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New 2024 BMW X1 M35i xDrive: Prices, specs and release date

  • New BMW X1 M35i xDrive is a high-performance version of the small family SUV
  • Potent turbo engine produces 300ps for 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds
  • Aggressive styling and sporty interior matched by lower ride height and more focused suspension  
  • Arrives in early 2024 with prices from £45,995

The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive is a high-performance range-topper for the BMW X1 small family SUV line-up. Boasting a comprehensive styling overhaul plus a fully-focused engine and suspension tune, it is a potent new addition to BMW’s smallest SUV line-up.

The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive also features the latest BMW infotainment tech, called BMW Operating System 9. It is the first new BMW to include new iDrive features aimed at making it easier to use.

The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive goes head-to-head with its premium performance small SUV rival, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4Matic. Audi’s alternative, the RS Q3, is a much more powerful and expensive. Other rivals with reasonably powerful alternatives include the Alfa Romeo Tonale, Volvo XC40 and Range Rover Evoque. The Cupra Ateca is an interesting challenger, too.

New 2024 BMW X1 M35i xDrive prices and release date

New BMW X1 M35i xDrive prices start from £45,995. An all-inclusive standard spec can be honed with a range of options, including BMW Individual custom features.

The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive goes into production later this year. Ordering will open later in the year with first UK deliveries expected in the first quarter of 2024.

New 2024 BMW X1 M35i xDrive styling, interior and technology

The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive boasts a full M styling makeover. Key highlights include the M kidney grille with horizontal double bars, black M exterior mirror caps, and the usual quartet of M exhaust tailpipes measuring an ample 80mm in diameter.

At the front, the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive has a deep front apron with extra-large air intakes. This blends into prominent side skirt extensions, a large rear apron with beefy diffuser, and a bespoke roof spoiler. Of course, there are plentiful M logos, and the distinctive ‘M35i’ logo on the tailgate.

The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive comes as standard with 19-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels. They are 20mm wider than the previous fast BMW X1. Optional 20-inch alloys, fitted with sport tyres, are also available.

Inside, the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive has yet more M-specific features, including an Alcantara-covered instrument panel, dark anthracite headliner, M door sill trim and pedals, and Aluminum Hexacube Dark interior trim. The M leather steering wheel has a red 12 o’clock marking and wheel rim stitching in BMW M colours.

The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive has standard black Sensatec and Alcantara sports seats, with blue stitching. Vernasca leather upholstery is available as an option, with diamond quilting. BMW M Sport seats are also optionally available: they have integral head restraints and an illuminated M logo in the backrests.

The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive uses the BMW Curved Display, a full digital display that combines a 10.7-inch centre touchscreen with a 10.25-inch driver display. It runs BMW iDrive with the latest BMW Operating System 9.

The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive is one of the first BMWs to use new QuickSelect technology. This has an improved menu structure that’s based on consumer electronics – it shows “the right information in the right place”. QuickSelect rapid access technology also allows key functions to be accessed directly, without having to pass through a submenu.

The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive doesn’t trade practicality, though. It has a roomy 540-litre boot, which extends to 1,600 litres with the seats folded. The rear seats are split 40:20:40 and each section can be individually tilted. Optional sliding rear seats are also available.

The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive measures 4505mm long, 1845mm wide and 1622mm tall.

2024 BMW X1 M35i xDrive engines, performance and fuel economy

The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine that produces 300ps. It uses the Miller combustion cycle, to aid efficiency, and has an uprated M TwinPower Turbo system. Peak power is produced between 5750-6500rpm and peak torque of 400nm is from 2000-4500rpm.

The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive has two pairs of twin exhaust tailpipes and BMW promises an “emotionally rich soundtrack” from the M-specific system. It also has shift paddles for the seven-speed Steptronic DSG automatic gearbox. BMW says the shift action is “ultra-sharp”.

The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive accelerates from 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds. It has a top speed of 155mph – but this is electronically limited. Performance in all weathers is aided by the xDrive all-wheel drive, plus a limited-slip differential.

For those interested in fuel economy, the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive averages a reasonable 35.3mpg. It emits from 181g/km CO2.

As standard, the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive comes with adaptive M suspension which uses clever frequency-selective dampers. It is 15mm lower than a regular BMW X1, and fitted with standard sport steering using a very direct rack ratio and Servotronic speed-sensitive power assistance.

The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive also has ‘near-actuator wheel slip limitation technology’. In plain English, this sees the traction control integrated directly into the engine management ECU. Electronic intervention happens 10 times faster, and is much more precise.

Naturally, the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive has uprated brakes, and it is also available with optional M Compound brakes. These have four-piston calipers with 385mm drilled discs at the front. BMW says they give “superb feel and stable stopping power even under high loads” and, because they are considerably lighter, help reduce unspring mass. Spot this system from their grey-painted brake calipers.

The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive also has a novel M Sport Boost function. Holding the left-hand steering wheel paddle for at least one second switches all powertrain and chassis settings into their sportiest setting. This helps quickly serve up “exceptionally rapid bursts of speed”.

New Cars Coming Soon

Before you step into a showroom, read our in-depth guide to all the new cars coming in the next 12 months and beyond – some are well worth the wait.

How fast is the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive?

The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive has a top speed of 155mph – and as this is electronically limited, it is probably even faster still.

Is the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive a proper M car?

The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive is part of the BMW M Performance line-up. It is not a full-fat BMW M GmbH vehicle, but uses expertise from the famous fast BMW division.

Where will the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive be built?

The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive will be built in Germany, at BMW”s Regensburg plant. This factory makes all other new BMW X1, including the electric BMW iX1.

Ask HJ

Do I need to change all four tyres at the same time on a BMW xDrive model?

We have a BMW 18d. The dealer says although it is an X drive, in normal driving 100% of the power is sent to the front and the rear is only used when extra traction is required. The two front tyres are around 2.5 - 3mm but the rear ones are like new. I've learnt that the transfer case doesn't like tolerance differences of more than say 2-3mm - although I cannot find anything written down from BMW. It looks like I need to replace all four tyres in order to keep the transfer case happy. Would you agree? I also understand I can switch from runflats to non-runflats providing I keep the same tyre dimensions. Is this correct?
Unfortunately many four-wheel-drive vehicles are sensitive to tyre wear imbalance, but this is something vehicle manufacturers are somewhat coy about explaining to their customers. Our understanding of the tolerance is that the difference in tread depth should be no more than 2mm across an axle, and 3mm between the front and rear axles to avoid any issues. Regular tyre rotation front to rear should mean you can get more life out of each set of tyres, as we would expect the front tyres to wear more heavily on your X1. Regardless, it is an additional expense that a two-wheel-drive BMW owner would not have to worry about, but it is worth doing so to avoid the even greater cost of a replacement transfer case. You can switch to non-runflats which would help the ride quality as well as bring the cost of new tyres down.
Answered by David Ross
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