BMW’s Smallest SUV Gets its Most Potent 4-Cylinder
Completely redesigned a year ago, the BMW X1 benefits from a major addition to the lineup for 2024. With the sporty new X1 M35i xDrive, the German automaker offers the most potent iteration of its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.
Producing 312 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque, the upgraded mill delivers an extra 71 horsepower over the entry-level X1 xDrive28i. Peak torque is the same. BMW says 0-100 km/h sprints are achieved in just 5.4 seconds, helped by a seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission and xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive.
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An M Sport Boost function is available for situations in which rapid bursts of speed are required. When the driver pulls and holds the left-hand shift paddle for at least one second, all the powertrain and chassis systems are switched to their sportiest setting. Cool.
The X1 M35i xDrive also comes standard with an adaptive M suspension and 19-inch M alloy wheels in a Midnight Grey finish. All-new 20-inch M light-alloy wheels on performance tires are optional.
The range-topping model gets exclusive design and equipment features typically reserved for high-performance cars from BMW M. These include the two pairs of 80mm exhaust tailpipes and the optional M Sport Seats with illuminated M logos. Other exterior highlights include large air intakes up front, prominent side skirt extensions, a model-specific roof spoiler and a rear bumper with diffuser inlay.
Inside, look for an available Alcantara-trimmed instrument panel, a black-coloured headliner, M door sill trim, M pedals and M-specific graphics for the BMW Curved Display. The latter is powered by an updated version of BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 9. There’s a newly designed home screen and improved menu structure. Function icons appear in a vertical arrangement on the driver’s side of the screen, which the driver can navigate by swiping up or down.
Of course, like any BMW product, this one comes with a wide variety of packages, options and trim designs for customers who want to personalize their vehicle. M Sport Pro might be the best. It has those M Sport Seats plus Shadowline headlights and red brake calipers.
Built in Germany (and not in South Carolina like most other BMW SUVs), the 2024 X1 M35i xDrive will go on sale in Canada this October starting at $57,500, which is about $12,000 more expensive than the base X1. It will directly rival the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC.