2019 BMW X1 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The market is full of luxury crossover SUVs for a few really good reasons. Not only are they easier to park than their full-sized counterparts, but they are more affordably priced. And, of course, they're loaded up with a lot of nifty features. Yet, somehow, many of them make for really boring rides. The 2019 BMW X1 is an SAV (yes, you read it correctly; BMW calls it a Sports Activity Vehicle) defies that particular expectation with its strong mechanical performance. Driving this vehicle is actually pretty fun.

With its standard 2.0-L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the X1 gets a solid 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The 8-speed automatic transmission that comes with it gives the X1 some pretty seamless shifts between gears. Both versions of the X1 (the front-wheel drive X1 sDrive28i and the all-wheel drive X1 sDrive28i) are able to get up to speed pretty quickly on the highway. The front-wheel drive model can get from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds while the all-wheel drive variant makes it there in a meager 6.3 seconds. For this class, that's a decent enough time.

So, what are the other differences between the front- and all-wheel drive X1 sDrive28i models? Is there one that might possibly be a better choice for you than the other? While this is certainly an incredibly small line-up with little room for customization, it is pretty easy for most people to settle on front- or all-wheel drive (mostly depending on what type of climate they live in). The trick with the X1 is knowing which optional packages and stand-alone features you should slap onto your chosen vehicle.

For that reason, we will place a good amount of emphasis on both the standard and optional features on both variants of the X1 sDrive28i. Make sure that you read all the way through to the end of this comparison review. By then, you should have a clearer concept of which drivetrain (enhanced by a few specific packages) is the best fit for your unique needs.

Compare the 2019 BMW X1 sDrive28i vs All-Wheel Drive sDrive28i. What is the difference?

There is technically only one trim level for the 2019 BMW X1 - the sDrive28i. It is available with either front- or all-wheel drive. If you happen to live in the snow belt of the Midwestern United States, the all-wheel drive version is definitely the way to go. It provides even more reliability than the front-wheel drive and keeps its four wheels glued to the road in even the slickest of weather conditions. Also, as previously mentioned, both versions share a 2.0-L turbocharged engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. The engine pairs high-precision direct injection with a twin-scroll turbo-charger that has Valvetronic and Double-VANOS (in other words, it has variable valve control). An auto start-stop function comes standard, as do brake energy regeneration and electronic throttle control. The transmission has Manual and Sport shift modes included on it.

As far as handling and driving the X1 goes, you get to enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride courtesy of the gas pressure shock absorbers, stabilizer bars for both the front and rear of the vehicle, and performance control. You also get the benefit of having a Servotronic vehicle-speed-sensitive power steering system, Driving Dynamics Control (which includes COMFORT, ECO, PRO, and SPORT modes), 4-wheel ventilated disc anti-lock brakes that come with Dynamic Brake Control, and Dynamic Stability Control (which features a powerhouse combination of Brake Stand-by, Brake Drying, Brake Fade Compensation, and Start-off Assistant). Braking on both versions of the X1 feels secure, and drivers should feel confident in the capabilities of their vehicle, even when encountering rough road and weather conditions.

On the outside, both versions of the X1 sDrive28i ride atop standard 18-inch Y-spoke light alloy wheels. Privacy glass is given to the rear windows, and you can select from several options of non-metallic paint colors, which get accented by a chic matte chrome trim and satin aluminum roof rails. The tailpipes are also finished in chrome, and there are high- and low-beam halogen headlights and fog lights equipped on the front of the vehicle.

The interior of both sDrive28i models consists of some real top-notch luxury design elements, all of which are clearly crafted from high-quality materials. Each one of the front seats is 8-way power-adjustable and has one-way adjustable head restraints. The driver's seat has mirror and seat memory built into it. The seats are crafted from SensaTec upholstery, and there is an anthracite headliner to cap things off. Floor mats are also included for the front and rear floors. The high-gloss black interior trim is enhanced by a beautiful pearl gloss chrome highlight, giving the cabin a further sense of luxury.

Since this is a luxury vehicle that we are talking about here, you can rest assured that both the front- and all-wheel drive versions of the X1 sDrive28i come equipped with a lot of standard infotainment features. Of course, the list of features are the same between these two trim level variants. Standard audio features on the X1 include an anti-theft AM/FM stereo mounted into the dash, alongside a CD player that has a radio data system (RDS). There is a 7-speaker HiFi sound system that is given a 205-watt digital amplifier to provide a signal boost for the speakers. The X1 does have pre-wiring for the SiriusXM Satellite Radio tuner, and you can get a trial subscription for SiriusXM. Bluetooth audio streaming and an HD Radio system also come standard.

With regard to the instrumentation found on the X1 sDrive28i models, you will find quite a few standard advanced features. A one-year trial for smartphone app connectivity via Apple CarPlay is available, and the iDrive system has a 6.5-inch screen, on-board computer, eight memory buttons that you can program, and a controlled that can be used. Controls for cruise control, Bluetooth, and the audio system can all be found mounted onto the steering wheel. You can also access a lot of features via the BMW Navigation Business system, which includes a 6.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen monitor, a voice command system that has natural language understanding, and over-the-air (OTA) map data updates that happen up to four times per year. The X1's two variants also have dynamic cruise control, USB audio connectivity, a defrost function for the rear window, BMW's ConnectedDrive services, a rear view camera, a tire pressure monitor, advanced real-time traffic information, remote services, and BMW TeleServices.

With this being a luxury vehicle, you can also expect to find a lot of comfort and convenience features equally equipped on each drivetrain variant. Advanced Vehicle and Key Memory is there to remember your most recently used settings for features like the vehicle's lighting, central-locking, climate control temperatures and air distribution settings, power seats, the side mirrors, and radio presets. The engine has a stop/start button, and the steering wheel is tilt and telescoping. Other standard comfort and convenience features include air recirculation and a micro filter for the automatic climate control system, power front and rear windows with one-touch up/down on the front windows, an adjustable center arm rest for the front seats, plenty of cupholders for the front and rear, a power tailgate, front and rear park distance control, a storage package that makes the cargo area more dynamic and utilitarian, and extra 12-volt power outlets.

As you can probably imagine, safety and security features come in abundance on the X1's trim level variants. Both versions of the sDrive28i have a headlight protection system for the front and rear lights, automatic pretensioners for front safety belts, coded driveaway protection, an anti-theft alarm system, and LED daytime running lights that can be programmed. The Active Driving Assistant system is packed with features like frontal collision warning with a mitigation function for slow-speed city driving, speed limit information, and automatic high beams. BMW's Assist eCall system gives you an enhanced automatic collision notification and an emergency request (or SOS) button. Also, you get BMW Remote Services, which features a remote door lock/unlock function, the BMW Connected app, and stolen vehicle recovery.

Final Thoughts

There you have it. The only real difference between the two sDrive28i variants is that one is front-wheel drive and the other is all-wheel drive. Other than that, virtually everything is the same. Therefore, it is pretty hard to go wrong with either choice.

Of course, the all-wheel drive variant is a smart choice for anyone who has to drive in inclement weather conditions fairly frequently. Otherwise, the front-wheel drive does just fine. Since you will likely want to maximize the amount of luxury you get from your vehicle, you will have to think about adding a couple of packages to really boost the X1's upscale nature.

Go for both the Premium and Convenience packages. These two packages nab you some sweet features, such as heated seats, power-folding side mirrors, gorgeous ambient lighting throughout the cabin, and keyless entry. With these two packages equipped, the 2019 BMW X1 really will have you riding around in style and comfort.