BMW X1 Receives a Performance Boost with M35i xDrive

BMW has filled the X1-sized hole in their performance lineup with the new X1 M35i xDrive.

This higher-performance X1 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, making 312 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This powers the M35i to a 0-60 run of 5.2 seconds, and a top speed of 155 mph with performance tires. The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, the gears of which can be manually cycled through with the steering wheel-mounted paddles. As hinted at by the “xDrive” nomenclature, all-wheel drive is standard, joined by adaptive suspension, sport steering and a mechanical limited-slip differential.

To set it apart from lesser X1s, the M35i also comes with a number of design enhancements both inside and out. The exterior gets an M-specific kidney grille, larger side skirts, a rear spoiler, quad exhausts, and various wheels—either the standard M Double-spoke 19-inch wheels or several optional 20-inch designs. The interior contains M-specific door sills, pedals and an M steering wheel as standard; and while the cabin comes standard with sport seats, customers can option M Sport seats with an illuminated M logo in the backrest. The infotainment system is BMW’s updated iDrive system with BMW Operating System 9.

The X1 M35i xDrive starts at $50,895, including destination, and is set to launch in October 2023. We’ll be publishing our review of the standard X1 soon, and we hope to get behind the wheel of the M35i when it launches.