Nearly five years after introducing the X2 M35i, BMW has finally bestowed the X1 with its first-ever M Performance treatment. Showcasing its public debut following the official unveiling last month, this compact crossover, equipped with the brand’s most powerful four-cylinder engine, presents an excellent opportunity for us to capture detailed images of this formidable rival to the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35.
During the third round of the DTM season at the Norisring, the new 2024 BMW X1 M35i debuted. This results in a BMW 1-2 victory with S Sheldon van der Linde and René Rast. The M Lite crossover donned a striking Frozen Pure Grey paint from the Individual catalogue. According to BMW, this ensures it stands out on the track. Accentuated by 20-inch Y-spoke wheels, a two-tone finish, and vibrant red brake callipers, it exuded a sporty aesthetic. Notably, the M Compound brakes, featuring 385 mm front and 330 mm rear discs, are optional.
As a friendly reminder, BMW has introduced quad exhaust tips on their M Performance cars. The previous M760e, although it had four pipes, sported a more subtle appearance, predating the X1 M35i. The striking similarity of the quad exhaust setup on this sporty crossover to a genuine M model like the M2 suggests a full-fledged M experience.
The interior of the X1 M35i deserves a closer look, especially with the optional M Sport seats. The seats feature integrated headrests and an illuminated M symbol on the upper half of the backrest. These seats are upholstered in Veganza, a vegan leather material. It combines timeless M colours with a striking red and black colour scheme. To add a touch of vibrancy, red accents adorn the shift paddles and the 12 o’clock position on the steering wheel.
The featured X1 M35i boasts a turbocharged 2.0-litre gasoline engine, specifically tuned to deliver 296 horsepower for the European market. However, if purchased outside the EU, this performance crossover gains an additional 16 horsepower, totalling 312 horsepower. Regardless of the region, the torque remains consistent at 295 lb-ft (400 Nm).