Keep reading to learn all about compact BMWs—and there are quite a few of them. We’ll review which you can buy new, and we’ll also look at several of BMW’s most coveted used compact models. Before you leave, you’ll also gain some useful tips on how to lower your

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2022 BMW compact and subcompact car models

There are seven BMW compact cars available. Let’s take a closer look at each:

2022 BMW 1 Series ($49,900 MSRP)

With a high-tech infotainment system, efficient and powerful engine, and spacious interior, the BMW 1 Series is a fine luxury compact car masquerading as a hatchback.

It might not be the top BMW compact on the market, but there is a lot to like about it. It's the first generation of this series to offer front/all-wheel drive, not just rear-wheel drive. It’s also powered by a turbocharged petrol engine, and most trims get decent fuel economy. That said, the lack of consumer reports from respected publications like Edmunds and Car and Driver makes it too early to fully gauge its reliability.

Highlights of the BMW 1 Series include:

50 L fuel tank on all models

Small dimensions without sacrificing a roomy interior

Safety features like front and rear collision warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts, and more

Automatic start/stop function

A ton of gadgets to enhance comfort and performance

Some weaknesses include:

Lack of rear-seat headroom

Mediocre digital dashboard

A lack of driving excitement with the M135i xDrive

MORE: Are BMWs expensive to maintain?

2022 BMW i3 ($44,450 MSRP)

The latest

BMW i3

has a deceptively small appearance, but it actually holds a lot of wonderful surprises for drivers.

This premium EV underwent a noticeable facelift in 2018. This redefined look came with a bigger battery (42.2 kWh),providing a range of 177–193 miles to complement its inspiring performance. For speed fans, this EV can reach 62 mph in only 7.3 seconds.

Other highlights of the BMW i3 include:

Dynamic Traction Control

Modern interior

A black roof swatch

Enhanced agility

Some weaknesses include:

It might be decommissioned soon, making it tougher to repair and maintain

The interior is more practical than exhilarating

2022 BMW 3 Series ($41,450 MSRP)

Meet BMW’s fantastic compact sports sedan.Edmunds is a fan, giving it a 7.6/10 and ranking it #4 out of 12 in the small luxury sedan category.

The BMW 3 Series is a dream compact car. Drivers will enjoy enhanced handling, a borderline futuristic interior and cabin, ample passenger space, and a classic BMW engine. New with this model was a digital instrument panel, minor equipment upgrades, and more trims and configurations for owners to choose from.

Other highlights of the BMW 3 series include:

Lower fuel costs than the average midsize car

Solid brake system

Agile handling

Quick-shifting transmission

Weaknesses include:

Many rivals offer better technology packages

The ride is less than smooth at times

2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe ($37,345 MSRP)

The 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe isn’t just one of BMW’s best compact cars—it’s one of the best on the market.

It’s pricy for a compact, but you are investing in a car that exemplifies luxury inside and out. Edmunds gave it a solid 7.9/10, but it was ranked third out of three X-small luxury sedans.

Some owners have labeled it a “stiff ride,” but most find it quick and sporty, with a forceful engine that can handle all kinds of driving environments.

Other highlights of the 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe include:

The base engine provides strong overall performance

Features a lot of similar tech to more expensive BMWs

A long list of standard features

Some weaknesses include:

Lack of headroom in the backseat

Firm suspension

Far more expensive than rival models

MORE:

Does BMW have a self-driving car?

2022 BMW Z4 ($49,900 MSRP)

The 2022

BMW Z4

is a roadster that, unfortunately, prices itself out of the budgets of most compact car shoppers.

Its pros justify the cost: it’s spacious, quiet, and handles like a champ.Furthermore, It was rated fairly well by Edmunds (7.5/10 and #4 out of five luxury sport convertibles). Yet, some drivers are disappointed by the actual driving experience.

This is a two-seater that lets drivers have some fun by dropping the top.If you value speed and aesthetics over cargo space, then this is a model to consider. However, it’s not the most adept at sharp handling.Its focus is more on comfort and straight-line torque.

Other highlights of the BMW Z4 include:

Decent-sized cabin, considering its overall size

Quiet interior, even with the top down

Brisk 0-60 of 5.3 seconds

Some weaknesses include:

The four-cylinder engine doesn’t hold up at the top end

Brakes grab at low speeds making smooth hard stops difficult

Weak in-cabin storage

MORE:

The best BMW station wagons

2022 BMW 3 Series Touring ($41,450 MSRP)

BMW's smallest estate car is a ton of fun to drive. The price is still on the high side, but it delivers all the BMW benefits that drivers expect.

You can choose from a range of engine options. The 320d Touring diesel delivers a great blend of performance and efficiency. It’s a smooth, stress-free drive with excellent performance, even for the more casual drivers.

Other highlights of the BMW 3 Series Touring include:

Good standard kit

Spacious cabin

Practical in many ways

Posh interior

Its weaknesses include:

High price tag even before taxes, fees, and add-ons

Petrol engine problems

2022 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer ($35,700 MSRP)

The Active Tourer delivers a heavy dose of practicality and performance, a rarity among most compact cars. It received an 8.1/10 from Edmunds, who ranked it first out of four luxury coupes.Car and Driver gave it an 8.5/10—overall, it received positive marks across the board.

It has just enough backseat room to fit three adult passengers. The trunk space is a bit small, maybe just enough for a large grocery shop. On the plus side, this compact car offers excellent visibility with its raised position.

Other highlights of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer include:

Expert handling

Powerful engine

Exquisite interior

Some weaknesses include:

Lack of trim levels

Lack of adjustment options for front seats

Other small BMW models

BMW also has a subcompact luxury crossover SUV, the X2 With an MSRP of $37,595, it's fairly priced and offers a ton of comfort. And, of course, since it’s an SUV, you will get a ton more space than you would with a compact or subcompact sedan.

If you want a touch more size, BMW also offers some midsize models, like the BMW X3, X4, X3 M, and certain members of the 8-Series lineup.

MORE:

The best BMW hybrids

What is BMW’s smallest car?

BMW has a few cars that can compete for the smallest in its class. These include:

BMW M8 Gran Coupe: 105.1 inches

2020 BMW 1-Series Hatchback: 105.1 inches

What is BMW’s cheapest car?

The 2022 BMW X1 is the cheapest one currently on the market.

MORE:

Every BMW sports car you should know

How to save on BMW insurance

Smaller and pricier don’t always equate to lower insurance costs. The reality is that it is sometimes more expensive to insure compact cars—and that’s before you get into high-performance vehicles like the BMW.

Are you ready to save on your

BMW insurance costs

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