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- Highs Eager powertrain, fun-to-drive nature, big cargo capacity.
- Lows Bar-stool shaped standard seats, slow-reacting infotainment interface, anonymous exterior design.
- Verdict The X1 might be the driver's choice, but it doesn't require compromising practicality.
Overview
The 2020 X1 is BMW's Mighty Mouse crossover, small but both effortlessly playful and uncompromisingly practical. It's powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that revs eagerly and smoothly with good fuel-economy ratings and plenty of power. The cabin is spacious for such a small crossover; four adults will ride in comfort, with room to spare for their luggage in the capacious cargo hold. It's this perfect blend of sport and function that has earned it back-to-back-to-back 10Best awards.
What's New for 2020?
BMW has given its smallest crossover a visual freshening for 2020, with larger front grilles, new front and rear bumpers, updated LED lighting elements, and fresh wheel designs. Last year's standard 6.5-inch infotainment display has been scrapped in favor of the previously optional 8.8-inch unit with navigation. BMW revised the eight-speed automatic transmission for 2020, but we haven't driven it yet so we can't confirm BMW's claim that it shifts faster and more smoothly than before.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We'd suggest saving the $2000 and sticking with the front-wheel-drive sDrive28i, since moving up to the all-wheel-drive xDrive model doesn't exactly improve the X1's chances of tackling the Rubicon Trail. We'd spring for the M Sport package, not only because we like its sportier, more monochrome appearance, but because we prefer that package's more sculpted sport seats.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
There is only one engine and transmission pairing for the X1: a silky 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo four provides plenty of pep as well as good fuel efficiency. In our all-wheel-drive test vehicle, we managed a 6.3-second zero-to-60-mph time, which is one of the quicker entries in this class. Front-wheel drive is standard; the optional all-wheel-drive system puts most of the power through the front wheels, although up to 100 percent of the engine's output can, for brief moments in low-traction scenarios, flow to the rear. The X1's ride is firm and it does not suppress the nastiest road imperfections; it's more sports car than SUV in this regard. The X1 has electrically assisted power steering, which filters out much of the tactility that makes driving BMWs a joy.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The X1 earns highly competitive fuel-economy ratings from the EPA, though the Mercedes-Benz GLA250 beats both its city and highway EPA numbers. Our highway testing proves, as always, that your real-world mileage may vary: the all-wheel-drive X1 we tested delivered just 29 mpg of its 31 mpg rating.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The X1's interior is nicely appointed and crafted from mostly premium materials. Poke around, and you'll find evidence that BMW's accountants repurposed funds from the interior. The glovebox door is as flimsy as a plastic lunchbox, and the bin hidden under the front seat, while useful, feels as if BMW bought it in bulk from a dollar-store fire sale. The cockpit has a driver-focused layout, reinforcing the X1's sporty personality. Facing the driver is a businesslike gauge cluster that looks elegant and is readable at a glance. The driving position is great, although the steering-wheel adjustments could use more range of motion in both angle and reach. The cargo area is carpeted, chrome-trimmed, and cavernous. We managed to fit seven of our carry-on cases behind the second row and 19 in total with the rear seat folded down.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The X1's standard infotainment system is intuitive enough, and it's easy to operate while on the go. All X1s come standard with an 8.8-inch iDrive infotainment system with in-dash navigation, Apple CarPlay capability (Android Auto is not offered), Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a USB port, and a seven-speaker audio system; a 12-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system is optional. The X1's infotainment system bundles navigation, radio, telephone, and the car's overall systems menu under the command of a rotary knob that fits comfortably beneath the driver's right hand. The controller is surrounded by shortcut buttons for phone, nav, and other functions.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
The X1 received five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration but missed out on a Top Safety Pick designation last year from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety thanks to headlamps that scored only Marginal in that agency's testing. Basic driver-assistance features are provided at no cost but more advanced technology will require adding option packages. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning
- Standard lane-departure warning
- Standard automatic high-beam headlamps
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
BMW's limited warranty and powertrain protection are ordinary for the class, but the company sweetens the deal with three years of free scheduled maintenance. The Lexus NX and the Lincoln MKC offer the same limited warranties and they provide six-year or 70,000-mile powertrain warranties, but both come with shorter periods of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles
