2020 BMW X1 review
BMW X1 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Plenty of power
- Athletic handling
- Lots of room for passengers and cargo
Cons
- Ride quality may be too firm
- No Android Auto™
- More expensive than some rivals
Mileage (EPA estimate)
23 city, 31 highway, 26 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
2020 BMW X1: The practical performer
It's always a good idea to get the smallest vehicle that meets your needs. Not only will it be more affordable to purchase, but it will likely come with better fuel economy estimates, too. One of our favorite vehicles to downsize into is the 2020 BMW X1, as it delivers a lot more in the way of practicality and performance than other subcompact luxury SUVs.
The 2020 X1's appeal was extended with updated exterior styling and a larger grille. On the inside, the previous year's 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen was replaced by a larger 8.8-inch display as standard equipment.
The 2020 BMW X1 is a standout against other subcompact luxury SUVs with its powerful engine and sporty handling, as well as its spacious rear seats and large cargo capacity. The ride quality can be too stiff for some shoppers, though, so we suggest comparing it with the Mercedes-Benz GLB, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40 to see which fits your needs best.
All BMW X1 years
What is new for the 2020 BMW X1?
- Automated Parking and Remote Start features are now available as options on select trims.
2020 BMW X1 trims
SDrive28i:
- 228-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Smart Key
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leatherette Seats
- Memory Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- View our BMW X1 SDrive28i inventory
XDrive28i:
- Includes all features available on the SDrive28i
- 4WD/AWD
- View our BMW X1 XDrive28i inventory
BMW X1 photos
5 reasons to buy the 2020 BMW X1
What We Like
Quick acceleration: The BMW X1 accelerates to 60 mph in a mere 6.4 seconds, making it one of the quickest SUVs in its class. The powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine deserves a lot of credit, along with the added traction courtesy of available all-wheel drive and its eight-speed transmission that delivers quick and smooth gear changes.
Fun-to-drive: All work and no play make for a boring SUV, but the X1 is one of the most playful choices in the class. Its suspension is tuned for sporty handling, and it expertly reduces body roll when cornering while the steering enhances the experience with sharp responses. Opting for the xDrive all-wheel-drive system further improves performance with an abundance of traction.
Practicality: If you're worried the small BMW X1 won't hold everything you need, you could probably put that fear to rest. The X1 is much larger inside than you might expect. Adult passengers are easily accommodated in the rear seats, and the 27.1-cubic-foot cargo capacity is noticeably larger than the competition.
What Needs Improvement
Rough ride: As much as we like the BMW X1's sporty handling, it comes at a cost. The stiffer suspension tuning transmits a lot more bumps and ruts from the road into the cabin and can make for a busy and uncomfortable ride over rough pavement. The run-flat tires don't help matters, as more conventional tires are more compliant.
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the BMW X1 an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks BMW X1 11th out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the BMW X1BMW X1 features and specs
SDrive28i 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leatherette Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Run Flat Tires
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Alloy Wheels
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automated Parking
- Automatic Transmission
- Blind Spot Monitor
- CD Audio
- Front Seat Heaters
- Full Roof Rack
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Head Up Display
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Leather Seats
- Leatherette Seats
- Navigation System
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Smart Key
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
228
Torque (ft-lbs)
258
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
16.1
Wheelbase
105.1"
Overall length
175.5"
Width
71.7"
Height
62.9"
Leg room
F 40.4"/R 37"
Head room
F 41.9"/R 39.4"
Front tires
P225/50VR18
Rear tires
P225/50VR18
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2020 BMW X1 FAQ
The 2020 BMW X1 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- SDrive28i : 24 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
- XDrive28i : 23 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway
The BMW X1 received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the BMW X1 as 10 out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUV
The 2020 BMW X1 has received an average 5.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2020 BMW X1, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2020 BMW X1 Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2020 BMW X1:
- Automated Parking
- Remote Start
- Heated Steering Wheel
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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