2024 BMW X1 M35i xDrive unveiled, due in Australia this year

The 2024 BMW X1 M35i xDrive has been unveiled, ahead of a European launch due in November 2023 – and an Australian arrival in the fourth quarter of 2023 (October to December).

The M35i is the performance version of the latest X1 small SUV, and is the first time the badge – which is one rung below full BMW M cars such as the M2, M3 and X3 M – has been applied to this model.

It previews the engine and power output planned for the next X2 M35i – the X1's coupe sibling – as well as the next-generation BMW M135 hot hatch, which Drive has previously reported is due to lead the removal of the 'i' suffix from petrol-powered BMWs.

Australian arrivals are due to begin before the end of this year, with prices still to be announced.

Powering the X1 M35i is a tuned version of BMW's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder 'B48' petrol engine, which develops 233kW and 400Nm in Australia (or 221kW/400Nm in Europe).

Sending power to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, BMW claims a 5.4-second zero to 100km/h acceleration time, towards a top speed electronically limited to 250km/h.

In Europe the new engine is less potent – in power and torque – than the outgoing X2 M35i and M135i hatch, which develop 225kW and 450Nm in all global markets, and the X1's 0-100km/h time is half a second slower than the X2 M35i's 4.9 seconds.

It could be a result of the move to a dual-clutch transmission in place of the outgoing vehicles' eight-speed conventional torque-converter automatic.

Under the skin BMW highlights a mechanical limited-slip differential on the front axle, adaptive M suspension that's 15mm lower than standard X1 variants, and speed-sensitive sports steering.

The X1 M35i is the latest mid-tier 'M Performance' BMW to borrow design cues from full M cars, including quad tailpipes – connected to a variable sports exhaust – and 'winged' M mirror caps.

There is an 'M Sport Boost' function accessible by holding the left steering wheel shift paddle for at least one second, which switches "all the powertrain and chassis systems ... to their sportiest setting".

M 'Compound' brakes are available for the first time on an M Performance model, with 385mm discs and four-piston calipers at the front, and 330mm discs with single-piston calipers at the rear. These will be an optional extra, and available from early 2024.

Standard are 20-inch alloy wheels in Australia, though smaller 19s are available in Europe.

Exterior design changes compared to an X1 M Sport include a unique front grille insert – with horizontal double bars, another full M car-specific design trait – plus side skirt extensions, a larger roof spoiler, new rear bumper, and black mirror caps.

Inside, the M35i can be optioned with unique one-piece M Sport seats with Vernasca leather trim, illuminated M logos and diamond-quilted stitching.

Other interior tweaks include an Alcantara-covered instrument panel, aluminium-look trim inlays, black headlining, M sill plates and pedal covers, a sports steering wheel with a red centre marker, and unique graphics for the widescreen displays.

The X1 M35i will run BMW's new iDrive 9 infotainment software, which is an updated version of the iDrive 8 firmware in the standard X1, and is claimed to offer a "broader offering of digital content", a new interface, "shorter function update cycles" and improved online services.

The 2024 BMW X1 M35i is due in European showrooms in November 2023, ahead of first Australian arrivals between October and December 2023.