BMW X1 M35i: Brand's hottest small SUV priced for Australia

The BMW X1 M35i xDrive will be the most expensive member of the local small SUV range, priced at $90,900 before on-road costs.

That makes it $6000 more expensive than the current flagship, the electric iX1 xDrive30.

BMW says it’s launching the hotter X1 at the end of this year.

The M35i xDrive packs a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 233kW of power (@5750-6500rpm) and 400Nm of torque (@2000-4500rpm) mated with all-wheel drive.

Notably, we get the higher-output tune, while the European market has a less powerful 221kW tune.

The M35i uses a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, along with a mechanical limited-slip differential.

The automatic transmission features paddle shifters, and a pull of the left-hand paddle for at least a second will activate M Sport Boost mode and switch the powertrain and chassis systems to their sportiest setting.

In Australian-market guise, the new M35i has the most power of any petrol X1 ever sold here, more than even the old six-cylinder xDrive35i.

BMW claims a 0-100km/h time of 5.4 seconds, and WLTP combined cycle fuel consumption of between 8.0 and 8.5 litres per 100km.

A new M Compound brake system will be available in Australia in early 2024, priced at $3000. It features four-piston, fixed-caliper brakes up front and single-piston, floating caliper units at the rear.

Adaptive M suspension is standard, with mechanically-controlled adjustable, frequency-selective dampers.

The M35i sits 15mm lower than other X1s, and is also distinguished by its four exhaust outlets – a design cue borrowed from BMW’s M line-up – plus a unique front apron, rear spoiler and side skirt extensions.

The grille also adopts horizontal double bars, another M design cue.

The no-cost M Sport Pro package adds high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim and a Shadowline treatment for the exterior lighting, plus power-adjustable M Sport seats with illuminated M logos and driver’s memory and M seat belts.

The package also includes an M Sport brakes with red calipers. If you want to step up to the unique brakes, the M Sport Pro package is mandatory.

The package comes with a choice of either black Alcantara/Sensatec upholstery with blue stitching, or Veganza upholstery in Coral/Red-Black.

If you don’t opt for the M Sport Pro package, you have a choice of Vernasca leather upholstery in either Black, Oyster or Mocha. Aluminium Hexacube Pale inlays feature inside the cabin, as does an anthracite-coloured headliner, M door sill trim and pedals and M-specific graphics for the screens.

The X1 M35i is one of the first BMWs to feature the Android-based Operating System 9, that BMW says “brings an improved menu structure that takes its cues from consumer electronics devices”.

There’s a new home screen design and QuickSelect functionality, allowing you to access key functions without having to go through sub-menus.

The X1 also features an integrated e-SIM. Software updates can be done remotely.

Specification highlights include:

• 20-inch M light alloy wheels (Y-spoke style)
• M Sport brakes with blue high-gloss calipers
• High-gloss black roof rails
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Automatic headlights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Hands-free power tailgate
• Four exhaust outlets
• Comfort Access
• Digital Key Plus
• Panoramic glass sunroof
• BMW Curved Display
  • 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
  • 10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
  • Wireless Android Auto
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay
  • BMW Operating System 9
  • BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
  • BMW Live Cockpit Plus
  • Drive recorder
• 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
• DAB digital radio
• Wireless phone charger
• 4 x USB-C ports
• 2 x 12V power outlets
• Head-up display
• M leather steering wheel
• Paddle shifters
• Sensatec-wrapped instrument panel
• Heated front seats
• Front sports seats
• Dual-zone climate control
• 40:20:40 split/fold rear seats

Standard safety equipment includes:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Parking Assistant
• Steering and Lane Control Assistant
• 3D surround-view camera

Alpine White solid paint is standard, with BMW Individual Storm Bay and Frozen Pure Grey finishes $2500 and $5000 options, respectively.

The following finishes are a $1800 option:

• Mineral White
• Black Sapphire
• Space Silver
• M Portimao Blue
• Cape York Green

20-inch BMW Individual light alloy wheels with a multi-spoke style are a $500 option, while a heated steering wheel can be added via a digital subscription as the hardware is already there.

BMW says Operating System 9 “lays the groundwork for a highly customisable section of additional digital services available via digital subscription purchase”.

Pricing

• BMW X1 M35i xDrive: $90,900

Price excludes on-road costs.