It may have taken BMW a little over a year since the unveiling of the new-gen X1 to come up with the M35i flavor, but the range-topping version is finally here and will launch in the United States later this year.
BMW's latest answer to the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 features enhancements inside and out, beneath the skin and under the hood, where the brand's most powerful four-banger lies. The 2.0-liter turbocharged mill develops 312 hp (316 ps/233 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. It works with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with a mechanical limited-slip differential at the front, delivering everything to the front-biased all-wheel drive system.
Featuring main bearing shells and caps sourced from the latest six-pots, and an optimized oil supply system for the pistons, the 2.0L unit allows the premium subcompact sporty crossover to hit 60 mph (97 kph) in 5.2 seconds and a top speed electronically capped at 155 mph (250 kph). Gear shifting can be done by hand via the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and pulling the left one for at least one second will engage the M Sport Boost function. This sharpens the parameters of the powertrain and chassis.
Besides the xDrive all-wheel drive system, the new X1 M35i also gets the Adaptive M Suspension and sport steering. The standard brakes can be upgraded to the M Compound offering that comprises four-piston fixed calipers with 15.2-inch (386 mm) drilled discs at the front and single-piston floating calipers with 13-inch (330 mm) discs at the rear. The car rides on 19-inch wheels wrapped in all-season tires that can be swapped for the 20-inch light alloy set.
BMW's 2024 X1 M35i has specific front and rear bumpers, an apron at the front, prominent side skirt extensions, a rear diffuser, a roof-mounted spoiler, and an exclusive grille design with vertical double bars. With a diameter of 3.1 inches (79 mm), the quad tailpipes are another signature trait, and the black M side mirror casings with a twin-stalk design are limited to this model.
Inside, it gets black Sensatec/Alcantara sport seats with blue contrast stitching or optional Veganza leather-like upholstery and M Sport seats. Other highlights include the M door sills, M pedals, head-up display, M leather steering wheel, and M-specific graphics in the curved display that runs the OS 9 operating system, a first for a BMW model.
The new 2024 BMW X1 M35i xDrive will be produced at the Regensburg facility in Germany, where the rest of the third-gen X1 family comes to life. The first units will arrive in the United States this October, with pricing starting at $49,900 plus the $995 destination and handling charge. This will make it $10,800 more expensive than the xDrive28i. The rivaling Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 starts at $51,100, and the slightly smaller GLA 35 at $49,500.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News