Miscellany: 2022 BMW X1 review - All the Bells and Whistles

A recent dealer repair of the old BMW 328i led to me driving a loaner X1 for a few days. The X1 is BMW's compact crossover, just a smidge smaller than something like a RAV4 or CRV, and cheaper than pretty much everything else BMW makes save for the 2-series.

My X1 came fairly loaded, at least as far as BMWs go.  It was equipped with stuff like a heads-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay, one-touch keyless entry, and a motion-activated rear door.  In other words, all the bells and whistles...but how did it drive?

This model X1 was all wheel drive, though obviously biased to the front wheels. I believe this is the same platform as the MINI Countryman, with a 2.0 liter turbo four-cylinder producing 228 horsepower. While this powertrain was good for 0-60 in a shade over six seconds (about the same time as an 850i with a 5 liter V12(!) from 30 years ago), the steering and handling lack the RWD feel of other BMW SUVs and cars.

Still, you don't buy a vehicle like this to go on the track.  The X1 succeeds in all the boring practical stuff - the seats are relatively roomy, it gets decent gas mileage, and the rear cargo area can fit an entire family's worth of luggage. I would never buy one, but I appreciated having it as a daily driver.