World Debut: The 312 HP BMW X1 M35i

Today BMW is taking the wraps off of the 2024 BMW X1 M35i xDrive with the highest output four cylinder ever offered from BMW. But it’s not just the engine that’s been updated. The X1 M35i also has a revised dual clutch transmission, suspension and uprated brakes. All in the X1 M35i looks to be a huge update for BMW’s smallest crossover and will be priced accordingly at an MSRP of $49,900.

Under its hood is a revised 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, part of BMW’s new generation of Efficient Dynamics engines, incorporating M TwinPower Turbo technology to generate 312 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

With this enhanced power, the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 5.2 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. The integration of M-specific chassis technology, along with the option of M Compound brakes—a first for an M performance model—coupled with BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive system, ensures an exquisite performance experience.

The sharper demeanor of the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive is evident both inside and out. This range-topping performance model boasts exclusive design elements and equipment typically reserved for high-performance vehicles from BMW M GmbH. Notably, it features two pairs of exhaust tailpipes and offers optional M Sport seats adorned with illuminated M logos.

Setting new benchmarks in digital technology, the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive is the inaugural model to showcase the latest BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 9, ushering in a new era of connectivity and control.

The anticipated US launch of the 2024 BMW X1 M35i xDrive is slated for October 2023. Manufacturing of this flagship model will take place at BMW Group Plant Regensburg alongside other variants of the new BMW X1.

The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive boasts a powerful 4-cylinder engine. It incorporates innovative features such as the Miller combustion cycle, redesigned intake ports and combustion chambers, and adjustments to various components like the camshaft timing, injection, ignition system, and exhaust gas routing.

The 2.0-liter engine showcases M-specific enhancements like a stronger crankshaft, optimized oil supply system, and advanced variable camshaft and valve timing. With these improvements, it generates 312 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The engine produces an exhilarating sound through the M-specific exhaust system, which features twin tailpipes.

The X1 M35i is equipped with a revised 7-speed double clutch Steptronic transmission, which is updated for quicker manual gear changes. It also offers the M Sport Boost function, which optimizes powertrain and chassis systems for rapid acceleration when needed. 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.

Supreme traction and agility: BMW xDrive all-wheel drive, mechanical limited-slip differential at the front axle.
 
The BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system ensures that power is distributed between the front and rear wheels as required in any situation. The system is in constant communication with the chassis control network. A hang-on clutch with electro-hydraulic control allows drive torque to be directed to the rear wheels in a matter of milliseconds, providing significantly greater traction, directional stability, and balanced handling.
 
The all-wheel-drive system is assisted by the mechanical limited-slip differential built into the 7-speed Steptronic transmission of the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive. This serves to limit the difference in rotational speed between the front wheels, boosting agility and handling dynamics when taking corners at speed and increasing traction over loose terrain or in adverse weather conditions.
 
Adaptive M suspension and sport steering as standard.
 
Standard specification for the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive includes BMW’s adjustable Adaptive M Suspension. Pressure peaks inside the dampers are smoothed out with the help of additional valves that are active on the rebound side. As a result, the system offers comfortable response when absorbing minor bumps in the road surface combined with sporty damper characteristics in dynamic driving situations. And the standard sport steering pairs Servotronic speed-sensitive power assistance with a very direct rack ratio.
 
Integrated braking system with the option of M Compound brakes.
 
The integrated braking system fitted to the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive is more than up to the task of keeping all the available power under control while providing excellent feedback through the brake pedal. It packages the brake activation, brake booster, and braking control functions within a single compact module, while an electric actuator is used to initiate the required brake pressure.
 
The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive is the first M performance model to offer optional M Compound brakes, comprising four-piston, fixed-caliper brakes with 15.2-inch drilled discs at the front wheels and single-piston, floating-caliper units with integrated parking brake and 13.0-inch discs at the rear. The inner-vented brake discs are composed of a grey cast iron ring and an aluminum chamber. The M Compound brakes offer better feel and stable stopping power under high loads. In addition to this, weight has been minimized and unsprung masses are substantially lower compared with conventional braking systems. The brake calipers are finished in high-gloss grey and bear the M logo.
 
Near-actuator wheel slip limitation for sharper agility.
 
Contributing to the BMW X1 M35i xDrive’s combination of agility is near-actuator wheel slip limitation technology. In this system, the traction control function is integrated into the engine management. This eliminates the long signal paths to the DSC control unit, meaning that the corrective inputs are applied up to ten times faster than in conventional systems and with exceptional precision. Near-actuator wheel slip limitation thereby ensures optimum traction (even on slippery roads), unwavering straight-line composure under hard acceleration, and excellent directional stability in corners. 

The car’s exterior design includes M-specific details like the kidney grille with double bars, M exterior mirror caps, and four exhaust tailpipes. Inside, the cabin features an M-specific interior with optional M Sport seats, combining high-performance elements with functionality. The rear seat is adjustable, allowing for increased cargo capacity.

Advanced driver assistance systems are available, including collision warning, blind spot detection, lane departure warning, and parking distance control. Additional options include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistant, and traffic jam assistant.

The BMW X1 M35i xDrive features the updated BMW iDrive system with QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 9, providing intuitive control and access to digital services. The system integrates with the BMW Curved Display and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

Customers can personalize their driving experience with a range of digital services, including navigation, voice-controlled assistants, smartphone integration, and customizable subscription plans through the BMW ConnectedDrive Store. The optional Personal e-SIM enables compatibility with 5G technology.

The New BMW OS 9 with Quick Select

The BMW X1 M35i xDrive introduces the latest BMW iDrive system with QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 9. One important note – this is a completely new OS that cannot be retrofitted on current US market X1s as there’s a new chip that powers this Android based system on board the M35i model (some Euro models already have this chip).

This control/operation system offers an improved user experience with its redesigned home screen and QuickSelect functionality. It adopts a menu structure inspired by consumer electronics devices, providing intuitive and comfortable access to various functions and digital services. The BMW iDrive enhances the driving experience of the X1 M35i xDrive by displaying relevant information in the right place.

BMW Operating System 9, which underpins the updated BMW iDrive system with QuickSelect, enables a wider range of digital content for information and entertainment. It also allows for shorter function update cycles and improved access to specific online services. The integration of BMW iDrive with QuickSelect, BMW Curved Display, and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant enables touchscreen operation and natural language interaction.

The home screen of BMW Operating System 9 always shows the map view of the navigation system or other customizable graphics. Function icons are displayed in a vertical arrangement on the driver’s side of the control display, allowing easy navigation by swiping up or down. QuickSelect enables direct access to requested functions without the need to navigate through submenus. To return to the home screen, a simple tap on the home icon at the lower edge of the display is sufficient. Additional icons for climate control, the All Apps menu, and Apple CarPlay® / Android Auto™ are available if activated.

The new menu structure enhances convenience when activating functions and settings. The on-board digital content, including the BMW Curved Display, is designed to maintain driver focus, a characteristic of BMW vehicles. The graphical interface and menu structure follow a consistent layout developed by BMW Group Design, ensuring intuitive operation while driving.

2024 BMW X1 M35i Photo Gallery

BMW X1 M35i Standard Equipment and Options

Major standard equipment

• 19-inch M Double-spoke bi-color wheels style 871M with all-season non-runflat tires
• Adaptive M Suspension
• M Sport Brakes with blue calipers
• LED headlights with cornering lights
• Harman/Kardon Premium sound system
• BMW Curved Display
• ConnectedDrive Services
• Wireless Device Charging
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Active Blind Spot Detection
• Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation
• Lane Departure Warning

Major optional equipment and packages.

Driving Assistance Plus Package

• Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go
• Steering and Lane Control Assistant

Driving Assistance Professional Package

• Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go
• Active Lane Keeping Assistant with Side Collision Avoidance
• Traffic Jam Assistant

Shadowline Package

• M Shadowline lights
• Extended Shadowline trim

M Sport Professional Package

• M Sport Brakes with red (or standard blue) calipers
• M Compound Brakes with grey high gloss calipers
• M Shadowline lights
• Extended Shadowline trim

Premium Package

• Universal garage door opener
• Panoramic moonroof
• Interior camera
• Parking Assistant Plus
• Head-up Display
• Live Cockpit Professional including Navigation
• Anti-theft Recorder
• Surround View with 3D View

X1 M35i Individual Options

• Remote Engine Start
• 20-inch light alloy wheels with performance non-runflat tires
• M Compound Brakes with grey high-gloss calipers
• Panoramic moonroof
• Eucalyptus open-pore fine wood trim
• Aluminum trim with mesh effect
• M Sport seats
• Heated front seats and steering wheel

BMW X1 M35i Specifications