The BMW X1 M35i xDrive will be the most expensive member of the local small SUV range, priced at $90,900 before on-road costs.
That makes it $6000 more expensive than the current flagship, the electric iX1 xDrive30.
BMW says it’s launching the hotter X1 at the end of this year.
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The M35i xDrive packs a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 233kW of power (@5750-6500rpm) and 400Nm of torque (@2000-4500rpm) mated with all-wheel drive.
Notably, we get the higher-output tune, while the European market has a less powerful 221kW tune.
The M35i uses a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, along with a mechanical limited-slip differential.
The automatic transmission features paddle shifters, and a pull of the left-hand paddle for at least a second will activate M Sport Boost mode and switch the powertrain and chassis systems to their sportiest setting.
In Australian-market guise, the new M35i has the most power of any petrol X1 ever sold here, more than even the old six-cylinder xDrive35i.
BMW claims a 0-100km/h time of 5.4 seconds, and WLTP combined cycle fuel consumption of between 8.0 and 8.5 litres per 100km.
A new M Compound brake system will be available in Australia in early 2024, priced at $3000. It features four-piston, fixed-caliper brakes up front and single-piston, floating caliper units at the rear.
Adaptive M suspension is standard, with mechanically-controlled adjustable, frequency-selective dampers.
The M35i sits 15mm lower than other X1s, and is also distinguished by its four exhaust outlets – a design cue borrowed from BMW’s M line-up – plus a unique front apron, rear spoiler and side skirt extensions.
The grille also adopts horizontal double bars, another M design cue.
The no-cost M Sport Pro package adds high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim and a Shadowline treatment for the exterior lighting, plus power-adjustable M Sport seats with illuminated M logos and driver’s memory and M seat belts.
The package also includes an M Sport brakes with red calipers. If you want to step up to the unique brakes, the M Sport Pro package is mandatory.
The package comes with a choice of either black Alcantara/Sensatec upholstery with blue stitching, or Veganza upholstery in Coral/Red-Black.
If you don’t opt for the M Sport Pro package, you have a choice of Vernasca leather upholstery in either Black, Oyster or Mocha. Aluminium Hexacube Pale inlays feature inside the cabin, as does an anthracite-coloured headliner, M door sill trim and pedals and M-specific graphics for the screens.
The X1 M35i is one of the first BMWs to feature the Android-based Operating System 9, that BMW says “brings an improved menu structure that takes its cues from consumer electronics devices”.
There’s a new home screen design and QuickSelect functionality, allowing you to access key functions without having to go through sub-menus.
The X1 also features an integrated e-SIM. Software updates can be done remotely.
Specification highlights include:
- 20-inch M light alloy wheels (Y-spoke style)
- M Sport brakes with blue high-gloss calipers
- High-gloss black roof rails
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Automatic headlights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Hands-free power tailgate
- Four exhaust outlets
- Comfort Access
- Digital Key Plus
- Panoramic glass sunroof
- BMW Curved Display
- 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
- DAB digital radio
- Wireless phone charger
- 4 x USB-C ports
- 2 x 12V power outlets
- Head-up display
- M leather steering wheel
- Paddle shifters
- Sensatec-wrapped instrument panel
- Heated front seats
- Front sports seats
- Dual-zone climate control
- 40:20:40 split/fold rear seats
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Parking Assistant
- Steering and Lane Control Assistant
- 3D surround-view camera
Alpine White solid paint is standard, with BMW Individual Storm Bay and Frozen Pure Grey finishes $2500 and $5000 options, respectively.
The following finishes are a $1800 option:
- Mineral White
- Black Sapphire
- Space Silver
- M Portimao Blue
- Cape York Green
20-inch BMW Individual light alloy wheels with a multi-spoke style are a $500 option, while a heated steering wheel can be added via a digital subscription as the hardware is already there.
BMW says Operating System 9 “lays the groundwork for a highly customisable section of additional digital services available via digital subscription purchase”.
Pricing
- BMW X1 M35i xDrive: $90,900
Price excludes on-road costs.