Used 2022 BMW X1

The BMW X1 is the most affordable offering in the luxury brand’s expansive stable of SUVs. This is a BMW that reminds us of the days when the brand was more closely associated with driving engagement. You might not expect a small luxury SUV like this to be enjoyable behind the wheel, but quick acceleration and agile handling make it a surprising pleasure to drive.

The interior is nicer than a subcompact SUV from a mainstream brand, but the quality is subpar by luxury SUV standards and the ride is on the firm side. Its chief rivals — the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class — offer more premium cabins and smoother, quieter rides. However, the BMW excels in fun performance, and it has a measure of practicality with one of the roomiest interiors in its class.

BMW didn’t have to make the X1 as fun to drive as it did, but we’re grateful for its emphasis on engaging performance. The 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is an excellent fit for this small SUV. It delivers lively acceleration, even in highway passing. Meanwhile, a well-tuned chassis and lightweight body make for agile handling.

It would be cool to see a high-performance M model of the X1 to compete with the AMG models of the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, but the performance of the X1 is satisfying nonetheless.

The personality of the X1 can change a bit when you cycle between the Comfort, Eco, and Sport modes. Comfort is good for around town, Eco is suitable for the highway, and Sport is good for livening things up a bit.

Comfort is a weak spot for the BMW X1. While it does feel like you’re driving a premium SUV, the seats aren’t as comfortable as those of some rivals, and some of the interior materials are on the low end by luxury vehicle standards. If you are doing a lot of long-distance highway cruising, you’ll be comfier in a bigger BMW SUV or one of the X1’s competitors.

All-wheel drive in the xDrive28i model gives the X1 more confident traction on snowy roads, but it still isn’t much of an off-roader.

The inside of the BMW X1 is more admirable than the average subcompact SUV from a mainstream brand, but its chief rivals from Audi and Mercedes-Benz are more luxurious inside. There are some materials in the X1 that might make you forget you’re in a premium SUV. This is the cheapest model in the BMW lineup, and it feels like it inside.

While interior luxury is a bit lacking, interior space is a strong suit of the X1. This is a spacious interior for a subcompact SUV with two roomy rows of seats plus one of the biggest cargo holds in its class. That large cargo area is easy to access, thanks to the standard power liftgate.

Suppose you want a more excellent interior in the X1. In that case, the available Luxury Package gives the interior a superb upgrade with Leather Dakota upholstery and your choice of genuine wood or brushed aluminum trim.

The exterior of the BMW X1 uses distinct BMW styling. It speaks the brand’s design language, with the signature kidney grille flanked by a handsome light signature. In classic BMW fashion, the aesthetic of this SUV looks both sporty and premium. The look gets sportier when you add the M Sport package with unique wheels, an aerodynamic body kit, Shadowline trim, and more.

The BMW X1 is almost the exact same size as the Audi Q3, and it’s a little bit bigger than the Volvo XC40 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. It’s also a little longer and taller than the slightly more expensive and style-forward BMW X2.

ACTIVE DRIVING ASSISTANT
This standard suite of driver assistance tech features includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and more.

M SPORT PACKAGE
The available M Sport Package adds a sportier look inside and out with an aerodynamic body kit, sport seats, and more. It also upgrades performance with a sport-tuned transmission and an available M Sport suspension.

The BMW X1 is an easy luxury SUV to shop for since it really only has one trim, plus your choice of AWD and a few option packages and individual options. Standard features in the X1 sDrive28i include a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive, a power tailgate, 18-inch alloy wheels, SensaTec faux leather seats, power-adjustable front seats, automatic climate control, and an Anthracite headliner.

The standard iDrive infotainment system uses an 8.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker audio system. Sorry Android users — Android Auto is not available in the X1.

Standard safety tech features in the X1 include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.

The xDrive28i trim of the BMW X1 is essentially the same as sDrive28i, with the big difference being the addition of all-wheel drive.

There are four option packages available for the X1. The Convenience Package provides creature comforts like a universal garage door opener, a panoramic moonroof, auto-dimming mirrors, lumbar support, and ambient interior lighting. The Premium Package adds all those features, plus a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, LED headlights with cornering lights, a head-up display, and navigation.

The M Sport Package brings out the sporty side of the X1. It adds a stylish appearance package with your choice of three wheel designs, an aerodynamic body kit, and Shadowline trim. You’re treated to sport seats, aluminum hexagon trim (or wood trim), and an M steering wheel in the cabin. A sport-tuned transmission comes with this package, and M Sport suspension is available at an extra cost.

A posh Luxury Package adds Leather Dakota upholstery available in four different color schemes plus your choice of oak grain trim, wood Fineline trim, or brushed aluminum trim.

A few features that you can add to the X1 individually include full-speed adaptive cruise control, Parking Assistant, Harman/Kardon premium audio, a wireless charging pad, and more.

The sole engine option in the BMW X1 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This engine is an excellent fit for this SUV with punchy acceleration and good fuel economy, even when equipped with all-wheel drive.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
228 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/33 mpg (FWD), 23/31 mpg (AWD)