BMW’s vehicle catalog has significantly expanded in recent times, and the automaker now offers models in most vehicle segments. As its lineup grows, the company has added performance variants of several models, including full-fat M versions and “light” M-tuned vehicles. The subcompact X1 SUV gets the latter for 2024 with the introduction of a new X1 M35i xDrive variant. It sports BMW’s most powerful 4-cylinder engine, standard adaptive suspension, and the latest iDrive infotainment software.
BMW offers the X1 M35i xDrive in a single well-equipped configuration. It gets a 312-horsepower, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive (AWD). BMW claims a zero-to-60-mph time in the low 5-second range for the rowdy family hauler. The SUV will launch in the United States in October 2023 with a starting price of just over $50,000, including destination.
The more aggressive X1 still looks like the sedate subcompact upon which it is based, though BMW makes changes to the grille and front fascia to give the M35i a more aggressive look and improve cooling. M badges adorn the grille and other parts of the exterior, and the M35i xDrive features more prominent side skirts, a larger rear spoiler, and a unique rear diffuser.
The SUV rides on 19-inch M double-spoke wheels wrapped in all-season tires. BMW equips the new X1 M35i xDrive with M sport brakes with blue calipers, and it comes standard with LED exterior lighting elements. Buyers can upgrade to 20-inch wheels and compound brakes with grey calipers.
The X1 M35i xDrive gets Alcantara interior accents and M badges throughout. The synthetic leather and Alcantara upholstery feature blue contrast stitching; buyers can add Veganza leather upholstery for an upcharge. Sport seats come standard, offering an illuminated BMW M logo on the backrests, and the folding rear seat increases cargo space to a maximum of 46.9 cubic feet. Sport seats with heating and a heated steering wheel come by default. The SUV also gets wood trim, a panoramic moonroof, and BMW fits aluminum trim throughout the cabin.
BMW equips a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 312 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque. The German luxury sport automaker pairs it with a 7-speed shiftable automatic transmission and xDrive AWD. The automaker notes that it reinforced parts of the engine for better performance and cooling. A quad-tipped M sport exhaust system flows out the back, and the X1 offers a temporary boost function for short bursts of added power.
The M35i xDrive gets adaptive suspension as standard equipment, which BMW promises will give the SUV agile handling and comfortable ride quality. BMW pairs it with an upgraded M braking system and revised wheel-sleep limiters to provide better traction and grip on slippery surfaces.
BMW includes a load of advanced safety gear as standard kit on the X1, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. Buyers can upgrade the X1 with adaptive cruise control, an anti-theft system, an interior camera, an advanced parking assistant, traffic-jam assist, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system with 3D effects.
The structurally similar 2023 BMW X1 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating for the 2023 calendar year from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, the Institute has yet to test the 2024 model.
BMW updates the X1’s infotainment for 2024 with a new iDrive 9 operating system. The setup features simplified menus and easier navigation, relying on a new home-screen configuration that places the most used icons in a vertical section of the screen for easier access and use. There are single-touch controls for features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. BMW says the flattened menu structure makes accessing other features much easier. The system runs on a curved display, and wireless device charging, a Harman Kardon sound system, and more accompany it.
The M35i xDrive also picks up the latest version of BMW maps with cloud-based navigation. According to BMW, iDrive 9 also has improved voice recognition. It also includes access to the BMW app store. Owners can add premium features like navigation and music streaming through subscription plans. Though they’re mostly unpopular, BMW has forged ahead with subscription services for several functions, including the updated voice-assistance system and customized driving modes.
The X1 M35i xDrive has plenty of competition from European brands, including the Mercedes-Benz GLB, which offers an upright shape with good cargo and passenger space. The Mercedes-Benz GLA might also be on the radar, as it’s available in a higher-performance AMG variant. Finally, the Volvo XC40 is a solid choice that brings luxury with a more sedate driving experience.
BMW is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of July 10, 2023, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Chris Teague is an experienced writer in the automotive and technology fields. In addition to JDPower.com, his work appears at Forbes, The Drive, Your Test Driver, and others.
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