BMW X1 2020 review

Is the BMW X1 the best compact luxury crossover/SUV? The 2020 X1 is among the oldest cars in its segment, competing with the excellent new Audi Q3 and the Range Rover Evoque, but is the X1 the BMW to buy? In today's video, a review of the 2020 BMW X1 xDrive25i, Tom drives BMW's entry-level crossover, looking into its dynamics, practicality and value for money - and discovers some ride and handling issues.
Watch our other new BMW content:
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New M135i review: • BMW M135i 2020 review:...
What do you think of the BMW X1? Is it outclassed by the new Mercedes-Benz GLB or Jaguar E-Pace? Do crisp driving dynamics really matter for this car? Should the X1 still be rear-wheel-drive?
Let me know all of your thoughts in the comments.
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Covers the exterior, interior, engine and handling of the BMW X1 2020 / 2020 X1 SUV.
READ our detailed Australian coverage of the 2020 BMW range here: chasingcars.com.au

[@ahmedkhalee4045]

Nice review - I tested the SDrive20 today and I cant agree more with you.. I was a bit disappointed with steering and cabin quietness.. also felt the slight lag in shifting

[@youliangyi3346]

You are absolutely spot on on the steering and suspension, I got 2017 340i, the steering only feels “okay” in comfort mode, suspension is big let down on overall performance of my car, even I got the adaptive damper, comfort mode is so so, under damping, pair with very soft springs, I think it’s because 19 inch runflat tyres. And sport mode over damped, car becomes very unsettle over uneven surface, on flat surface the damping didn’t give me any better support than comfort mode, anyway all in all the spring and damper are very unmatched. Apart from those it’s an amazing car.

[@a2.Milk85]

Just ordered my 2021 X1 20i with M sport package! cheers

[@dhruvsuri1]

Thanks for this review. This helped me pick the x1. The clincher was the last bit - Perfect for laid back driving. And yes, the badge mattered.

[@joshs3905]

Yes I completely agree with you. Since I've had my 340i I can't see myself driving any other car brand in my 20's-30's. Maybe a Porsche or Mercedes but Porsche is a little out of my price range and between Mercedes and BMW, I personally like the driving dynamics and the meaner look of BMW. I really love the car I have now, problem is the practicality. Even though it's a gran turismo hatchback, it sits a little too low to the ground for me, there could be more space, and it's a nightmare in the winter time. I do a lot of snowboarding in the winter and I camp almost every weekend in the summer, so I really wanted to get into something more practical for the space and for taking it through rougher roads. I was looking at the X1, X2. X3, and X4. I really wanted the X5 but it's a little out of my price range. To find one for under $65,000 I'd need to buy it used and most likely out of warranty. The X2 and the X4 seemed a little bit shorter VS the X1 and the X3. Between the X1 and X3 I really could hardly notice too many differences. It definitely looks a bit bigger on the outside, but from the inside they look exactly the same. Actually, the X1 felt slightly more spacious in the back seat VS the X3. Drivers seat I really didn't notice a difference in size. I think the biggest differences between the X1 and X3 are the engine options and extra add ons you get with the X3. But in my case, I was getting the fuel efficient 4 cylinder anyways, paired with the M sport package and premium enhanced package, so there was really no major reasons to be choosing the X3 over the X1. The X1 will be fantastic for road-tripping, awesome off-roading capabilities for those rough dirt trails when you're camping, a very reasonable amount of space for it's size, awesome fuel economy, and it looks and feels great to drive, and yes I appreciate the badge as well. Not to mention too that it's smaller on the exterior than the X3 and X5 so maneuvering through tight spaces, U-Turns, and tight parking spaces will feel more like a car vs a large SUV which is nice. Sucks trying to find parking in my pick-up truck lol

[@User-cb4jm]

“And yes, the badge mattered” - elaborate. There are cars that arguably feel more premium, drive well and are much better equipped for well under $50k like the Mazda CX-30 Astina. I can understand that a decade ago, leaving aside equipment levels, the interior quality of a base luxury car is often built on a better base than a top trim mainstream car - a byproduct of the badge, if you will. That is hardly true today. Or if you’re spending $100k+ on a car then luxury car makers will offer choices at that price beyond what is offered here. But at the entry level at $55k, when you need to still need to option adaptive cruise, dual-zone ac, leather seats, heated seats or as Tom mentioned the lack of availability of basic safety tech standard in other cars, the illusion of “luxury” falls apart, especially when it can’t even make up for it by “driving like a BMW”.

[@bennytuomolin4416]

Got the X1 xdrive 25e last year. Very nice!

[@seancotter4610]

As an owner 3 series 30e it was an easy choice to also get the x1 25e as our 2nd car! BMW is the best!

[@eddie4709]

Thank you for great review, are you going to review Diesel model too?

[@matthewgrayson8]

I think it looks great ! I can’t believe how burned everything was around the roads, the scenery is gone :(

[@chasingcars]

Yes, it’s devastating. We are happy to go up and shoot and spend our money with local businesses, however.

[@matthewgrayson8]

Chasing Cars All good hope and Thanks for the great content !

[@Josef8080]

"There is a small delay in sending torque the rear wheels in slippery conditions"

[@thechuggs8997]

I'm a sucker for that sterring wheel!

[@rajlovinglife]

the x1 is enticing from the exterior point of view ....but coming to the interior part it cannot be said for the same ...great review.....

[@chasingcars]

Thanks, Raj.

[@dennischeng4391]

Class review as always.Wish you guys all a happy chinese new year 😃😎

[@chasingcars]

Happy Chinese New Year!

[@Neil-Aspinall]

Is the sport suspension worth the extra 7,000 euros?

[@1chuckerdo]

Love our 2018 X1

[@FreddyGunawan]

Front Looks good

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, most people I spoke to like the facelift. But a BMW's talents need to be much more than just skin-deep…

[@adamskelly8105]

Thank you for the great review. If overtaking acceleration (e.g. 60-110 km/h) and driving dynamics would be the deciding factor would 25i be the pick? How much slower in overtaking acceleration would be the cheaper models (diesel 18d or petrol 20i) as compared to 25i? Thanks.

[@chasingcars]

60-110 I can’t say, but the 20i is only a second adrift of the 25i 0-100 - plus they share their basic engine - so it isn’t chalk and cheese. That said, if a vehicle like this is what you want and outright speed is the requirement, I would suggest checking out the X2 M35i (reviewed on this channel) or the forthcoming SQ2.

[@XYZ-ef3mo]

18d is slow. I have the xDrive20i and it's plenty quick enough for overtaking. The 20dis slightly slower but also fine.

[@GylfiTrastarson]

Tom Baker, the legend!! :-D

[@chasingcars]

You're too kind!

[@limpunsing224]

Not a fan of crossover but if I decided to buy one this would be on my list next to CX5 2.5t Nice review

[@chasingcars]

Fair point, though I think a CX-5's body control blows the X1 out of the water… at least on the M Sport suspension, which didn't hold up too well.

[@limpunsing224]

@@chasingcars Thanks for your insight I haven't driven a CX5 Though I like the looks especially inside

[@aquaboy1650]

CX5 2.5T vs X1 please!

[@chasingcars]

Aquaboy We have CX-30 2.5 versus X1 coming soon. Will look into CX-5 turbo as a future match up.

[@channelFCOD]

What do you think about the overall noise in the cabin/refinement, considering the fact that it is a premium SUV? (Own a Hyundai Tucson and searching for a good refined small SUV) Thanks in advance

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, it’s pretty quiet and refined in the cabin. However, the larger wheels introduce both a bumpier ride and more thumping sounds into the interior.

[@channelFCOD]

Chasing Cars thanks again, i tested a runflat 18 inch version on urban roads and the thumping noise came through

[@dacoitonnet]

Can you suggest between x1 20i and Cx-5 gt awd?

[@User-cb4jm]

The Mazda is roomier, better equipped (top end CX5 and base X1 are the same price) and more reliable. The BMW looks a little nicer and has a posh badge. That’s it. Don’t allow emotion to cloud your judgement - if your gut feel is the CX-5 then go for it no matter what the badges tell you.

[@alexdee5341]

I am saddened and devastated by the scenery Sir. :(

[@chasingcars]

Thank you for your note.

[@lalaisgongon]

Are you guys going to review the new 1 series!

[@chasingcars]

Our M135i review is up on the channel - 118i coming soon. Enjoy!

[@XYZ-ef3mo]

@@chasingcars I've driven both and they felt like toys. 118iwas poor in the corners. I went for the X1 xDrive20i xLine UK spec. It does have lane assist, adaptive cruise etc in a package. Very happy.

[@malcolmscott4150]

Any wagon - fir this money Mini Clubman JCW please but I’d prefer a 3 series touring over both :)

[@chasingcars]

Fair enough too, Malcolm.

[@alexyoong9863]

this is 120,000 USD in Singapore cos of tax

[@MtYagan]

From the 07:53 you can see the fire effects on the forests unfortunately (((

[@chasingcars]

Yes - a very haunting landscape.

[@collinsomollo979]

your not even focused on the car hehehe

[@cyrilmatthew2995]

People complained about the old X1 being a 3 series wagon.... Even i said that..now i realise that atleast it was RWD

[@chasingcars]

Yes… the old reviews of the first-gen X1 sound a little ridiculous now. A slightly raised 3 Series wagon with RWD? That sounds fine to me!

[@cyrilmatthew2995]

@@chasingcars i mean the place where i was from .... people couldn't differentiate X! and 3 series ...,bmw charged premium for X! over 3 series ...so -ively people called it as a 3 series with anelongated roof. EVen i trolled it, now i regret ...ATLEAST THAT CAR WAS RWD ....

[@MrJarod2003]

X1 is looking more like a giant hatch now , doesn’t have the suv look anymore

[@HenryTTo]

Thanks for an informative videos. I have a question about the drive away price. As the drive away price is closing to $69,000.00, however I have recently visited BMW dealer in ACT and seen the same car as brand new car in the show room which had a price of closing to $79,000.00. Why is the price so much different by $10,000? Thanks Tom.

[@tremainebrown2694]

HenryTo Crazy how much it costs over there, in Sweden the entry level is around 39.000$, while a fully specced one can go up to almost 55.000$, and thats the hybrid version which is the most expensive one here (46.000$ without any spec).

[@daweigo6851]

Maybe options?

[@helenennekens7696]

no adjustable seat belts - not acceptable for short drivers

[@dennissulit1757]

Set up a patreon so I can skip a few adds haha

[@chasingcars]

Will consider that.

[@davidoldridge3138]

Does Australian market get its own suspension spec? X1 is regarded as best in class in Europe.

[@chasingcars]

No, we get the same tunes. However, European roads couldn’t be more different than Australian roads. Our tarmac is scarred and potholed away from the cities (and even in the cities!) which poses a huge challenge to cars that are underdamped

[@prabhusoft]

@@chasingcars or is it because of the m sport in the review?

[@adrianopereirapereiradasil8274]

e tao bonita que parece briquedo ou ou o carro de jesus cristo

[@ravinm]

has the lighting improved compared to the pre-facelift?

[@chasingcars]

This car had the LED headlights that were quite powerful. I’m afraid I can’t give a very good comparison to the previous lights as I don’t remember how good or bad they were.

[@ravinm]

@@chasingcars thank you , the preface lift was quite poor and only the outer lights had illumination the inner ones were just for looks to maintain the 4 barrel design

[@rollingreggie9576]

Should have an option for a 6 cylinder

[@chasingcars]

In a vehicle that is essentially FWD? I think it’s fair that the X3 is the first six-cylinder step. Remember, the X1’s AWD system cannot send more than 50% of torque to the rear wheels.

[@andreasm104]

I have a 2011 X1 Xdrive25i, it's got a 3l 6cyl engine.

[@rollingreggie9576]

Sam Martin ya the first generation x1 came in a 6 cylinder I have one also this is the f48 2016+

[@KYLEE-]

are you in south africa

[@tpv59]

Australia!!!

[@user-ut6dw7ow9n]

Very Aussies accent, can not be wrong 😅

[@ashokshah1981]

Lunch BMW X 1 In NEPAL Team!

[@myrnathorne5791]

No Spare tyre bmw x1

[@riloh58]

Myrna - I think this is a terrible oversight. I was shocked when I learned that. Higher spec models come with run flats BUT this is at least in principle a vehicle that can handle some rough terrain and it has no spare. !!!

[@nextfall1047]

Im not sure why anyone would pick this car over the Volvo XC40 or Audi Q3 ?

[@chillimocha]

Volvo is now owned by the Chinese, that's the one and only reason you need to not even consider the Volvo.

[@lov758]

Because its bmw❤

[@nextfall1047]

@@lov758 BMW aint what they use to be sadly

[@akeeldberg5218]

Kilowatts? Horsepowers please.

[@chasingcars]

No, in Australia we use kilowatts.

[@akeeldberg5218]

@@chasingcars It would really help if everyone provided both measurements. As well as km/h in addition to mph, and liters/km as well as miles per gallon. It's annoying to be forced to stop the film, open the conversion widget and make calculations. If the person posting the film would do this, it would only need to be done once, instead of everyone outside Australia having to do it.

[@snoopy13946]

Everyone uses kilowatts, sir, except Americans and perhaps the Brits. It’s about time they caught up with the modern world and the metric system. Don’t ask the Aussies to go backwards in time.

[@akeeldberg5218]

@@snoopy13946 In many places the authorities are trying to make people use kilowatts, but most people still use horsepowers in Scandinavia. I think also in Germany and France. Try looking up some cars in Wikipedia in different languages, that should give you a fair image of what is used. IMHO it's time the kilowatters abandoned their modernism and went back to traditional stuff that non-engineers can understand. :-)

[@selldivision]

Apocalyptic scenery.

[@chasingcars]

Certainly gives you a lot to think about.

[@Moonface00z]

for a suv that ground clearance is awful

[@sylphide1447]

This X1 is still "entry level" for a luxury car. No auto hold, no blind spot detection, no tweeter for hifi option... If you get a nice deal and accept these limitations, why not. Full price? No.

[@TheEtbetween]

Honda CRV 2020 touring comes with way more features and much more reliable! And less. Why do BMW charge you for everything!

[@chasingcars]

High-spec mainstream cars make good alternatives to low-spec luxury cars

[@pistoleer3572]

Still no reversing Camera as Standard, Cheap Ass BMW again

[@ZORANSKORIN]

Very bad review 🤨🤨🤨

[@chasingcars]

Can you pinpoint some specifics there? Happy to provide extended reasons for any of the points made.

[@ZORANSKORIN]

@@chasingcars sure,I can see from the start that you dont like the car that much.I read all reviews of the x1 and own a car so I can say that I know something about car.You are saying some things here which no other journalist ever said and that a bit strange.I am talking about driving dinamics and that is the area in which this car is the best in class for sure.Also the materials in cabin and very solid feeling whan you driving are best in class.I drove everything in this class and this one was clear winner.Also I compared all aspects of all cars in this class and X1 was also the one to choose.So,the driving,engine,gearbox,materials are best and of course the badge does nothing to me.