Photo: CarPix
BMW is working on a more powerful version of the new generation X1, and we have fresh spy shots of its sportiest version. While we have previously seen the next-generation X1 in the form of leaked images that hit the internet back in May, ever since July, the prototype of the more powerful X1 kept appearing in front of our spy photographer's lenses.
It is believed that this version is called M35i or M40i, depending on what BMW's marketing department decides upon analyzing market research and such. As you may be aware, the numbers behind the letters of a model designation have not been linked to the displacement of the engine for quite a few years, and this will not change with the X1's sportier version.
This version of the X1 is being developed (and close to being finished) due to the existence of performance-oriented small crossovers in the Audi and Mercedes-AMG portfolios. Some of those rivals existed before the X1 M35i or M40i was a thing, but it seems that BMW has decided to play ball with its traditional competitors in this segment as well.
While the X1’s performance-focused version will not be a true M car, nor will it be badged as an X1 M, it will come with things that would normally be found on M cars, such as the quad exhaust tips.
As everyone knew back in their childhood, a car with four exhaust tips has more power than one with two, and BMW is using this logic to the max, as it will be deployed on the X2 as well, along with the updated 1 Series's M35i version. The latter will come with 306 horsepower, and the same should apply to the X1's hot version, unless BMW M has something to do with it.
The prototype sports bigger air intakes in the front, visibly larger brakes than the regular X1, as well as a stiffer suspension. The trunk lid has a spoiler that was neatly integrated. On the inside, a sportier steering wheel design can be observed, while the seats also look a bit sportier.
BMW fans might argue that this version would have been a lot more fun with the first-gen X1, the E84, which had a longitudinally mounted engine. It could have easily been a sporty crossover, but BMW did not think the market was there for it at the time. In the meantime, BMW has changed its mind.
This version of the X1 is being developed (and close to being finished) due to the existence of performance-oriented small crossovers in the Audi and Mercedes-AMG portfolios. Some of those rivals existed before the X1 M35i or M40i was a thing, but it seems that BMW has decided to play ball with its traditional competitors in this segment as well.
While the X1’s performance-focused version will not be a true M car, nor will it be badged as an X1 M, it will come with things that would normally be found on M cars, such as the quad exhaust tips.
As everyone knew back in their childhood, a car with four exhaust tips has more power than one with two, and BMW is using this logic to the max, as it will be deployed on the X2 as well, along with the updated 1 Series's M35i version. The latter will come with 306 horsepower, and the same should apply to the X1's hot version, unless BMW M has something to do with it.
The prototype sports bigger air intakes in the front, visibly larger brakes than the regular X1, as well as a stiffer suspension. The trunk lid has a spoiler that was neatly integrated. On the inside, a sportier steering wheel design can be observed, while the seats also look a bit sportier.
BMW fans might argue that this version would have been a lot more fun with the first-gen X1, the E84, which had a longitudinally mounted engine. It could have easily been a sporty crossover, but BMW did not think the market was there for it at the time. In the meantime, BMW has changed its mind.
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