Richmond Hill, ON.: A performance model with unmistakable M character takes its place at the top of the new BMW X1 range. The new 2024 BMW X1 M35i xDrive
builds on the emotional driving pleasure that lies at the heart of BMW’s compact Sports Activity Vehicle with an injection of the power, agility and precision for which M models are celebrated. Its 2.0-litre 4-cylinder motor is part of the new modular generation of BMW Group Efficient Dynamics engines and uses M TwinPower Turbo technology to produce 312 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
With this newfound energy, the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive races from rest to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, on to a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h. M-specific chassis technology is integrated with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive to deliver sublime performance characteristics.
The sharper character of the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive is clearly apparent both inside and out. The new range-topping performance model comes with exclusive design and equipment features typically reserved for high-performance cars from BMW M GmbH. These include the two pairs of exhaust tailpipes and the optional M Sport Seats with illuminated M logos.
The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive also breaks new ground in terms of digital technology: it is the first model to feature the new BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 9.
The Canadian launch of the new 2024 BMW X1 M35i xDrive will begin in October 2023. The flagship X1 model will be built at BMW Group Plant Regensburg, together with all other variants of the BMW X1.
New 4-cylinder engine
The most potent 4-cylinder version of 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 previous generations, such as the adoption of the Miller combustion cycle, redesigned intake ports and combustion chambers, and changes to the camshaft timing, injection, ignition system, and exhaust gas routing.
Among the 2.0-litre unit’s M-specific highlights are a new, stronger crankshaft, an optimized oil supply system for the pistons with cooling channels, and main bearing shells and caps carried over from the latest-generation 6-cylinder engines. It is also equipped with VANOS variable camshaft timing with optimized oil supply for the actuator and VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing. The result of these enhancements is 312 hp produced between 5,750 and 6,500 rpm, and peak torque of 295 lb-ft from 2,000 to 4,500 rpm.
The 7-speed Steptronic transmission fitted to the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive stands out with its ultra-sharp shift action. Shift paddles on the steering wheel allow quick manual gear changes.
The M Sport Boost function is also available for situations in which rapid bursts of speed are required. 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.
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.
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.
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. Contributing to the BMW X1 M35i xDrive’s inspiring combination of resolute handling poise and supreme 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.
M double-spoke wheels in Midnight Grey with burnished spokes measuring 19 inches in diameter mounted on all-season non-runflat tires are the final piece of the unique chassis specification of the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive.
The BMW M kidney grille of the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive bears the M logo and sports vertical double bars. Black M exterior mirror caps with twin-stalk design highlight the view in profile. At the back, four exhaust tailpipes – each with a diameter of 80 mm – integrated into the model-specific rear apron lets onlookers know that they’re looking at the most powerful model in the series. The promise of a high-performance experience is reiterated inside the cabin. Highlights include an available Alcantara-trimmed instrument panel, Light Aluminum Hexacube interior trim elements, a black-coloured headliner, M door sill trim, M pedals, the M-specific graphics of the BMW Curved Display – and, optionally, the BMW Head-Up Display – and an M leather steering wheel with shift paddles.
Interiors for the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive include available black Sensatec/Alcantara sport seats with blue contrast stitching. Leather-like Veganza upholstery is optional. The optional M Sport Seats offer a wide range of electrical adjustment and feature an illuminated M logo in the upper section of the backrests.
The sporty interior ambience is balanced with its functionality. The rear seat of the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive is split 40:20:40, and the tilt angle of each section can also be adjusted. The cargo capacity can be expanded from 540 litres to 1,600 litres with the rear seatbacks folded.
The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive is BMW’s first model to feature the updated version of the control/operation system BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 9. To make selecting and operating various functions and digital services more intuitive and comfortable, the latest generation of BMW iDrive offers a newly designed home screen and QuickSelect functionality.
The optional M Sport Pro Package adds Black Exterior Contents and Shadowline Headlights to the X1 M35i xDrive’s already distinctive exterior design. Also included are red calipers for the standard M Sport brakes (the standard blue calipers may also be specified), and M Sport Seats.
The BMW X1 M35i xDrive comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, BMW Digital Cockpit Plus including the BMW Maps navigation system, gloss black roof rails, automatic tailgate operation, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system, plus four USB-C ports and two 12V power sockets.