233kW M-fettled BMW X1 small SUV to undercut Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 when it arrives late this year
BMW M division’s most potent four-cylinder small SUV to date won’t come cheap, but the new 2024 BMW X1 M35i xDrive’s starting price of $90,900 plus on-road costs ensures a compelling value battle against its closest rival, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 (from $97,800).
Set to arrive in Australia “at the end of this year” according to BMW Australia, the ballistic BMW X1 M35i xDrive will attract plenty of attention with its massive 20-inch alloy wheels, sports body kit and sports-luxury ‘M’ interior fit-out.
But it’s true claim to fame is the hot four engine, which is the most powerful version of BMW’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol ever unleashed in Australia.
Peak power of 233kW arrives at 5750rpm and lasts until 6500rpm, while torque maxes out at 400Nm and is sustained across a broad rev range – 2000-4500rpm.
Together with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the BMW X1 hottie accelerates from 0-100km/h in a hot hatch-slaying 5.4 seconds.
For more information on the upgraded powertrain, check out our BMW X1 M35i first look story.
Top speed is 250km/h, and although it’s got more 8kW more power and the same torque as the more expensive Mercedes-AMG GLA 35, which also gets a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine (225kW/400Nm), the AMG is quicker to 100km/h at 5.1sec.
The flagship Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 (310kW/500Nm) is even more powerful and quicker too, but is priced at an eye-watering $121,900 plus ORCs.
We’ve provided a full equipment and options list below, but the drawcard features fitted as standard include a panoramic glass roof, adaptive LED headlights, twin ‘Live Cockpit Professional’ LCD screens, a head-up display, 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system and power-operated, heated and massaging sports seats upholstered in Vernasca leather.
BMW has a range of different seat and decor finishes, most of which are no-cost options.
An optional M Sport Pro package can also be had at no extra cost, adding M Sport Seats with fully integrated head restraints and illuminated M logos, M seat belts and an M Sport brake system with red callipers.
BMW will also offer a race-spec M compound brake system for $3000 in early 2024, which adds four-piston fixed front brake callipers with 385mm drilled and vented rotors and single-pot floating calliper with 330mm ventilated discs at the rear.
Other sporting features of the new BMW X1 M35i xDrive include an M Sport boosting function for “exceptionally rapid bursts of speed, a mechanical limited-slip differential at the front axle (which betrays the car’s default drive axle) and adaptive M suspension and sport steering fitted as standard.
The M-specific chassis tech also drops the vehicle’s ride height by 15mm compared to garden-variety BMW X1 cars and lowers its centre of gravity as a result.
Eight colours are available, with only Alpine White being a no-cost option. Metallic paint jobs add $1800 and include Mineral White, Black Sapphire, Space Silver, M Portimao Blue and Cape York Green.
There are two ‘BMW Individual metallic’ exterior paint colours Storm Bay ($2500) and Frozen Pure Grey ($5000) that add even more to the vehicle’s list price.
BMW X1 M35i xDrive equipment levels:
- 20-inch M light alloy wheels
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Automatic tailgate with contactless opening
- BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
- Personal e-SIM
- 10.7-inch central touch-screen
- 10.25-inch curved widescreen driver’s display
- BMW Operating System 9
- Comfort Access featuring Digital Key Plus
- DAB Digital Radio
- Driving Assistant Professional
- Active Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Steering and Lane Control system
- Harman Kardon 12-speaker Hi-Fi audio system
- BMW Head Up Display
- Instrument panel trimmed in Sensatec
- Kidney grille finished in high-gloss Shadowline
- Lumbar support with active massage function
- M headliner in Anthracite
- M Sport leather steering wheel
- Mirror package including anti-dazzle function
- Navigation system
- Panorama glass sunroof
- Parking Assistant Plus
- Surround view camera
- Reversing Assistant
- Drive Recorder
- Remote Software Updates
- Seat heating for driver and front passenger
- Sports seats with upholstery in leather Vernasca
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability
- Wireless phone charging with vertical mounted smartphone cradle
- Preparation for steering wheel heating (available via digital subscription purchase)
Options:
- Metallic paint – $1800 / $2500 / $5000
- 20-inch BMW Individual alloy wheels – $500
- M Compound braking system, grey callipers – $3000
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Keyword: 2024 BMW X1 M35i: Australian pricing and specs