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2022 BMW X1 Review

2022 BMW X1

Luxurious yet practical subcompact SUV

Price From $36,395 – To $38,395

Source: www.bmwusa.com

by | Jul 1, 2022

Overview

In the 2022 BMW X1 review, we are going to take a look at the engine, performance, interior, comfort, safety, reliability, market pricing, warranty, and other such vital factors. With our impartial, concise, and easy-to-comprehend evaluation, you will have a better knowledge of this lineup. If this SUV has been on your wishlist for a while, it’s time to dive into the details and see if it fits the bill. 

BMW X1 lineup first hit the market in 2009, styled as a subcompact crossover SUV belonging to the luxury segment. The aim was to introduce a small-size BMW that is affordable to a wider customer base, while also offering increased fuel efficiency. X1 is second in size to the X2, which is currently the smallest SUV offered by BMW. 

This premium lineup of subcompact SUVs has continued to be a favorite among car enthusiasts ever since its inception. It allows luxury vehicle aficionados to have a taste of BMW’s authentic design language and comfort without burning a hole in their pockets. However, it’s necessary to keep in mind that the German automaker focused on efficiency and practicality rather than affordability, so the prices are still quite high for its segment. 

Pros
The turbocharged four-cylinder engine is capable and fuel-efficient
Interior focuses on practicality, with ample storage area, headroom, and legroom for passengers
Handling is convenient
Cons
Braking and cornering have become limited due to the Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season tires
There is no electrification available as of now
Styling needs improvement, especially the box-shaped exterior

Performance, Engine, and Comfort

(4/5)
The first and most important aspect of a vehicle is its engine, which decides how well it’s going to perform, and how much mileage it will offer. BMW X1 has a direct fuel injection engine, with good fuel economy numbers. As for the cabin, it’s not incredibly spacious but is not too small either. The cargo area is quite roomy for its class. And since this is a BMW, the interior is full of luxurious features, comfy seats, good entertainment options, and much more. 

Engine & Performance

(3.5/5)

X1’s engine and performance are on the expected lines. Rides feel comfortable, thanks to the suspension system that eliminates road shocks. Handling is easy too. However, if you’re looking for diverse powertrain options, we would suggest to look elsewhere.

Engine

BMW doesn’t offer multiple powertrain options for this subcompact vehicle, but the sole available engine is capable enough to suit your daily requirements. It is powered by a turbo intercooler DOHC 16-valve inline-4 2-liter engine, generating 228 hp @ 5000 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque @1250 rpm. 

Transmission

The engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s available with manual shifting mode. 

Suspension

It’s equipped with independent McPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. This advanced suspension system does a good job at shock absorption, especially while driving through bumpy and uneven roads.

Steering

The rack and pinion steering is equipped with electronic assistance for better handling. The steering adjustment can feel stiff at times. But no matter what, you can’t expect it to be fun or thrilling– if you’re looking for sharp steering, the M Sport package can offer a better experience.

Safety & Reliability

(4.5/5)
BMW X1, the 2022 iteration, comes with a host of safety equipment. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it a 5-star safety rating, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) evaluated it as overall ‘Good’. 

Brakes

It comes with Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), and front and rear disc brakes. 

Airbags

Front airbags, dual side airbags, and overhead airbags are provided to keep the driver and passengers protected during a crash or collision. Seat pretensioners are also there as an important safety equipment. 

Electronics

Some available standard safety features are forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlamps. Besides these, the other available features include electronic stability control, roll stability control, side-impact beams, front and rear parking sensors, and rear child safety locks, to mention a few. 

Lights

It comes with available LED headlights with cornering lights, so visibility is never an issue. 

Besides the electronic lights, you can also choose to have the Panoramic Moonroof to fill the cabin with natural light for a premium appeal. 

Traction control

BMW’s intelligent chassis comes with Dynamic Traction Control and Dynamic Stability Control. As a result, every ride feels well-controlled and comfortable. 

Fuel Economy

(4/5)
The compact body of the X1 inevitably reminds you of a hatchback. As with most hatchbacks and subcompact-size SUVs, the fuel economy is good enough to make the buyer satisfied. 

Engine size 

This premium SUV is powered by a 2-liter turbo engine which generates 228 hp. This is the only engine option available. 

Gas per mileage consumption

The front-wheel drive variant offers 24 mpg and 33 mpg on city and highway respectively; 27 mpg combined. The all-wheel drive model xDrive28i offers 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway; 26 mpg combined. 

Interior

(4/5)

The interior looks posh and well-crafted. Keeping the driver’s convenience in mind, BMW has designed the dashboard thoughtfully. The driving seat offers a high position and great visibility of the road. The seats are covered in luxurious materials, but on a close look, you’ll also find the use of cheap materials here and there– something you’d not want to see in a high-end vehicle. If you manage to overlook these tiny tiny bits of cost-cutting, you’ll be pleased to rest your feet on the carpeted floor, accented with chrome.

Seats

The cabin is divided into two rows, seating 5 people, with 101.2 cubic feet of passenger volume. The front headroom is 41.9 inches, and the front legroom is 40.4 inches. As for the rear seats, the headroom is 39.4 inches, and the legroom is 37 inches. 

Design

The design language of the 2022 BMW X1 is very much what you’ll expect from BMW. It exudes a bold character and is covered in luxurious appeal head to toe. The sporty nature is very much prominent in the overall design, both the exterior and interior. 

Infotainment

The infotainment system is adequate, but it could have been more tech-savvy. Equipped with an 8.8-inch iDrive system, the standard offerings are Apple CarPlay, in-dash navigation, audio connectivity, and SiriusXM. There are shortcuts to operate the various functions. 

Overall height and space

With a passenger volume of 98 cubic feet, the SUV is 174.5 inches long, 71.7 inches wide, and 62.5 inches in height.  

Trunk space

Despite the compact size, the cargo area is not too cramped. It has ample room to fit the luggage of a small family or camping equipment for a short trip. Behind the rear seats, it has 27.1 cubic feet available for hauling cargo. In case you need extra storage space, you can fold down the rear seats to expand the trunk space to 58.7 cubic feet. 

Price and Extras

(3.5/5)

In general, subcompact  SUVs are the most affordable of the lot. But as we’re talking about a luxury subcompact SUV, it’s no surprise that the price difference is quite significant. 

Market Price

The 2022 BMW X1 is available in two trim levels, sDrive28i and xDrive28i. The primary difference is that the first one is a front-wheel drive model, while the second one comes with a standard all-wheel drive. If you’re looking for a sporty feel and appearance, you can spend $2000 to purchase BMW’s M Sport package.  

Trim Level  Starting Price
sDrive28i $36,395
xDrive28i $38,395

AWD/FWD

The entry-level model gets FWD as standard. You could opt for the AWD higher trim as well. 

Warranty

The warranty package in itself is nothing remarkable. You get the usual limited warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles and 5 years or 50,000 miles of powertrain warranty. When it comes to complimentary maintenance, BMW has been quite generous in offering coverage for 3 years or 36,000 miles. 

Awards

The 2022 BMW X1 has secured 4th position in JD Power’s Compact Premium SUV ranking. NHTSA gave it a 5-star safety rating. The vehicle also has a reliability rating of 75 from JD Power, based on quality and reliability, driving experience, resale value, and dealership experience. It’s also a part of Car and Driver’s list of Editor’s Choice vehicles. 

Verdict

While X2 is more on the sportier side, X1 focuses on offering an engaging driving experience, practicality, and cargo-hauling ability. The prices are high for the subcompact SUV segment, but they won’t feel as high once you take a look at the luxuries BMW has to offer. 

As a rational buyer, you would opt for a subcompact  SUV because they are easier to handle. The 2022 BMW X1 is not only a treat to handle, but it also brings along a playful demeanor, adequately capacious cabin, and good fuel economy. So if you have a higher budget than a traditional subcompact and subcompact  SUVs, and you’d like to own a premium vehicle, the X1 would be a perfect choice.