BMW is freshening up its most popular “Sport Activity Vehicle,” the X1, for the 2020 model-year.
The X1 is the Bavarian automaker’s best-selling crossover worldwide, and its third-most popular X model in the U.S., so, with the current version already four years old, it is clearly time for a facelift.
And that’s primarily what you’ll see when the 2020 BMW X1 rolls into showrooms later this year: new front and rear styling – in line with the changes we’re seeing on new models like the X7 — along with some modest updates to the SAV’s interior
Up front, the X1 falls more in line with BMW’s latest design language, starting with a larger version of the familiar double-kidney grille which now connects in the center. The grille is framed by new, hexagonal headlamps – with LED lighting available as an option. The front end redesign also adopts the more prominent chin we first saw on the new BMW X5 and X7 models. And larger bumper air intakes surround new horizontal driving lamps, replacing the old, round lighting.
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The changes to the rear of the 2020 X1 are more modest, the SAV getting new tinted LED taillights with L-shaped light bars meant to give the crossover a wider, more planted appearance. The tailpipes are also nearly 30% larger, at 90 mm.
The X1 will continue to be offered with an M Sport Package for 2020 and it offers buyers a more aggressive aerodynamic package than with the outgoing, 2019 model, with a new and unique front bumper, side skirts, wheel arch trim and a rear diffuser in body color.
The new model now greets the driver with a two-tone projection of “X1,” when the door is open.
But the most notable interior update comes with the adoption of a new, electronic gearshift that frees up space and connects to the X1’s eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
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Targeting young, tech-oriented buyers, the 2020 update gets a 6.5-inch central infotainment display, though an 8.8-inch screen is available as an option with the navigation package. The system features Apple CarPlay compatability and it can be operated by voice or by using the latest version of the familiar BMW iDrive controller.
There are several different powertrain options available worldwide. For the U.S., however, power continues to come from a 2.0-liter turbo-four that punches out 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. That will let a driver launch from 0 to 60 in 6.6 seconds in the front-wheel-drive X1 sDrive 28i package, and 6.3 seconds in the all-wheel-drive X1 xDrive28i.
Pricing is set to be announced closer to the 2020 BMW X1’s on-sale date later this year. The current, sDrive28i model starts at $34,950 plus delivery fees.
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