Actions Speak Louder Than Reputations

With a longstanding racing heritage, BMW is known for its sport-tuned capabilities and elevated driving experience. A sculpted frame and full LED headlights hint at the power found with the X1. For a more dramatic design detail, the optional M Sport package adds black mirror caps, colored brake calipers, and other sport-tuned design elements that tease its capabilities.

On the other hand, the Acura ADX features a Diamond Pentagon Grille and crisp LED headlights and taillights, with shapes inspired by motorsport chicanes. While the X1 catches eyes, the Acura ADX turns heads with performance that matches its looks and driver-focused agility.

The ADX’s Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) offers a subtle but essential performance advantage over the X1's 7-speed automatic transmission. While the BMW transmission shifts through fixed gears, the ADX provides seamless, adaptive power that constantly adjusts to your driving habits. The result is less hesitation, quicker transitions, and a more refined driving experience that's perfect for those who want performance that feels effortless.

Handling That Backs Up Its Power

Whether weaving through city streets or taking the scenic route, the Acura ADX and the BMW X1 deliver handling that inspires confidence. Selectable drive modes help fine-tune every response to match your style. Luckily, the ADX and the X1 each feature their own system: Integrated Dynamic System with the ADX and My Modes with the X1.

You can access three similar modes regardless of which SUV you choose. But the ADX isn't content with stopping at three modes. When optionally equipped, these five modes adjust throttle response, efficiency, and steering wheel feel to match your driving style:

• Comfort
• Normal
• Snow
• Sport
• Individual

When traction matters, you need a drivetrain that instills confidence. The BMW X1 offers standard xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD), while the ADX delivers freedom with either front-wheel drive or an available all-wheel drive system, letting you pick the system that works best with your lifestyle. Both AWD systems enhance grip, but the ADX may offer more confidence by sending up to 50% of power to the rear wheels for added security, especially when conquering tight turns.

Age Is But a Number

Undeniably, the Acura ADX and the BMW X1 are thoughtfully designed SUVs that will help you stand out as you travel around town. Yet, each SUV tells a different story.

The X1 feels more tailored for the workforce with its mature stance reflected through optimal proportions and executive-style wheel designs. Its muted color palette reflects this professional appearance, with over half its colors falling in a monochromatic scheme. For those who prefer bolder, daring colors, drivers must go through the specialty BMW Individual, a bespoke design program.

On the other hand, the Acura ADX is a breath of fresh air. Its chiseled lines and contours make it expressive and daring, while vibrant hues like Milano Red and Adriatic Sea Blue reflect a youthful side that the SUV segment otherwise lacks. Even timeless shades like Urban Gray and Platinum White reflect a sense of youth, thanks to the premium paint technology that adds unparalleled depth, giving these colors a shimmery, in-motion appearance even when standing still.

With no shortage of design options, the ADX reflects your aesthetic. Some of the optional design elements include:

• Front & rear underbody spoilers
• Logo pattern projector welcome lights
• Illuminated front A-Mark grille emblem

The dynamic design elements of the ADX invite attention and reward it with style that lasts.

Distinctive Personalities That Speak Volumes

Modern styling continues inside the Acura ADX and the BMW X1. With three trim levels, the ADX offers three ways to match this SUV to your style. From understated elegance to athletic flair, the ADX has a personality for you:

• Classic ADX: Speaks to a simplistic design with Ebony leatherette upholstery and sophisticated Gloss Black accent trim.
• A-SPEC®: Adds sporty elements with two-toned leatherette upholstery with microsuede accents for a textured look.
• A-SPEC® Advance: Elevates the driving experience with Silver Metal accent trim and leather-trimmed upholstery in three shades.

Unfortunately for BMW X1 drivers, only one trim level is available with its base configuration. This drastically limits personalization, especially since the X1 only offers leatherette upholstery. Why fit into one category when you can define your own?

Always in the Know

Staying connected is a must. The Acura ADX and the BMW X1 make it easy with their cutting-edge infotainment systems. The X1 takes a bold leap with its curved, panoramic display that measures more than 20 inches of digital real estate. A single, sweeping display adds visual appeal, but will the divergence from the conventional dual-screen setup pay off? With one continuous display, it’s possible to experience a steeper learning curve when navigating the layered menus.

While the BMW X1 dazzles with its panoramic display, the Acura ADX makes technology intuitive and keeps things simple with its separate touchscreen display and digital instrument cluster. Beyond the familiar, simple infotainment setup, the optional Google built-in streamlines the overall driving experience with its many features, including Google Assistant.

This advanced interaction feature can recognize natural voice patterns and respond accordingly to adjust cabin temperature, locate nearby points of interest, add calendar reminders to your phone, and even help create a grocery list while heading to work.

The BMW X1 has similar functionality with its BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which covers the basics. But without Google capabilities, the X1’s voice commands tend to stop at vehicle functions, whereas Google built-in harnesses everything from navigation to reminders with natural voice recognition.

Confidence from Every Angle

The Acura ADX and the BMW X1 refuse to leave anything up to chance. Each SUV features a suite of advanced driver-assist features that offer enhanced protection with sensory alerts when easy-to-miss hazards are detected. These alerts provide ample time to take corrective action. When certain conditions are met, gentle braking or steering support can intervene to help prevent a collision.

While AcuraWatch™ with the ADX and Active Driving Assistant with the X1 operate similarly, the ADX includes twice as many standard driver-assist systems as the BMW. Some of the most notable features included with AcuraWatch™ are:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System™ with Pedestrian Detection
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Lane Keeping Assist System
• Blind Spot Information System

While some of these features are offered with the X1, drivers must upgrade to one of two driver-assistance packages to obtain features like Traffic Jam Assist, which are standard with the ADX.