Used 2020 BMW X1

The 2020 BMW X1 may be one of the least expensive and most enjoyable products in the BMW stable. Its tiny size, powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and adept suspension harken back to a time when BMW’s primary mission was driving enjoyment. However, the X1 pays a price for its performance credentials, namely in the areas of ride comfort and cabin noise, something many luxury buyers won’t appreciate.

For those seeking a nice balance between the two sides, the less expensive Lexus NX, Audi Q3 or Mercedes-Benz GLA might make a better choice. And while the X1 xDrive28i is a very capable vehicle in the snow, it can’t match the off-road chops of luxury competitors like the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque or even non-luxury makes like the Jeep Compass Trailhawk.

Some people complain that BMW has lost its way, that its cars and SUVs are too big and overly technical to enjoy the simple art of driving. For those who hold such ideas, we suggest a brief (or extended) turn behind the wheel of the 2020 BMW X1 xDrive28i.

Its nimble size and lightweight body maximize the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine’s output, while the available M suspension and precise steering allow this little Bavarian crossover SUV to speed through curves and corners without a worry in the world. Even once up to speed, the X1 has no issues with passing or merging, and the revised 8-speed transmission shifts smoothly and with less hunting. Fuel-economy estimates of 31-mpg highway came in pretty much spot-on, and that was with us flogging the X1 most of the time.

Now, for the bad news. The X1’s taut suspension also makes for a rather stiff ride, one that seems to telegraph every little bump and blemish in the road. The cabin is also a bit noisy, and the X1’s standard seats feel like hard upright lawn chairs in desperate search of padding. The M package sport seats are a bit of an improvement, but will add $5K to the bottom line. And, while the xDrive system is great for cornering on dry pavement and slushy snow-covered roads, without the right wheel/tire combo, even light off-roading isn’t recommended.

The BMW X1 for 2020 is a 2-row/5-passenger SUV with plenty of room for people and cargo. Rear-seat passengers have excellent legroom unless the front passengers are so tall they have the front seats in their rearmost position. If this is the case, we recommend spending the additional $300 for the sliding rear-seat option that also reclines. Up front, power seats are standard.

This baby BMW’s dash is sleek and angular. Materials have a premium look and feel, such as the soft-touch dash and wood accents. The standard SensaTec fake-leather seating feels down-market, though. The seat bottoms have a rather hard design that makes it difficult to get comfortable on long trips, especially noticeable around the driver’s thigh and lower back. A new 8.8-inch infotainment display graces the upper dash.

For 2020, the BMW X1 crossover SUV gets a makeover. The most noticeable changes happen up front where the trademark BMW double-kidney grille gets a big dose of growth hormone. The look is somewhat polarizing, with a love-it-or-hate-it attitude, but it does bring the X1 in line with BMW’s other SUVs. The front bumper is also new, with sharp creases and larger openings for a more aggressive stance. Available LED headlights and fog lights complete the upgrade.

Around back, a similar bumper is augmented by tinted taillight lenses and wider tailpipe openings. The M Sport Package gets an aggressive new look, and new paint and wheel options are offered. The overall effect makes the X1 appear wider and meaner, without making the vehicle unrecognizable to BMW purists.

POWER TAILGATE
While many luxury brands bundle features like a power liftgate into expensive option packages, the 2020 BMW X1 makes it standard. However, if you want to buy a pricey upgrade, the Comfort Access option in the Convenience package triggers the tailgate to open with a simple swipe of the foot.

APPLE CARPLAY
Smartphone connectivity is a must in cars today, so while we’re still holding out hope BMW will add Android Auto to the mix, for now the standard Apple CarPlay will have to do.`

A base 2020 BMW X1 sDrive28i comes with front-wheel drive, while the xDrive28i includes all-wheel drive. Standard equipment includes 8-way-power front seats, automatic climate control, power tailgate, rain-sensing windshield wipers, cruise control, park distance control, rearview monitor, push-button ignition, and 18-inch wheels with run-flat tires.

The standard infotainment system includes an 8.8-inch display screen, 7-speaker AM/FM/HD Radio/CD player with USB input and Bluetooth audio streaming/phone connectivity, navigation and Apple CarPlay. The X1 also includes the BMW Assist eCall emergency-request system with an SOS button, forward-collision warning with low-speed emergency braking, lane-departure warning, high-beam assist, complimentary scheduled maintenance for four years/50,000 miles, and roadside assistance for four years/unlimited miles.

As with most BMWs, there are plenty of ways to upgrade the X1, and they can make the vehicle’s base price climb quickly. Even most of the X1’s exterior paint colors are extra money, unless you go with non-metallic black or white. Other notable extras are bundled into packages and include a panoramic moonroof, head-up display, motion-activated liftgate, power-lumbar support, leather interior, heated front seats, and 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Stand-alone options include heated seats and steering wheel, wireless charging pad, LED headlights and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and driving assistant. The M Sport package adds a more aggressive suspension, wheel-and-tire package and automatic transmission plus sport seats, aerodynamic kit and Shadow roof rails and exterior trim.

The sole powerplant for the 2020 BMW X1 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes 228 horsepower. BMW promises the X1 can hit the 0-60-mph benchmark in 6.3 seconds. A Sport mode livens throttle response and stiffens steering feel, while Comfort and Eco modes tone down settings.

The X1 offers the option of front-wheel or all-wheel drive (FWD, AWD) and uses an 8-speed Aisin automatic transmission. A start/stop system shuts off the engine at idle to save fuel. If you find the restarts jarring, it can be defeated. Premium gasoline is recommended.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
228 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/33 mpg (FWD), 23/31 mpg (AWD)