This is the new BMW X1, but not as you’ve seen it before.
Marketed as the very first M performance X1, the M35i xDrive is the new flagship variant in the X1 family tree.
Priced from $90,900 before on-road costs, the BMW X1 M35i xDrive will join the M135i xDrive hatch, M240i xDrive sedan and the M235i xDrive sedan in the M-tinkered but not full-fat BMW M car lineup.
This is the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive
Powered by a 233kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, the X1 M35i xDrive will compete with the likes of the Audi SQ2 and Mercedes-AMG GLA35 in the premium space and, more broadly, the Volkswagen T-Roc R and the Cupra Ateca.
The new flagship X1 is set to launch in Australia before the end of 2023 at some point between October and December.
BMW X1 M35i xDrive power and acceleration
Large dual screens with a driver focus are featured
Being the most potent combustion X1, the vehicle is capable of accelerating to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds and is electronically-limited to a 250km/h top speed – notably, the fully electric iX1 clocks in at 5.6 seconds
But how does the X1 get to such numbers?
BMW has worked to redesign its turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and has redesigned the intake ports and combustion chambers, along with tweaking the camshaft timing, ignition system and exhaust gas routing.
Note the quad exhaust outlets at the rear for extra theatre!
A new crankshaft and optimised oil cooling has been brought across from BMW’s line of straight-six petrol engines.
The use of both VANOS camshaft timing and Valvetronic variable valve timing has also helped the 2.0-litre unit to reach new power and torque heights.
A new dual-exit exhaust system creates “an emotionally rich soundtrack” which we look forward to hearing in person to confirm.
BMW supplies the M35i xDrive with sports seats as standard
The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is mated to a seven-speed ‘steptronic’ transmission which drives all four wheels through BMW’s xDrive system. A mechanical front-mounted limited-slip differential is standard.
Apart from engine tweaks, the X1 M35i xDrive features adaptive M suspension that includes a 15mm drop in ride height, 20-inch M light alloy wheels and an M-specific interior to evoke sportiness.
What sort of standard equipment do you get with the new X1 M35i xDrive?
The M35i xDrive produces 233kW/400Nm
The M35i xDrive comes with the following standard specification:
- Dual zone climate control
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Auto tailgate
- 10.7-inch touchscreen
- 10.25-inch digital cockpit
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality
- Wireless phone charging
- 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
- Head-up display
- M sport leather steering wheel
- Satellite navigation
- Panoramic glass sunroof
- Parking assistant plus
- Sports seats upholstered in leather
Optional M Sport Pro pack gains M sport seats and M sport brake system
Options for this model include:
M Sport Pro
- M sport seats with illuminated M logo
- M lights finished in shadowline colour
- M seat belts
- M sport brake system with red callipers
BMW X1 2023: prices in Australia
All prices listed are before on-road costs.
- sDrive18i: $60,400
- xDrive20i: $70,400
- xDrive20i M Sport: $73,400
- iX1 xDrive30 xLine: $84,900
- iX1 xDrive30 M Sport: $84,900
- X1 M35i xDrive: $90,900
