- Styling and equipment updates for BMW’s compact crossover
- 2.0-liter turbo four with 228 horsepower
- Front-drive sDrive28i or all-wheel-drive xDrive28i
- Arrives late 2019
- Pricing not announced, current X1 starts at $34,950 (sDrive) and $36,950 (xDrive), plus $995 destination
Longtime fans of the brand might be skeptical that a front-wheel-based crossover can feel like a true BMW, but the BMW X1 does manage to deliver a credibly sporty driving experience while at the same time providing all the practicality this segment demands. Now the 2020 BMW X1 burnishes the formula just slightly with new feature content and minor styling revisions — none of which should jeopardize the X1’s position as one of our top picks among premium compact crossovers.
The X1’s new look
Styling changes for the 2020 BMW X1 move it more in line with the bigger members of BMW’s crossover family, the X3, X5, and X7. Up front, that means a larger grille with more sharply defined slats, flanked by redesigned optional LED headlights that incorporate a hexagonal light signature. The lower front fascia is reshaped with a larger opening and integrated LED fog lights. At the rear, the LED taillights are dark tinted and illuminate an L-shape. Larger twin exhaust outlets poke through a restyled rear bumper. The standard bi-color 18-inch Y-spoke wheels have a new design and can be swapped with Jet Black double-spoke units at no charge. New 19-inch wheels are optional.
The body kit that is part of the optional M Sport Package also has a new look with its own specific front bumper, rear diffuser, lower sill extensions, and wheel-arch moldings. The M Sport package comes with a unique 18-inch wheel design or optional 19s. There are also three new optional exterior colors: Storm Bay metallic, Jucaro Beige, and Misano Blue metallic.
Upsized screen
An 8.8-inch touchscreen is newly standard for the infotainment system (it previously was an extra-cost option over the base 6.5-inch unit). As before, navigation is included as is Apple CarPlay, but the latter requires an $80 annual fee after the first year whereas other manufacturers do not have an ongoing charge for the feature.
Contrast stitching has been added to the dashboard and floor mats. BMW’s SensaTec manmade upholstery remains standard, but buyers who spring for the optional Dakota leather get additional color-keyed trim on the dash and door panels.
sDrive or xDrive with a 2.0-liter turbo
Mechanically, the 2020 X1 is largely unchanged. The sole engine offering is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that makes 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, which drives either the front wheels in the sDrive28i, or all four wheels in the xDrive28i. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic, which for 2020 switches to an electronic rather than a mechanical shift lever (shift paddles are included as part of the M Sport Package).
Despite the revised transmission’s shorter (numerically higher) ratios in first through fifth gears, the factory-stated 0-to-60-mph times remain 6.6 seconds with front-wheel drive and 6.3 seconds with all-wheel drive. Both are fairly spry for this class. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2020 BMW X1 are not yet available, but we would not expect them to vary much if at all from the 2019 model’s 23/32 mpg city/highway (FWD) and 22/31 mpg (AWD).
As before, a firmer sport suspension can be added to the M Sport Package, but we’ve found the standard setup to provide a winning combination of responsive handling and a firm but not harsh ride.
When does the BMW X1 go on sale?
The 2020 BMW X1 should reach dealers late in calendar-year 2019.
How much will the BMW X1 cost?
Pricing for the 2020 model has not yet been announced but it shouldn’t stray far from that of the current version, which starts at $34,950 for the front-drive X1 sDrive28i and $36,950 for the X1 xDrive28i (all prices before $995 destination charge).
Can’t wait for the updated X1? Check current BMW X1 inventory at a dealership near you!
