BMW unveils new X1 M35i performance crossover

Is the 121bhp output from the BMW X1 we tested a while back not quite enough for you? There's now a new BMW X1 M35i xDrive for you to hanker over.

This performance crossover comes complete with a total of 296bhp, courtesy of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder. Buy your BMW X1 M35i in the U.S.A, and this figure even rises to a total of 312bhp. Peak torque from the engine, meanwhile, totals 400Nm, delivered from 2,000rpm to 4,500rpm.

The front apron of the BMW X1 M35i xDrive gets enlarged intakes to feed cool air into the engine and brakes

Combined with BMW's seven-speed Steptronic transmission and all-wheel drive, that output is enough to see the car racing to 100km/h from rest in 5.4 seconds. These figures are practically similar to the 302bhp output and 5.1 seconds century sprint time of the Mercedes-Benz GLA 35 AMG.

On the outside, the BMW X1 M35i gets a different from apron to the regular X1, with enlarged intakes for better cooling. This sits below an M kidney grille complete with the BMW M logo.

Black M exterior mirror caps with a twin-stalk design identify this car as the performance variant from the side, and the quad exhaust tailpipes do the same job for the rear of the vehicle.

A model-specific roof spoiler and a quad exhaust system features at the rear of the X1 M35i

The BMW X1 M35i comes with adaptive M suspension as standard, and customers will additionally be able to specify their car with M compound brakes.

Standard equipment for cabin of the BMW X1 M35i, meanwhile, includes black veganza/alcantara sport seats with a blue contrast stitching, although customers will be able to opt for seats upholstered in vernasca leather with special diamond quilting.

The cabin also comes with an alcantara-covered instrument panel, aluminium hexacube dark interior trim elements, and an anthracite-coloured headliner. The BMW Curved Display here, comprising a 10.25-inch information display and a 10.7-inch control display, also gets M-specific graphics.

BMW's Curved Display here now runs the latest BMW Operating system 9

Speaking of which, this BMW X1 M35i will also run BMW's Operating System 9. The new system displays the navigation system's map (other graphics can be displayed if so configured) at all times and also adds new function icons on the driver's side of the control display, delivering a flat menu structure free of sub-menus for more intuitive use.

Market launch of the new BMW X1 M35i is scheduled for October 2023 in the U.S.A, while deliveries of the crossover will begin in Europe come November 2023. The X1 M35i will be built at BMW Group Plant Regensburg, together with all other variants of the new BMW X1, including the all-electric BMW iX1.