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2020 BMW X1 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

2020 BMW X1 Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons: sDrive28i vs xDrive28i
Reviewed & fact checked by
James Murdoch

What 2020 BMW X1 Trim Level Should you Buy? What is the Difference Between Trims?

The BMW X1 range has been a standout series in the small SUV class ever since it initially debuted. The majority of this has been driven by the various features that come as standard with the vehicle, as well as the fact that it’s much more affordable than many others in the class.

For the past several years, the range has gotten a variety of updates and improvements, each of which has helped to improve the SUV’s performance and handling. Alongside this, there have been a variety of changes to both the interior and exterior of the range that has helped make it one of the more attractive small SUVs on offer.

These changes have continued with the 2020 BMW X1 range, which features quite a few notable adjustments compared to the previous year’s edition. While there is a small price increase alongside this, the improvements and extra additions that come as standard should more than compensate for this.

Further enhancing this has been the fact that there have been quite a considerable number of changes to the 2020 BMW X1’s exterior. While the range has traditionally been quite an attractive one on looks alone, the new release looks to make it one of the more stylish small SUVs on the market.

One of the most notable exterior changes to the new BMW X1 has been the addition of an enlarged twin-kidney grille at the front of the SUV, which is something that quite a large number of people may find attractive. The grille may be a feature that many people may find familiar, especially when it comes to the BMW range.

This is primarily because the design is strikingly similar to that of the grilles found on the much larger X5 and X7’s. Alongside this is that it’s somewhat reminiscent of the design found on the BMW 7 Series. However, this hasn’t meant that the twin-kidney grilles had gotten much of a decrease in size.

In contrast, while they have been adjusted to fit well with the overall BMW X1 style, they do give off much more of an over-sized look than many people would typically think. While this helps the 2020 BMW X1’s grille makes a statement, it still offers a certain amount of subtlety when doing so.

Alongside this, the 2020 BMW X1 includes a few notable features as standard that were previously optional upgrades with each of the earlier models. One of the standouts of these is an infotainment screen that comes in at an impressive 8.8-inches, which should be large enough for the majority of drivers.

The new BMW X1 series also features the return of a 2-liter engine that operates on four cylinders, and which provides quite a large amount of horsepower. Coming with an automatic transmission that works across eight speeds, the new edition boasts 228hp while also including a torque level of approximately 258lb-ft.

This doesn’t mean that the 2020 BMW X1 compromises on handling or performance, however. In contrast, the new entry offers quite an impressive amount in both regards, with the series outperforming many other small SUVs, especially those in a similar price range.

These help to ensure that the range has quite a sporty feel in terms of handling while also offering quite a responsive engine. Though not the most powerful small SUV you’ll find, the new BMW X1 does strike a much better balance for handling, power, and responsiveness.

There are quite a few more large changes between the 2020 BMW X1 and previous editions of the range, with these being spread out across the entire SUV. While many of these have focused on the exterior and under the hood, there have also been a few notable changes made to its interior.

This has predominantly made the range much more spacious than many potential buyers may expect. While this has been the case with each of the previous generations of the BMW X1, the 2020 model has had a variety of tweaks to help maximize this.

Despite being a relatively small SUV, it offers much more space than others in the class. As a result, drivers shouldn’t feel too cramped, with this extra space being seen in both the front and rear seats, although there’s also a noticeable amount of cargo space to take advantage of.

This is something that the majority of BMW fans should have come to expect, as the interior room is one of the primary areas where the manufacturer’s vehicles have always shined. Alongside side are a few changes to the seats and overall comfort features, which should further enhance this extra room.

However, that doesn’t mean that the 2020 BMW X1 skimps on interior features. In contrast, there are quite a significant number of them to take advantage of, with this being much more than many people would expect based on the SUV’s size. As a result, it outperforms the vast majority of other similarly sized vehicles while also giving some larger SUVs a run for their money.

While the 2020 BMW X1 range compares favorably to the majority of other small SUVs on the market, many people will want to compare the various trims that are available. There are two notable trim levels available, the sDrive28i and the xDrive28i, which is the same as each of the previous editions of the range.

While both of the trim levels are similar to the ones that have come before them, there are a few notable changes that many SUV lovers may not expect. Alongside this are a few noticeable differences between both of the ranges, with this being seen in more than just price points.

As such, both of the trim levels are worth a look into and a comparison, especially when it comes to figuring out which one offers the most value for money. When comparing the 2020 BMW X1 sDrive28i and xDrive28i, there are a few notable differences that make themselves apparent, although there mightn’t be as many as potential buyers may expect.

Compare the 2020 BMW X1 sDrive28i vs xDrive28i Trim Levels. What’s The Difference?

The 2020 BMW X1 sDrive28i is the base model of the range, although it offers quite a large number of features that make it stand out much more than lower-level trims available with other ranges. While much of this can be seen in the engine power that the sDrive28i offers, it can also be seen in quite a large number of other areas.

While much of this will be apparent from the exterior of the small SUV, the majority of it can be seen in the infotainment and safety features that come as standard with the trim. With the exterior, the over-sized twin-kidney grilles aren’t the only stylish highlight that the sDrive28i has on offer.

Instead, drivers will be able to take advantage of a much more refined SUV, especially when compared to the previous generations of the X1. This has primarily been because the range has received a variety of tweaks and adjustments that give it a much sportier feel than drivers may have seen beforehand.

Alongside this is the inclusion of aluminum 18-inch wheels that have been machined, which gives them quite a sturdy look and feel. The wheels also feature painted accents, which adds quite a stylish touch to an already attractive exterior.

The lights on the sDrive28i have also received a few tweaks and adjustments, with the front fog lights being much more visually appealing than they were before while still offering quite a large amount of functionality.

However, it’s with the interior of the 2020 BMW X1 sDrive28i that the majority of potential drivers will see the value for money that the vehicle offers. One of the most notable of these is that the SUV features both driveline and ABS traction control, which helps to add a certain amount of handling and performance to it, although this will predominately be seen in overall drivability.

Safety is another area where potential buyers will be able to take advantage of the new BMW X1 sDrive28i, as it includes a few notable features in this regard. One of the largest of these is the control parking assist, with the vehicle capitalizing on a high-quality system to deliver this.

Alongside this has been a variety of features that provide a large amount of drivability, with an improved navigation system being one of the most significant aspects of this. However, there’s also an LCD in the first row that should help to enhance this further.

There are also rain-sensing windshield wipers available as standard with the trim. While these mightn’t be the most well-used feature available with the 2020 BMW X1 sDrive, they could prove to be quite handy in a variety of circumstances. Given that these are automatic, they should be something that many drivers will be able to benefit from.

Infotainment also plays a central role with the trim, with there being several features to take advantage of, including a seek-scan radio that includes Satellite-prep, FM, AM, and HD stations. Though this isn’t a large benefit, it’s something that will prove to be quite useful, regardless of whether you’re using the SUV for city driving or taking it on long road trips.

The comfort level available with the 2020 BMW X1 sDrive28i is also quite notable, with this being driven by more than just the space that’s on offer. On the contrary, leatherette seats that take advantage of SensaTec technology could also prove to be a noteworthy benefit for the majority of drivers.

Heated mirrors may also play a certain role in many people’s decisions, although this could be relatively minor. A dual-zone heating system rounds out the comfort technology that’s available as standard, which can be enhanced further through the use of a front air conditioning system.

Perhaps the last notable feature that comes as standard with the sDrive28i is a smart device and keyfob remote entry system, which may be an attractive proposition to many drivers.

The 2020 BMW X1 xDrive28i includes each of the above features, although there are some notable differences. While it’s expected that the trim will be somewhat more expensive than its lower-level counterpart, it doesn’t seem to offer much for this additional cost.

This is primarily because the only real difference between the two levels is that the sDrive28i is a front-wheel-drive (FWD) while the xDrive28i is an all-wheel-drive (AWD). While this could make somewhat of a difference for many drivers, it doesn’t seem as vital as many people would expect.

As a result, many people could assume that the new X1 xDrive28i would have been better off as an optional package. Alongside this, the majority of people may believe that the higher-end trim mightn’t qualify as a trim at all, given how little of a difference there is between it and the 2020 X1 sDrive28i.

Though this is debatable, it’s something that could have a large basis in reality, although it could depend on how much emphasis you place on having AWD instead of FWD.

 

Which Trim to Choose?

While the exact pricing of the 2020 BMW X1 sDrive28i and xDrive28i is yet to be announced, if previous editions are anything to go by, then there’s quite a noticeable difference between them. Naturally, the xDrive28i should cost a few thousand more than its lower-level trim, although this doesn’t mean that you’ll be getting much value for money with it.

In contrast, since there are few differences between the 2020 X1 sDrive28i and xDrive28i, the more affordable trim may be the much more budget-friendly option. This is predominantly because the only real difference between the two is whether you have FWD or AWD.

Though the AWD that’s available with the 2020 BMW X1 may provide a certain boost when it comes to handling, this mightn’t be worth the additional price tag. Alongside this is the fact that the majority of drivers wouldn’t notice too large of a difference with the handling on either of the models, which could make the additional price somewhat of a waste.

As a result, the 2020 BMW X1 sDrive28i will be the better recommended of the two trim levels. While you’ll be able to adjust and improve both trims with a variety of packages, the base model still outperforms the majority of its competitors.

Since it’s set to be one of the more affordable models on the market, if its predecessors are any indication, this could mean that it’s one of the more budget-friendly small SUVs available. Alongside this is the fact that it includes quite a large number of features as standard, many of which will only be available as optional upgrades with other SUVs.

As such, the 2020 BMW X1 sDrive28i should be well worth taking a look at.
Used 2020 BMW X1:
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Previous BMW X1 Trim Configurations:

Compare the 2019 BMW X1 Trim Levels