A blue 2020 Cadillac XT4, which wins when comparing the 2020 Cadillac XT4 vs 2020 BMW X1, is driving over water while on a bridge.

The Battle Between the 2020 Cadillac XT4 vs 2020 BMW X1

 

If you are in the market for a luxury SUV, then you should compare the 2020 Cadillac XT4 vs 2020 BMW X1. Both of these elegant models can carry five passengers, and they each deliver optimal performance on the roads. Loaded with state-of-the-art features and advanced technology, you can’t go wrong with either vehicle. Let’s dive deeper into the differences between these two competitors.

What’s Under the Hood?

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 makes it easy when it comes to power and performance. Purring under the hood is a turbocharged 2.0-L 4-cylinder engine that pumps out 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, this model has a fuel economy set at 27 mpg combined (24 city/30 highway). If you want a little better traction, you can opt for the all-wheel drive system as well.

Similarly, the 2020 BMW X1 is also powered by a 2.0-L 4-cylinder engine. However, this version only generates 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The interesting thing about the X1 is that it can be equipped with either the front-wheel drive sDrive28i system or the all-wheel drive xDrive28i system. The average fuel economy for this vehicle is set at 28 mpg combined (24 city/33 highway).

Advanced Technology

An important part of any vehicle is the infotainment system. That’s why the new Cadillac XT4 comes with the Cadillac User Experience system. With this interface, you can navigate using 3D maps and natural voice recognition. Easily save your favorite destinations to quickly re-route trips to your places of interest. You can also save and access your phone contact list for making calls hands-free. Compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allows for seamless audio streaming as well.

The front black leather interior of the 2020 Cadillac XT4 is shown with an infotainment system.

On the other hand, the BMW X1 comes with the iDrive infotainment interface. Operating with Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto for audio integration, this system is comparable to the Cadillac’s when it comes to entertainment.

Both vehicles come with wireless charging pads to keep your mobile device charged without cluttering the cabin with annoying cables. They also both have a 4G LTE Wifi hotspot to keep you connected to your favorite apps everywhere you go. For additional music options, each one can have HD or satellite radio included as well.

Safety Feature

As with any vehicle, safety systems will vary depending on which trim level you go with. However, both of these models are luxury SUVs. They were built with families in mind. This means that they should have top-of-the-line safety systems available to those who want it.

On the Cadillac XT4, you will get rear park assist and emergency braking standard on all versions. As you move up in the trims, you will notice additional safety features such as blindspot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change alert, and adaptive cruise control. All of the functions work in unison to help keep your loved ones safe on the road. Another interesting safety feature is the rearview camera mirror. This allows the rearview mirror to function as a conventional mirror and as a video feed display that shows you what’s behind the vehicle.

The BMW X1 comes standard with frontal collision mitigation, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, daytime pedestrian protection, and a traffic sign reader. Additional safety operations like an automated parking system and adaptive cruise control can also be equipped on this SUV.

Cabin Design

When you slip behind the wheel of a luxury vehicle, you expect to be wowed. This is certainly the case with the Cadillac XT4. The base Luxury model is equipped with a power-adjustable steering column and heated front seats. The Premium Luxury version adds leather upholstery and driver memory setting to the front seat, and the Sport model includes athletically-styled design elements such as carbon fiber or real wood accents.

The BMW X1 offers a cabin covered in synthetic leather upholstery with high-gloss black accents and pearl chrome highlights. A sunroof can be added as well as sliding/reclining rear seats for versatility. If you opt for the M Sport package, you will get upgraded seats and an athletically-styled steering column for more of a race car vibe.

Exterior Styling

Let’s be honest. When it comes to luxury vehicles, we all judge the book by its cover. Cadillac and BMW have both cultivated a reputation for being elegant on the inside and sleek on the outside. Both are recognizable to other people on the road. Cadillac is known for its robust, aggressive styling, and BMW is easily recognized for its European-inspired exterior. Both come with a power liftgate that makes it easier to gain access to the back of the vehicle while your hands are full.

A birds eye view of a grey 2020 BMW X1 is shown.

Rolling on 18-inch alloy wheels with a 10-spoke design and a silver finish, the Cadillac XT4 base model is anything but basic. It also features satin aluminum exterior accents and signature LED lighting. The mid-level Premium Luxury version rides on the same wheels done in a pearl nickel finish, and it has satin aluminum roof rails for added storage. The chrome door handles are illuminated, and the lower bodyside moldings and fascia are done in silver. Optional on this trim are 20-inch alloy wheels with a 9-spoke design and Medium Android finish. The top-tier Sport trim features the same standard wheels in Argent Metallic. The roof rails and trim have been painted black, and the mesh grille adds a more athletic look. On this level, you can also opt for larger 20-inch alloy wheels with a twin 5-spoke design and satin finish.

The BMW X1 has fewer options for the exterior styling elements, but it’s still quite luxurious. Riding on 18-inch bi-color wheels with a Y-spoke design, this SUV features run-flat tires. The tailpipes are finished in bright chrome, and the exterior trim is done in matte chrome. Satin aluminum roof rails come in handy to travel with extra luggage or oddly shaped items that won’t fit into the back. Rear privacy glass is also included to prevent passersby from peeking inside.

Paint Colors

Lastly, we will cover exterior paint options. The Cadillac XT4 is available in 9 shades on most trims. These colors include Stellar Black Metallic, Shadow Metallic, Silver Dusk Metallic Radiant Silver Metallic, Crystal White Tricoat, Garnet Metallic, Twilight Blue Metallic, Red Horizon Tintcoat, and Autumn Metallic (burnt orange). The only exception to this is the base model, which is not available in Silver Dusk Metallic.

On the flip-side, the new BMW X1 comes in 12 colors including Jet Black, Black Sapphire Metallic, Sparkling Brown Metallic, Mineral Gray Metallic, Storm Bay Metallic, Jucaro Beige Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic, Dark Olive Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Alpine White, Mediterranean Blue Metallic, and Sunset Orange Metallic. If you get the BMW X1 xDrive28i model, you can have one more paint option. This one is called Misano Blue Metallic, and it is a bright blue hue.