The X1 is BMW’s smallest sport activity vehicle (SAV) but don’t let that fool you. The crisp styling makes the car seem larger than it really is, meaning that, like a bantam weight boxer, there’s more punch but without the actual size. This means it’s easy to park and good around town and, as featured here, there’s a fast version; the BMW X1 M35i xDrive.
It’s a performance model with an unmistakable ‘M’ character placing it at the top of the BMW X1 range. This premium model builds on the spontaneous driving pleasure that lies at the heart of the compact SAV concept with an injection of the dynamism, agility and precision for which M models and BMW cars in general are renowned.
The Exterior
The performance ‘M’-specific design cues of the X1 M35i xDrive are testimony to the technical requirements of an exceptionally sporty car in terms of cooling air provision and aerodynamic balance. A front apron with particularly large air intakes ensures the engine, transmission and brakes can continue to work within their optimum temperature windows at all times, even under hard driving.
Prominent side skirt extensions, a model-specific roof spoiler and a rear apron with diffuser inlay vividly showcase the performance-led character of the new flagship model. The legendary BMW kidney grille bears the ‘M’ logo, advertising the car’s credentials. The grille also sports horizontal double bars, a detail previously only found on high-performance models from the prestige German car maker.
When viewing the range-topping model from the side, black ‘M’ exterior mirror caps with twin-stalk design indicate its elevated status. Another identifying feature comes in the form of the four exhaust tailpipes, each with a diameter of 80 millimetres, integrated into the model-specific rear apron. As on the other high-performance models from this brand, these pairs of tailpipes positioned to the far left and right of the BMW X1 M35i xDrive’s rear end signal with unmistakable clarity the presence of the finest engine in that particular model range. Nineteen inch alloy wheels are standard but there are options, as always.
The BMW X1 M35i xDrive races to 100 km/h (62 mph) from rest in 5.4 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). ‘M’-specific chassis technology including the option of ‘M’ Compound brakes for the first time on a performance model, teams up with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive to deliver sublime performance characteristics.
And Talking Of Engines
The most potent incarnation of BMW’s 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol unit from the latest modular generation of engines delivers the raw power that the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive turns into captivating performance. Various innovations set these new engines apart from the preceding generation. They include the adoption of the Miller cycle, redesigned intake ports and combustion chambers and changes to the camshaft timing, injection, ignition system and exhaust gas routing, for the technically minded. The ‘M’ ‘TwinPower Turbo’ technology has been upgraded by increasing the performance of the turbocharging system and the engine generates its maximum output between 5,750 and 6,500 rpm, while peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) is on tap from 2,000 up to 4,500 rpm.
The new four-cylinder unit’s spirited power delivery is accompanied by a rich soundtrack from the ‘M’-specific exhaust system. The BMW X1 M35i xDrive is the first performance model from the brand whose exhaust gases are channelled via two pairs of twin tailpipes. Nestled neatly into the left and right of the rear apron, they are a signature feature of high-performance models from BMW ‘M’ and have now been adopted by the most powerful member of this compact SAV range of vehicles. The whole is driven through a seven-speed ‘Steptronic’ transmission with double clutch and ‘M’ Sport Boost.
The Premium Interior
As with the rest of the SAV, the cockpit design is ‘M’-specific which plays its part in creating a high-intensity performance experience inside the cabin. Highlights include an ‘Alcantara’-covered instrument panel, Aluminium ‘Hexacube’ Dark interior trim elements, an anthracite-coloured head-liner, ‘M’ door sill trim, ‘M’ pedals plus the ‘M’-specific graphics of the BMW Curved Display. Optionally, there’s the BMW Head-Up Display and a ‘M’ leather steering wheel with gear-shift paddles. A wide array of cutting-edge systems, too numerous to list here, enable automated driving and parking. Suffice to say this is a safe, high-tech vehicle.
Standard equipment for the BMW X1 M35i xDrive also brings black ‘Veganza/Alcantara’ sport seats with blue contrast stitching. These can alternatively be ordered as an option trimmed in ‘Vernasca’ leather with special diamond quilting. Also on the options list are ‘M’ Sport seats as seen in our images. These offer a wide range of electrical adjustment (including memory function for the driver’s seat), have integral head restraints and feature an illuminated M logo in the upper section of the backrests. The X1 M35i comes as standard with two-zone automatic climate control, BMW ‘Live Cockpit Plus’ including the BMW Maps navigation system, M roof rails in black high-gloss, automatic tailgate operation, and a rain sensor with automatic headlight activation, plus four USB-C ports and two 12V power sockets.
The intensely sporty interior ambience goes hand in hand with unrestricted functionality. The rear seat backrest splits and folds 40 : 20 : 40, and the tilt angle of each section can also be adjusted individually. The optional forward/back adjustment for the rear seats brings even greater variability. The boot capacity can be increased from 540 litres to a maximum 1,600 litres.
BMW With MHH International
The space on offer in the BMW X1 is class leading. Even adult passengers can sit three up in the rear, making this a fine compact family choice. The car is very practical, is loaded with technology and, importantly, it is great to drive. If this is the car for you then please ask about availability of this special model.
In fact, the great drive applies to all BMW models is the brand’s extensive range. Please check out our current full range of new and used BMW products on these pages. These cars, and many others from prestige car manufacturers are available for export from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand and many other destinations world wide. See our Home Page for full details of MHH International’s comprehensive export service and information on money-saving VAT-free options.
