2022 was the year that BMW bought us the latest version of the BMW X1, the third-generation model of the firm’s smallest SUV. Not that it’s awfully small these days, mind, as the X1 has ballooned in size compared with its predecessor. That does afford the car a very handy level of practicality, though, with lots of passenger space, a big boot, and sliding rear seats to help you prioritise between the two. It’s a comfortable and assured car to drive, too, while the cabin quality has the measure of pretty much every other car in the small SUV class.

Strengths:

Very nice to drive
Really good on practicality
Gorgeous interior quality

Weaknesses:

Not cheap to buy
Too much desirable kit costs extra
Styling might be too conservative for some

Is the 2022 BMW X1 better than the 2022 Mercedes GLA?

While earlier versions of both cars were rather disappointing, both the latest attempts are much more like it. Even so, we’d still give the nod to the BMW. For the class, its practicality is nothing short of sensational, as is the cabin quality and feeling of luxury. It’s better to drive, too.