headlights
• Newly designed front and rear bumpers
• Rain-detecting wipers

When it comes to safety, BMW has done an excellent job keeping X1 and its occupants safe as the list of safety assists and features is pretty good. Other than standard features such as various traction and stability control, multiple airbags, and sensors, the buyers will get a forward-collision warning system with an automatic emergency braking system, lane departure warning system, and automatic high beam headlamps. But lane-keeping assist and a 360-degree camera are missing, however, a backup camera is available. 

Adaptive cruise control is optional which should have been standard on the list. As for the safety ratings, 2020 X1 received good ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS, however, it missed out on getting the Top safety pick title because of headlamps. Still, X1 is pretty safe and all the features it offers works properly as intended. Below are some of its key safety features include:

• Forward collision warning system
• Traction control
• Stability control
• Pre-collision safety system
• Post-collision safety system
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Lane departure warning system
• Adaptive cruise control
• Emergency brake assist

2020 BMW X1 vs 2020 Audi Q3

When compared to the Audi Q3, BMW X1 takes the lead by being faster on the road. Offers much better fuel economy, impressive braking performance, a spacious cabin that is fully loaded and bigger than what Audi offers. Lastly, X1 is a lot lighter than Q3 which results in better control. The Audi Q3, on the other hand, only offers better quality materials for the cabin and better shoulder room for front-row occupants.

2020 BMW X1 vs 2020 Mercedes Benz GLA Class

The X1 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA Class is a well-known rivalry. So once again when stacked against each other, both try their best to take the lead. The GLA Class offers much better braking power, a spacious cabin with a top-tier infotainment system that is incomparable, and overall a much lighter vehicle. The X1 on the other hand comes out faster and more fuel-efficient on the road.

2020 BMW X1 vs 2020 Volvo XC40

When stacked against Volvo XC40, the BMW X1 takes points by being quicker on the road. It also offers an engine that comes with better fuel economy and a spacious cabin that is bigger in size. The XC40, on the other hand, offers a cabin with a level of quality that is far superior.

As always, the X1 is an incredible offering by BMW which hypnotizes buyers with its impressive engine which is not only faster on the road but offers one of the best fuel economies of its segment. The spacious cabin is also one of the biggest in its class which is equally comfortable and offers a decent list of features. Even the cargo capacity is unbelievably good. So we think you should definitely consider getting the 2020 BMW X1.