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| CVT or 9-Speed | Transmission | 8-Speed |
| 2 | Engines Available | 2 |
| Yes | Android Auto | No |
If you’re shopping for a luxury vehicle, you shouldn’t buy just any model. The vehicle you choose ought to mark off every one of your automotive expectations, and deliver a quality drive that impresses every time that you get behind the wheel; this is especially true if you’re buying a luxury crossover. There are many luxury crossover models out there, though, and if you’re shopping in our dealership, you’re likely curious about the differences between two flagships: the 2020 Buick Encore GX vs 2020 BMW X1. Both of these vehicles are five-seat crossovers that attempt to provide luxury comfort and heart-pounding performance in a single package.
The 2020 BMW X1 starts off at an MSRP $35,200 and comes in one of two different trim levels: the BMW X1 xDrive28i and the X1 sDrive28i. This crossover may only provide two different configurations; however, the number of features packed inside strike a serious difference between either option. Facing off against the BMW X1 is the 2020 Buick Encore GX. This is another luxury crossover that comes in at a much lower starting price of $24,100 MSRP. On top of that, the Buick Encore GX offers up more trim levels, which include the Preferred, Select, and Essence. There are many ways in which these two crossovers differ from one another, and by looking at all the facts, we hope you can get a clear idea of which model might best fit your day-to-day needs.
Behind every great car is a great engine, and this fact is incredibly true when it comes to luxury crossovers. The engine that powers your vehicle plays a significant role in your overall experience, and can define how the specific vehicle acts on the road. That said, there is more to the performance of a vehicle than its engine, as it extends to all supporting equipment as well. By looking at the performance as a whole, we can get a clearer understanding of what each vehicle brings to the table.
Power output in the Buick Encore GX is made possible by a pair of turbocharged three-cylinder engines. While these two engine options are small, they ought not to be underestimated. The base 1.2-liter turbo-3 engine produces 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, all with the help of a rather nimble CVT. Front-wheel drive is standard in all models, although it isn’t the height of the Buick Encore GX’s performance levels.
Upgrade to a higher tier, and that CVT gets traded out with a swift-acting 9-speed automatic transmission. This transmission can be paired with a 1.3-liter turbo-3 engine that churns out 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. This second-tier engine allows the Buick Encore GX to jump from 0-60 in a meager eight seconds. Gas mileage in the Buick Encore GX is a remarkable highlight as well, as models with the 1.2-liter engine have an estimated combined fuel economy of 28 MPG, and models with the 1.3-liter engine still manage to earn an estimated combined fuel economy of 31 MPG.
Power in the 2020 BMW X1 packs a pretty serious punch, offering a 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine that’s partnered with 8-speed automatic transmission. This engine and transmission combo amount to 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain is supported by front-wheel drive.
The BMW X1 is available in all-wheel drive, and can spread torque evenly across all four wheels. There are also a number of different performance modes that drivers can take advantage of, such as the Sport mode, which amps up the overall performance. In typical BMW fashion, there is a range of additional packages that you can pack onto your purchase, such as the M Sport, which give you nifty paddle shifters for your transmission gears. Fuel efficiency is okay, but not great, with an estimated combined rating of 27 MPG. The all-wheel drivetrain option forces fuel economy to drop even further, with a combined rating of 26 MPG.
The inside of a luxury car can be just as important as the exterior shell and engine. Much of what makes a luxury vehicle is the features and level of premium comfort inside. And while flashy gadgets and smart technology can add up to an intuitive and lush experience, simple comforts like seating and cabin materials can all play a huge role in your overall driving experience.
The Buick Encore measures in at 171.4 inches in total, and delivers 50.2 cubic feet of storage room when you fold the second row of seating down. Synthetic leather is a standard feature in all models of the Encore GX, as is a brilliant 8.0-inch infotainment display that is powered with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Other standard features include keyless ignition, a six-speaker audio system, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. This is only the start for the Buick Encore GX, as upper-tiered models toss in bonuses like an eight-way power-adjustable seat for both the driver and passenger, a wireless smartphone charger, and a Bose premium audio system. What you get in the end is a luxury crossover that pulls out all of the stops to provide you the next level in comfort.
The interior of the BMW X1 is surprisingly basic, offering hard plastic materials for much of the cabin. You do get to enjoy 58.7 cubic feet of cargo spacing, but the lack of more premium materials may be a let down for some buyers, especially considering the high price. You do get the option of black or white synthetic leather interior, though, and the 37 inches of second-row legroom can be refreshing for some.
Inside the BMW X1 is a pretty sizable 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, however, it is only integrated with Apple CarPlay. Partnering this base infotainment screen are two eight-way power-adjustable seats and rain-sensing automatic wipers. You can upgrade this model to support additional features such as real wood accents, Dakota leather, a keyless ignition, and a panoramic moonroof, just to name a few. The power-folding mirrors also offer a bit to this crossover.
The expectations of safety in crossovers has changed over the years to include more than just a solid set of seatbelts and airbags. Nowadays, safety tech expands to proactive features that work to give driver’s enhanced awareness of both the road and their own vehicle. While some of these features come standard, others require an upgrade to take full advantage of the available technology.
No matter what Buick Encore GX you drive home in, you’ll be getting a solid spread of safety features. Automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and automatic high-beams are all included at no additional cost, something that is hard to find amongst competitors. That said, if you want to upgrade the model, you can, as higher tiers throw in features such as a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and automatic park assist. All totaled, the Buick Encore GX gives you the power to remain aware of the road with the assistance of intuitive technology.
The BMW X1 also gets automatic emergency braking as standard and is a part of a well-designed package that includes pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, and automatic high-beams. Much like its competitors, the BMW X1 can be upgraded, but nowhere in the feature listing will you find blind-spot monitors. This is a big miss on BMW’s part, as this is a feature that some non-luxury models are including as a standard addition.
At Rick Hendrick Buick GMC Duluth, we believe that no two customers are the same, and as such, no two dealer interactions ought to be the same either. Our approach is custom-tailored from start to finish, ensuring that the vehicle that you buy is one that you not only enjoy but love. We specialize in the sale of premium-level vehicles, and as such, believe that all of our services should live up to that standard. While we put a concerted effort in helping our customers find the car of their dreams, we also strive to ensure that the ownership process is just as smooth, comfortable, and luxurious. From the moment you ride off of our lot to your last mile with your vehicle, we’ll provide comprehensive automotive services that extend beyond the simple oil change or tire rotation. Our goal is to ensure that the car you buy lasts far longer than ever expected and that each mile behind the wheel is an absolute thrill. No matter what your specific auto-related needs might be, we strive to be your number one premium automotive provider.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.