2022 BMW X1

　　

2022 BMW X1 Review

byRonald MontoyaSenior Consumer Advice Editor & Content Strategy

　　Ronald Montoya has worked in the automotive industry since 2008. He has written over a thousand car related articles and bought and sold over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Ronald is a senior consumer advice editor and content strategy at zzdcar and has also contributed to the Associated Press. He has also been featured on ABC, NBC and NPR on a number of car shopping topics. He got his start in the auto industry by taking a part-time job at a car dealership, where he worked in the service and accounting department.

　　The BMW X1 is an extra-small luxury SUV. In BMW's lineup, the X1 is smaller than an X3 but offers more practicality than the sportier-styled X2. It comes standard in front-wheel drive and offers optional all-wheel drive in the higher trim levels. Our editors have praised the current X1 for its fun-to-drive demeanor and excellent cargo space and passenger accommodations.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 BMW X1 sDrive28i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$168/mo  for X1 sDrive28i

　　X1 sDrive28i

　　sDrive28i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $35,400 MSRPxDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $37,400 MSRP

　　vs

　　$167/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　The X1 goes into 2022 with no significant changes. It did receive a midcycle refresh in 2020, which gave it a face-lift in the front and rear, plus a larger infotainment screen. There's a strong chance that the BMW X1 will be fully redesigned in 2023, so that might be something to consider if you enjoy the feeling of having the latest body style in your SUV.

　　That said, this current X1 is still a solid choice, as it sits near the top of our subcompact luxury SUV rankings. Its closest competitor is the Mercedes-Benz GLB, a subcompact SUV that has a generous cargo area and offers an optional third row of seating. The X1 also competes with the Audi Q3 and Lexus UX 200. If you want a greater emphasis on technology, the Q3 might be worth looking into. And while the UX 200 doesn't score as well in our ratings as the X1, it does offer a fuel-efficient hybrid option. Check out our in-depth Expert Rating to learn more of our take on the 2022 X1.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　8.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the X1 drive? For those who remember the Ultimate Driving Machine days of BMW, the X1 still feels like a vehicle of that era. Its all-wheel-drive system adds curvy-road agility and confidence, supported by responsive steering and excellent brakes. It may be an SUV, but it sure behaves like a performance hatchback.

　　Power delivery from its turbocharged engine is smooth and ample. In our testing, the X1's sprint to 60 mph took just 6.4 seconds, which is among the quickest times in its class. This would be all for naught if the X1 didn't perform at slower speeds as well, but we found it easy to drive in routine driving. Shifts from the eight-speed automatic transmission are quick and responsive.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the X1? The seat cushions are on the firm side but are also highly adjustable; even the lateral support can be adjusted, which is rare in this class. Ride comfort — or the lack thereof — is the X1's most glaring weak spot. You'll feel a lot of bumps in the road because of the stiff suspension tuning and run-flat tires. (The sidewalls of run-flat tires aren't as compliant as those of regular tires.)

　　The climate controls are old-school hard buttons and knobs, and they're easy to operate and do a great job of maintaining cabin temperature. Rear air vents ensure backseat occupants get their share of circulation. The cabin is also one of the quietest in the segment. Only mild wind and road noise seeps in. The engine is virtually silent at idle and only makes itself known under heavy acceleration.

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