Short of becoming a full-blown M model, this boosts the SUV’s outright grunt thanks to a 2.0-liter M TwinPower Turbo that puts out 300 horsepower in Europe (or 317 horsepower in the United States and other selected markets) between 5,750 and 6,500 rpm; peak torque is now set at 400 Nm from 2,000 to 4,500 rpm. This helps race the X1 M35i xDrive to 100 km/h from rest in 5.4 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

Raw power aside, the X1 M35i xDrive also benefits from a unique exhaust system where exhaust gases are channeled via two pairs of twin tailpipes. A signature feature of high-performance models from BMW M, they’ve now been adopted by the most powerful member of the compact BMW SUV range.

Mated to the turbocharged engine is a 7-speed dual clutch allowing for sharp shift actions. Paddle shifters with a M Sport Boost function for rapid bursts of speed is standard. This switches all the powertrain and chassis systems to its sportiest setting when the driver pulls on the left-hand shift paddle for at least one second.

Keeping all that power to the pavement, the X1 M35i xDrive has an all-wheel drive system with a mechanical limited-slip differential and an adaptive M suspension with frequency-selective dampers. Unique suspension calibration also drops the ride height by 15 mm, while a revised steering ratio dials up the responsiveness. BMW has also integrated the traction control function to the engine management system resulting in ten times faster response.

The X1 M35i xDrive is also offered with the option of M Compound brakes with four piston calipers with a 385 mm drilled discs at the front, and a single-piston, 330-mm disc at the back. These are then covered with either 19-inch or 20-inch light alloy wheels.

Design-wise, the X1 M35i xDrive gets M-specific design cues both outside and in including the M kidney grille and exterior mirror caps. Inside, there’s the Alcantara-covered instrument panel, an M leather steering wheel, Aluminum “Hexacube” dark trim elements, and the BMW Curved Display with M-specific content. M Sport seats with an illuminated BMW M logo are available as an option, although Alcantara/Sensatec sport seats are standard.

The BMW X1 M35i xDrive is one of the brand’s first models to feature the updated BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW 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.

Market launch of the BMW X1 M35i xDrive gets underway in October in the USA. Deliveries in Europe will commence in November 2023. The flagship model will be built at BMW Group Plant Regensburg, together with all other variants of the new BMW X1, including the all-electric BMW iX1.