Meet the BMW X1 M35i xDrive, a hot new version of the firm’s smallest SUV, complete with the most potent iteration of the M Performance 4-pot yet…

The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive has been revealed, boasting suitably aggressive exterior styling and the most powerful M Performance 4-cylinder engine yet … depending on the market, that is.

Yes, while the hottest version of the Munich-based firm’s smallest SUV – which clearly has the Mercedes-AMG GLA35 squarely in its sights – employs a new incarnation of the twin-turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol unit, its peak power will vary by country. In the United States “and other selected markets”, BMW says the engine will generate 233 kW, while the version offered in Europe will settle for 221 kW.

So, what about South Africa? Well, BMW Group SA told Cars.co.za it has no plans to introduce the new X1 M35i “as yet”. While nothing’s set in stone, the inclusion of those final 2 words at least leaves the door open for a local introduction at some point down the line.

Anyway, back to the story. Maximum torque is 400 Nm regardless of the peak power output, with this twisting force on tap from 2 000 to 4 500 r/min. The German automaker claims a 0-100 kph time of 5.4 seconds (we’re guessing this applies to the 233 kW tune), while top speed is electronically limited to 250 kph. As a reminder, the X2 M35i and the M135i hot hatch each make 225 kW and 450 Nm from an earlier version of this 4-pot motor and hit 100 kph from standstill around half-a-second earlier.

The X1 M35i features quad-pipes, just like a full-fat M model.

As standard, the X1 M35i is fitted with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, complete with shift paddles and featuring a built-in mechanical limited-slip differential. The new all-wheel-drive M Performance model further debuts the brand’s so-called “M Sport Boost” function, which sees all powertrain and chassis systems switched to their sportiest settings when the driver pulls and holds the left-hand shift paddle. Other highlights include an M-specific exhaust system, which BMW promises will deliver an “emotionally rich soundtrack”, channelling exhaust gases via 2 pairs of twin tailpipes (each with a diameter of 80 mm), much like a full-fat M product.

The new engine differs from the preceding generation in that it adopts the Miller cycle, gains redesigned intake ports and combustion chambers, and benefits from changes to the camshaft timing, injection, ignition system and exhaust gas routing. The 4-banger furthermore scores what BMW describes as an “extremely robust” crankshaft drive, an “optimised” system of oil supply for the pistons (with cooling channels), and main bearing shells and caps borrowed from the latest 6-cylinder petrol engines.

Standard specification includes adaptive M suspension (including a 15 mm ride-height drop), sport steering and 19-inch twin-spoke M light-alloy wheels. The X1 M35i xDrive – which incidentally boasts twin-stalk side mirrors, just like a full-bore M model – also becomes the first M Performance model to be offered with the option of M Compound brakes, comprising 4-piston, fixed-calliper brakes with 385 mm drilled discs at the front and single-piston, floating-calliper units with 330 mm discs at the rear.

BMW promises the steering features a “very direct” rack ratio.

Inside, the BMW Curved Display (which comprises a 10.25-inch information display and a 10.7-inch control display) features plenty of M-specific content. The new BMW X1 M35i furthermore uses an updated versions of the BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and the BMW Operating System 9. The result is a newly designed home screen with what the German firm terms an “improved menu structure”. There’s also an anthracite-coloured headliner, M door-sill trim, M pedals and sports seats finished in Sensatec/Alcantara (with blue contrast stitching). Buyers can optionally specify M Sport seats, too.

Finally, the X1 M35i will be available with a “model-specific” M Sport Package Pro, which encompasses M high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim, M lights Shadowline, an M Sport braking system (with red callipers), M Sport seats and M seat belts.

The newcomer will be built alongside standard versions of the U11-generation X1 (as well as the fully electric iX1) at BMW’s facility in Regensburg, Germany.

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