2022 BMW X1

So you're a young exec with a kid on the way, and you've given up on the thought of piloting a Porsche Boxster to work every day. Don't worry, the BMW X1 is here to remind you that you can have a premium interior, lots of cargo space, and relatively lively performance all packaged in a neat subcompact luxury crossover SUV body suitable for families. The 2022 X1 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-pot delivering 228 horsepower and sends its power to the front or all fours via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The zero to sixty sprint time takes only 6.3 seconds in xDrive guise, and it rides well enough to appease the wife and kids. The BMW X1 will cost you at least $35,400, and competes with the likes of the Audi Q3. We like its strong performance and ample cargo space, but is that enough to make it a class leader? Let's find out.

The BMW X1 sees no exterior alterations for 2022 except for the discontinuation of a single paint color - Glacier Silver Metallic. Looking at images of the X1, you would believe it to be much larger than it actually is, but this handsome little executive SUV is neatly packaged. While we think the exterior does look a tad anonymous, it doesn't look worse than any of its competitors, and we actually prefer its looks over something like a Lexus NX. Exterior features for 2022 include 18-inch Y-Spoke bi-color wheels, Satin aluminum roof rails, rear privacy glass, and halogen head and tail lights. The M Sport package adds high-gloss Shadowline roof rails, 18-inch M double-spoke wheels, and Shadowline exterior trim. A panoramic moonroof and LED headlights with cornering lights are optional.

The BMW X1 is classified as a subcompact luxury crossover SUV and sizes up in dimensions to the Audi Q3. This means you get a total length of 175.5 inches, a maximum width of 71.7 inches excluding the mirrors, and a height of 62.9 inches. The front track is 61.5 inches and the track in the rear is 61.6 inches. The Audi Q3 is slightly longer at 176.6 inches but is just as high and slightly wider. The Bimmer X1 rides on a 105.1-inch wheelbase. The base model weighs in with a curb weight of 3,536 pounds, while the all-wheel-drive configuration comes in heavier at 3,706 lbs.

The BMW X1 SUV is dressed smartly in your choice of nine exterior colors. BMW offers the X1 in two no-cost colors, namely Alpine White and Jet Black. Metallic colors such as Black Sapphire, Mineral White, Cashmere Silver, Mineral Grey, Phytonic Blue, Misano Blue, and Storm Bay will cost you an extra $550. For 2022, BMW has removed Glacier Silver Metallic. Misano Blue Metallic is a striking choice but requires the M Sport Package for a total cost of $4,900. If we had a choice, we would get one in the optional Storm Bay Metallic, but this does come at a cost of $1,200.

Subcompact SUVs in the premium range are expected to offer sedan-like performance figures, and vehicles such as the X1 and Audi Q3 offer precisely that, thanks to strong turbocharged engines that provide lots of low-end torque. The BMW X1 is available with a single engine and transmission. What you get under the hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivering 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels, or all fours, via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Performance from this unit is plentiful, especially for a car of this size, and most will find ample power on request. The BMW X1 will manage a 0 to 60 time of 6.6 seconds in FWD configuration, dropping to 6.3 seconds for the AWD car, making it one of the faster cars in its class. Top speed is limited to 130 mph. The X1 has a towing capacity of 3,700 lbs.

The 2022 BMW X1 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels, or all four wheels, via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to a broad torque curve starting low in the rev range, the engine in the X1 feels very usable, especially around town where you barely have to wait for the turbo to wake up before you feel a surge of power. The same can be said for highway driving: the X1 is a confident cruiser and overtakes with glee. The engine and transmission combination is a great one; the eight-speed automatic shifts with crisp precision, and is surprisingly intuitive for an automatic box. In AWD guise, the X1 can send 100 percent of its power to the rear wheels for brief periods of time when traction in the front is lacking. With strong performance and smooth transmission, the X1 offers one of the best driving experiences in its class.

The X1 was never designed to be a sports car. Instead, BMW has aimed to provide a refined ride that, combined with a dose of composure, should leave the driver feeling confident and relaxed. The relaxed nature of the drivetrain, especially the refinement of that transmission, adds greatly to the overall driving experience. On the road, a test drive will reveal that the X1's ride is on the firmer side, but not to the extent that it becomes a serious issue, although low-speed road imperfections can get a bit jarring, especially when fitted with the M sport suspension package. The X1 behaves more like a dynamic sedan than an SUV in this sense. Unfortunately, the electrically assisted power steering in the X1 is overly coddled and phases out most road feedback, which makes it feel less like a BMW and more like an average small SUV. That being said, the X1 still feels stable and planted around corners, and will happily follow steering inputs with quick responses from the nose, while body roll is kept to a minimum. The brakes work well and inspire confidence, especially when pushing on.

The 2022 X1 is available in either FWD or AWD configurations, which will affect the amount of fuel consumed on average. With only around 3,500 pounds to lug about in FWD guise and a small-capacity turbocharged motor in play, the X1 is a surprisingly economical thing, especially when you consider its impressive performance. The EPA rates that the 2022 BMW X1 will manage best gas mileage figures of 24/33/27 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles. Going for the AWD model will see those numbers drop to 23/31/26 mpg. With a fuel tank capacity of 16.1 gallons, the X1 will manage a maximum range of between 418 and 434 miles, depending on drivetrain selected.

As with any BMW, the X1's interior is a premium place to sit in and is well crafted from top to bottom with a variety of soft-touch materials. We did, however, spot a few hard plastics in the form of a flimsy glove box, and the storage bin under the front seat also feels cheap. The naturally sporty feel of the X1's interior is highlighted by the fact that the dashboard design is driver-centric, and most of the controls are tilted slightly in favor of the driver. The buttons and general interface of the dashboard are simplistic and elegant, but smaller buttons can flummox bigger hands. Sitting inside the X1, front passengers will enjoy a great driving position that is lower than the average SUV in this class. Other highlights include a large cargo area. The X1 offers interior luxuries such as eight-way power front seats and automatic climate control.

The X1 is quite spacious when compared to competitors such as the Audi Q3, and offers enough space for five adults with ease. Getting in and out of the X1 is a pleasure seeing as its slightly lifted ride height means that you don't have to hunker down to get into the front or rear. Once inside, the front power seats fail to offer much support, but the seating position for the driver is the best in class in our books. Legroom is more than enough for taller occupants, and the same goes for the rear seats, which offer more space than the Audi Q3. The headroom is also satisfactory front to rear. The Premium Package adds power lumbar support and four-way adjustable comfort settings for lower back support.

The interior colors and materials on offer in the X1 aren't all-new, but they still feel as great as ever. The seats, in the base model, are upholstered in SensaTec leatherette, in your choice of Oyster and Black, or all Black. Optional Dakota leather colors include Mocha, Black perforated seats with blue highlights, as well as Oyster Perforated leather, and Black perforated leather. These optional colors go for $1,450, but the Black Perforated leather with blue highlights requires the fitment of the M Sport Package for a net increase of $4,350. In terms of trim, BMW gives you the option of one no-cost option, namely Black High Gloss. Choices such as Fine Wood Fineline and Brushed Aluminum will cost you an extra $350. Opting for Fine-wood Oak Grain requires the addition of the Luxury and Convenience packages, upping the cost overall. Opting for the Aluminum Hexagon with Estoril Blue matte highlights requires the M Sport Package. All cars get an Anthracite headliner as standard.

Not only is the interior of the BMW X1 impressive, but it also offers a sizable trunk and overall cargo space, which is an important factor when it comes to the SUV class. Accessing the trunk area is simple, thanks to a large power tailgate. The slightly lifted ride height means you'll have to work a bit harder to lift stuff in the back, though. Behind the second row of seats, the BMW X1 offers 27.1 cubic feet of space, but how much can you fit in there? Your monthly grocery shop for the whole family will easily be accommodated, and taking your two Golden Retrievers to the park won't be an issue, either. With the rear seats folded down, you get 58.7 cubic feet of space, which eclipses the 48 cubes on offer in the Audi Q3.

Small items can be stored in the front glove box, center console, as well as the front passenger under-seat storage bin. The X1 also includes a storage package that consists of nets on the front seat backrests. Four cup holders - two in front and two at the back - are provided, too.

Despite technically having two trims, the only real difference between these is the drivetrain; so, the X1 offers a set menu of features. There is a healthy number of optional extras for those that demand more, however. The interior features standard tech such as advanced vehicle and key memory, a system that controls and keeps track of climate control, exterior mirrors, and power seat settings. Other features include push-button start, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, Sensatec leatherette upholstery, automatic climate control, as well as rain-sensing windshield wipers and a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel. Safety features include dynamic cruise control, frontal collision wearing, lane departure warning, and front and rear park-distance control. Optional extras include added support for the front seats, ambient interior lighting, a universal garage-door opener, a head-up display, as well as an auto-dimming rearview mirror and heated steering wheel.

We found the infotainment system on the X1 to be relatively intuitive, despite some occasional lag. The iDrive infotainment system is controlled by voice recognition, steering-wheel-mounted controls, or a rotary knob. This system features an 8.8-inch hi-resolution display with navigation and advanced real-time traffic information. In terms of connectivity, it includes Apple CarPlay, BMW Connected Drive, BMW TeleServices, as well as a USB audio connection and Bluetooth streaming. SiriusXM satellite radio is standard. Android Auto has begun making its way into new BMWs, but this doesn't apply to the X1 just yet and might only arrive for the imminent all-new model. The sound system consists of seven speakers and a 205-watt digital amplifier as standard, but a Harman Kardon sound system with 12 speakers is available as an optional extra.

While the 2022 BMW X1 has not been affected by any recalls, 2021 models were subject to one recall for a passenger seat belt that may malfunction. The 2020 X1 was also only subject to one recall - for airbags that may not deploy in a rollover crash. The 2019 model suffered from three recalls, so it seems the kinks have been ironed out, however, and reliability is supported by a 75 out of 100 ranking from J.D. Power's reviews of the X1 last year which will probably carry over. And, an industry-standard 4-year or 50,000-mile basic warranty, as well as a drivetrain warranty for the same period, is standard. You also get a 12-year corrosion warranty, four years of roadside assistance, and a three-year/36,000-mile maintenance plan.

Safety rating agency NHTSA scored the 2022 X1 with a full five-out-of-five stars overall, although the frontal and rollover tests garnered four stars. The IIHS gave the 2021 X1 a spread of Good ratings for all crashworthiness tests with only the LATCH system scoring an Acceptable rating for its ease of use. The 2022 derivative should prove to be as safe as the previous year model.

This BMW X1 review wouldn't be complete without mentioning the solid number of safety features on offer. In comparison to the competition, the X1 has some good safety tech, including dynamic cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, eight airbags including front knee airbags, as well as a rearview camera. Advanced driver assistance tech includes frontal collision warning, lane-departure warning, and speed-limit info. An optional head-up display, parking assistance, active driving assistance, and adaptive cruise control with stop and go are also offered.

The X1 will be a wise choice for those who need the extra space of an SUV but don't want an overly bulky vehicle that will feel big and cumbersome. The X1 manages to offer a lot of interior space while at the same time delivering almost sedan-like driving characteristics. We'd go as far as to say it feels practically sporty in the way it operates, too. The ride might be a bit stiff when driving at lower speeds, but it always feels composed and eager to please. The engine is a gem, too - it pulls hard in any gear and offers more than enough go. The interior has a few hard plastic bits, but in general, it feels as premium as any other BMW product, and we appreciate the levels of standard features it comes equipped with. The infotainment system can feel laggy and Android Auto is missing, but the overall experience is decent. There's enough safety equipment and technology to make the X1 one of the safer cars in its class. We'd highly recommend looking at the X1 if you're in the market for a small luxury SUV.

The new BMW X1 is available in two configurations, FWD and AWD, with the sDrive28i set as the entry-spec model with the former drivetrain, and the xDrive28i as the latter. The base model sDrive28i goes for an MSRP of $35,400 in the USA and excludes tax, registration, and a destination fee of $995. Going for the xDrive28i model will cost $37,400. These prices are unchanged from last year. The Audi Q3 is slightly more expensive to begin with, at a base price of $35,900. Fully loaded, the BMW X1 price will top out at just over $50,000 including destination, if you layer on all the extras.

There is essentially only one trim for the 2022 BMW X1, even though there are two drivetrain configurations: sDrive28i and xDrive28i. Both share the exact same standard specifications, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228 hp, and eight-speed automatic transmission. The only difference is that the xDrive has all-wheel drive and costs $2,000 more.

Standard exterior features include automatic halogen headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, a power liftgate, rear privacy glass, and roof rails. Inside, both models have SensaTec leatherette upholstery, eight-way electrically adjustable front seats, automatic multi-zone climate control, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. The infotainment screen measures 8.8 inches and includes Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth streaming, an auxiliary connection, navigation, and a seven-speaker audio system. Safety fare includes eight airbags, front and rear parking sensors, a backup camera, and forward-collision warning.

As with most BMWs, you can individualize your X1 to perfectly suit your needs via a long list of optional extras and packages. Notable packages include the Convenience Package, which adds a universal garage door opener, ambient lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, as well as power-folding mirrors and such. This package will cost you $2,250. The $4,250 Premium package adds features such as Navigation system Plus, comfort access keyless entry, lumbar support for the front seats, and a panoramic moonroof. The $1,550 Luxury Package adds soft Dakota leather in a choice of three colors and a choice of three trim finishes - two in wood and one in aluminum. One of the more popular upgrades will undoubtedly be the M Sport package at $4,350 which adds 18-inch M double-spoke wheels, Shadowline exterior trim, and high-gloss Shadowline roof rails for $4,350. Standalone features worth mentioning are the Harman Kardon sound system at $875, wireless phone charging for $500, and LED headlights with cornering functionality for $950.

While there's only one trim level on offer, new buyers still get to choose between FWD and AWD models. The options list is also available to make your X1 more unique. If we had the money for one, we'd opt for the xDrive28i variant for the added traction benefits and we'd spec it with the optional moonroof and LED headlights. The interior would see the addition of the Premium Package, which adds goodies such as a universal garage door opener and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Other options we would include are the Harman Kardon sound system, wireless charging, as well as heated front seats.

The BMW X3 is a compact luxury crossover SUV that blends luxury and practicality in a rather beautiful package. As the name suggests, the X3 is the larger brother here. Power is provided by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque in either 30i sDrive and 30i xDrive spec. Power is sent to the rear or all four wheels via an eight-speed auto transmission. Power in the X3 isn't significantly more (unless you opt for the much more expensive M40i), and carrying more weight doesn't help either, but the X3 will still beat the X1 in a straight line. The fuel economy on the RWD X3 is 23/29/25 mpg city/highway/combined. The interior of the X3 is slightly more upscale and lacks the obvious hard plastics that can be found in the X1. The cargo area is more significant at 28.7 cubic feet, and there's more interior space as well. Standard features are in the X3's favor, with added goodies like a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, three-zone climate control, and LED headlights. But, with a higher starting price of $43,700, we would recommend sticking with the capable X1 unless you really need the extra space and luxury which the X3 provides.

As the name suggests, the BMW X2 is one step up from the X1 in the BMW chain of command. The X2 is arguably a more sporty crossover; it will appeal to those who don't need as much cargo space and who will appreciate the sporty dynamics closer to that of a traditional sedan. The X2 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. That's precisely what you get in the X1, although there is a 301-hp version of the X2 on offer for those who really want to go fast. The base model offers the same level of performance as the X1 and a best fuel consumption figure of 24/32/27 mpg city/highway/combined. The interior of the X1 and X2 are comparable, but with the X2 offering slightly less space, especially in the back. Cargo space is also down at 21.6 cubic feet. The interior of the X2 is similar to the X1 in terms of quality and features, with the X2 feeling slightly more sports-orientated. If you're after a more sporty driving experience and don't need the extra space, then go for the X2 - it only costs $1,200 more in base form.