If you’re in the market for a luxury brand’s crossover, it’s hard to do better than the BMW X1. It’s not on the same level as the X3, but at the same time, its base price is about $7,000 less than the X3’s. But let’s say you want something small that delivers a bit more performance than the X1 xDrive28i’s 241 hp and 6.2-second zero-to-60 time. This is where the 2024 BMW X1 M35i xDrive comes into play.
Design-wise, it’s still an X1, so your opinion of the X1 M35i’s design will mostly depend on what you think of the regular X1. But at least we’d argue that the sporty bodywork and M touches, plus the spoiler and quad exhaust, make it look better than the base version. Likewise, the internal changes are appreciated but far from revolutionary. We’re sure the sports seats are great, although we could do without the illuminated M badge on them.
The bigger story with the X1 M35i is what’s under the hood. In this case, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 312 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, it sends its power to all four wheels and features a manual limited-slip differential up front. Add a standard M adjustable suspension, and optional upgraded 15.2-inch and 19-inch lightweight alloy brakes, and the M35i should be even more fun to drive than the regular X1.
In terms of performance numbers, BMW says the X1 M35i xDrive will hit 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, which is a full second faster than the base model. It will also top out at 130 mph, but if you splurge for the optional 20-inch wheels with performance tires (as opposed to standard all-seasons on regular wheels), top speed increases to 155 mph.
Pricing for the 2024 BMW X1 M35i xDrive starts at $50,895 including destination, which is roughly in line with the slightly less powerful Mercedes-AMG GLA 35. Incidentally, the GLA 35 also has a zero-to-60 match time. The X1 M35i will go on sale in the US in October.
