BMW X1 M35i xDrive: Hot Hatch of BMW SUVs Premieres

BMW X1 M35i xDrive: Hot Hatch of BMW SUVs Premieres 

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The third generation of the BMW X1 is a significant improvement over its predecessor, with a well-equipped and up-to-date interior from the base model upwards and a refined driving demeanour. 

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Joining the range that consists of the sDrive18i, sDrive20d, and soon the iX1 variants, is the M35i xDrive model for the first time, which seeks to focus on the performance side of things with its potent engine as well as sportier etiquette. 

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Off the bat, the X1 M35i xDrive makes use of the brand's powerful iteration of the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 221 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque accessed via a 7-speed Steptronic transmission that drives all fours. 

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Its closest rival, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35, pushes 225 kW and similar torque figures for comparison's sake. On the performance front, the M35i xDrive dashes from 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds en route to a top speed of 250 km/h. The rival from Stuttgart completes the same task in 5.2 seconds. 

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It comes standard with adaptive M suspension that lowers the car's suspension by 15 mm compared to the regular X1 models and sports steering with what BMW calls Servotronic speed-sensitive power assistance. 

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BMW has also upgraded the brakes for improved deceleration courtesy of optional M Compounds with 4-piston, fixed-calliper brakes with 385 mm drilled discs at the front and single-piston 330 mm discs at the rear.

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Aesthetically Pleasing 

The brakes are housed within 19" M light-alloy wheels in a twin-spoke design as standard. These wheels are 20 mm wider than those fitted in the outgoing model. If you like, these can be upgraded to 20" M light alloys in an exclusive twin-spoke design as options.

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Aesthetically, it looks pleasing to the eyes in its M-specific garb, which consists of a front apron with large air intakes for better cooling, an M kidney grille with the M logo, prominent side skirt extensions, a roof spoiler, a rear apron with diffuser inlay as well as a black M exterior mirror caps. 

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In typical M style, the M35i xDrive features four exhaust outlets that measure 80 mm. 

Mplified Interior

The interior has also benefitted from the M Performance basket of goodies, thanks to exclusive options such as M Sport seats, M leather steering wheel, BMW's latest fully-digital screens that are formed by a 10.25" information display and a 10.7" infotainment screen and Alcantara-trimmed instrument panel.

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BMW South Africa is yet to confirm the launch timing of the M35i xDrive variant, which may arrive sometime before the end of the year. If it ever comes close to the X2 M35i xDrive's impressive dynamics, the powerful version of the X1 promises to be the hot hatch of BMW SUVs. 

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