Lexus NX 200t versus BMW X1
With the popularity of Luxury Compact Crossover segment in the U.S., we bring you an interactive comparison between two models, BMW X1 and Lexus NX. However, since the Lexus typically offers the NX as a hybrid and a non-hybrid, we found it fair to compare the X1 with the non-hybrid NX 200t.
Powertrain and Drivetrain
For 2017 model year, BMW added a front-wheel drive sDrive28i trim for the X1. That's a smart move considering low market demand for all-wheel drive crossovers in the U.S., especially in states with high sales rate of crossovers and low weather conditions, such as California. Since its introduction for 2015 model year, NX 200t comes with a front-wheel drive option as well.
Power for both comes from inline four-cylinder turbo petrol engines. Lexus's engine produces 235 hp, which is 7 hp more than that of X1's. Torque is the same for both: 258 lb-ft.
Transmission and Consumption
The engine and the drivetrain are connected with automatic transmissions, that comes with 6 gears for the NX 200t and 8 for the X1. That extra two gears help the BMW to make more efficient changes of speed, that result in full 4 extra miles on the highway per a gallon of gas, and just one extra mile in the city; NX 200t is EPA rated at 22 / 28 MPG, and X1 at 23 / 32 MPG.
Performance
For both models the front-wheel drive version reaches 60 mph faster than the all-wheel drive version. BMW X1 sDrive28i beats Lexus NX 200t FWD by 0.7 seconds, reaching 60 mph from zero in 6.3 seconds. For AWD versions the times are 6.6 seconds for the X1 and 7.2 seconds for the NX.
Dimensions
Exterior dimensions of the NX are more in league with X1's bigger brother, the X3, as Lexus beats the X1 in every single measurement besides wheelbase. But despite consuming overall larger volume of space, interior of the Lexus NX isn't that big than the X1's. Front seat passengers get more leg and shoulder room but less head room in the NX. Second row passengers get less room in the NX than in the X1, and that's the main reason, along with the pricing, that we compare the NX with the X1 and not the X3.
Pricing
Since the 2017 X1 is now offered with a front-wheel drive option, which is a downgrade from 2016 X1's one and only all-wheel drive system, BMW has technically cut the starting price of the X1. The 2017 sDrive28i X1 starts from $33,100 and the xDrive28i from $35,100 which is a $300 increase for the all-wheel drive trim compared to 2016 model year.
Lexus has priced its compact crossover above the X1's price at $35,085 for the front-wheel drive, and $38,585 for the all-wheel drive trims.