You don't always need a large, powerful SUV to make a bold statement or get to where you're going. Sometimes, a sub-compact crossover may be what you need. The BMW X1 is the go-to choice for many people looking for SUVs with a compact touch. Why is this so? We put the 2022 BMW X1 xDrive28i under the spotlight in this review so you know what to look for before writing that cheque for a new model. So spare us a few minutes as we get right into the review.
The BMW X series is one large, prestigious family of cars with everything in its stock–firepower, luxury, sportiness, efficiency - the list is impressive. While the X1 is not even remotely the most prominent member of the family, it is no less deserving of its place on the roster. The BMW X1 series has continued to steal the spotlight since it emerged in 2016. Between 2016 and 202, BMW sold over 300,000 units. For the 2022 model year, the German automaker has added the front-wheel-drive sDrive28i and the all-wheel-drive xDrive 28i to the lineup. This car follows on from its predecessors on many fronts, with a couple of nice touches to give it some edge. BMW didn't redesign the X1 xDrive28i for the 2022 model year, as they had plans to redesign it in 2023.
BMW carried over the powertrain configuration for the previous year into the 2022 BMW X1 xDrive28i. This is to say that the 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-four engine produces the same output as before - 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. That's not powerful enough to set records, so 0-60 happens in 6.3 seconds. The familiar 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission is always on duty, so that you can look forward to all those smooth and seamless gear changes on the road. The xDrive is good handling-wise, and this is one quality where it slightly edges its front-wheel-drive sibling, the sDrive28i. Fuel efficiency is a bright spot, too. It posts 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, and it doesn't have to sacrifice its responsive acceleration and power for such conservative fuel figures. BMW allows you to select a desired driving mode (Eco, Pro, and Sport) for more driving freedom.
The inside look and feel of the 2022 BMW X1 xDrive28i gives off a refined, luxury vibe. Everything from the roof to the walls, floor, and seats looks welcoming. We say this because the SensaTec upholstery puts out a convincing leather impression. The eight-way power-adjustable front seats allow you to pick your most comfortable posture at the front, and they come with heating functionality to keep you warm while at it. The X1 was designed to carry five people, so while the rear seats may be accommodating, they're missing some amenities. It's not a deal-breaker, though - BMW kept the price tag low for reasons like this. There's space to spare in the rear seats. With 37 inches of rear legroom and 27.1 cubic feet of cargo space (58.7 with seats folded), you can undoubtedly use this luxury sub-compact SUV for all your weekend getaways. Other thoughtful touches in the X1 xDrive28i's interior include ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, an 8.8-inch iDrive touchscreen, head restraints, wireless charging, parking assist, etc.
At first glance, you'll likely mistake the X1 xDrive28i for an X2, especially if you're not too auto-savvy. However, you'll notice the differences as you approach the X1. You can always spot the usual stuff– a kidney grille that retains its choice slot at the front, flanked by LED headlights that feature BMW's signature "corona ring" design. The L-shaped LED taillights, a subtle spoiler, and dual exhaust are present at the back. You can always go for the M Sport package if you want more visual muscle and larger wheels with sportier bumpers. The standard 17" alloy wheels wrap around the muscular wheel arches for an athletic poise befitting of a subcompact SUV.
You can tick off every nice feature you can think of having to run your X1, from connectivity to entertainment and everything in between. Apple CarPlay is present, but Android Auto isn't - oh my. USB ports, an intuitive iDrive interface, a heads-up display, wireless phone charging, an optional Harman Kardon sound system, etc., are available. On safety, BMW leaves nothing to chance, so you'll get forward collision and lane departure warnings and blind-spot monitoring, all ready and easy to use.
Let's talk numbers, shall we? The 2022 BMW X1 xDrive28i price is pegged at about $38,000 for the starting price. If you go for the 2022 BMW X1 xDrive28i M Sport package or any other options, you may be edging that price into the low $40,000 territory. Do not worry, though–you'll get a lot of extra in return. And that's something to be thankful for.
The 2022 BMW X1 xDrive28i isn't just another luxury crossover. It's the viable option that falls between the larger X3 and the more compact X2, offering a balanced mix of practicality, peppiness, and prestige that's hard to find elsewhere in the segment. Ready to make this BMW yours? Stop by Exotic Car Trader, your premier destination for all luxury vehicles and much more. Whether you're in the market to buy your next luxury ride or ready to sell your current vehicle to its next enthusiast owner, we've got you covered.
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