The first BMW X1 enhanced by the BMW M division, the all-new winsome X1 M35i xDrive, will launch in Australia at the end of this year. It’s being built at BMW Group Plant Regensburg, together with other variants of the new BMW X1, including the all-electric BMW iX1.
This new performance model will take its place as the flagship variant in the X1 line-up and combine a high level of driving pleasure—for which M models are renowned—with breakthrough digital features, segment-leading driver assistance systems, contemporary design and a high level of specification.
The four-cylinder power unit of the X1 M35i xDrive is a headline element of the new modular generation of BMW Group Efficient Dynamics engines and uses M TwinPower Turbo technology to record a maximum output of 233kW.
The most potent incarnation of the 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 this new engine apart from the preceding generation. This includes the adoption of the Miller cycle, redesigned intake ports and combustion chambers with changes to the fuel injection, ignition system and exhaust gas routing. Other highlights include a new robust crankshaft with an optimised oil system for cooling pistons, and robust main bearing shells and caps leveraged from the latest-generation six-cylinder engine for outright strength and durability.
Equipped with variable camshaft and valve timing, this spritely engine generates its maximum output between 5,750 and 6,500rpm, whilst delivering a strong torque curve of 400Nm from only 2,000 all the way to 4,500rpm.
This new X1 M35i xDrive exhaust gases are channelled via two pairs of twin tailpipes, nestled neatly into the left and right of the rear apron, a signature feature of high-performance models from BMW and now adopted by the most powerful member of their compact SUV range.
BMW have enhanced the M TwinPower Turbo technology, further increasing performance of both the turbo charger and intercooling, with the addition of dual injection for accurate fuel metering and delivery.
The M Sport Boost function is also available for exceptionally rapid bursts of speed. Here, all the powertrain and chassis systems are switched to their sportiest setting when the driver pulls on the left-hand shift paddle for at least one second. The result is an impressive throttle response capable of propelling the X1 M35i xDrive to 100km/h in an energetic 5.4 seconds.
The seven-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 interventions in the gear selection process.
M-specific chassis technology teams up with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive to deliver elevated performance and dynamic on-road characteristics. The system ensures that drive power is distributed between the front and rear wheels as required in any situation. The system is interlinked with the chassis control tech at all times. A hang-on clutch with electro-hydraulic control allows drive torque to be directed to the rear wheels as well, in a matter of a few milliseconds, providing significantly greater traction, directional stability and sporting prowess in the BMW style.
The all-wheel-drive system is assisted in its task by the mechanical limited-slip differential built into the seven-speed Steptronic transmission of the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive. This serves to limit the difference in speed between the front wheels. With a locking factor of up to 26 percent, it increases traction over loose terrain or in adverse weather conditions at the same time as boosting agility and handling dynamics when taking corners at speed.
Standard specification for the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive includes adaptive M suspension, with mechanically controlled adjustable and frequency-selective dampers that benefit both agility and long-distance comfort. 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.
The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive is the first performance model from BMW M GmbH to be offered with the option of M Compound brakes and will be available to Australian customers in early 2024.
Comprising four-piston, fixed-calliper brakes with 385-millimetre drilled discs at the front wheels and single-piston, floating-calliper units with integrated parking brake and 330-millimetre discs at the rear.
The inner-vented brake discs are composed of a grey cast-iron ring and an aluminium chamber. The M Compound brakes offer comfortable braking, exceptional feel and stable stopping power even under high loads. In addition, weight has been minimised and unsprung masses are substantially lower compared to conventional braking systems. The brake callipers are painted red and sport the M logo.
The new range-topping model comes with the type of exclusive design and equipment features originally reserved for BMW’s elite high-performance range like the optional M Sport seats with illuminated M logo. M light-alloy wheels in a Y-spoke, bi-colour style measuring 20 inches in diameter round off the bespoke chassis specification of the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive for the Australian market.
The new X1 M35i xDrive also blazes a trail when it comes to digital technology. It is among the first BMW models to feature the new BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW’s Operating System 9. In order to make selecting and operating numerous functions and digital services even more intuitive and comfortable, the latest generation of BMW iDrive offers a newly designed home screen and QuickSelect functionality. This brings an improved menu structure that takes its cues from consumer electronics devices. By showing the right information in the right place, the new BMW iDrive enhances the car’s focused, assured driving experience.
The new BMW X1 M35i xDrive offers an arrestingly sporting ambience in its standard specification, and its distinctive aura can be enhanced further with exclusive options such as M Sport seats. The M-specific content on the BMW Curved Display—a fully digital screen grouping formed by the 10.25-inch information display and the control display with a screen diagonal of 10.7 inches—sharpens the driver’s focus on the sporty driving experience.
The kidney grille of the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive bears the M logo. The grille also sports horizontal double bars, a detail previously only found on high-performance models from BMW M GmbH. 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.
Good looks, M dynamic driving performance with intuitive technology—yes, we’re looking forward to bringing you and in-depth review as soon as BMW has one available for us in WA.
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