Keen price for BMW’s X1 M35i xDrive

BMW’s first M-enhanced X1 small SUV will be here in time for Christmas, the X1 M35i xDrive now confirmed to be priced for Australia at $90,900 plus on-road costs.

Although not a full-fat M car, the high-performance small family hauler takes the mantle as BMW’s flagship X1 variant and combines M-division-honed dynamics with newly developed digital features and what BMW refers to as “segment leading driver assistance systems, contemporary design and a high level of specification”.

It is up against a handful of direct competitors in the Audi RS Q3 in Wagon and Sportback variants priced from $96,100 and $99,100 respectively, perhaps the Jaguar E-pace 300 Sport from $87,035 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA 35 4Matic from $97,800 (all excluding on-road costs).

The newbie will joins other pint-size performance Bimmers like the M135i xDrive, the M235i xDrive and M240i xDrive in local showrooms.

Like those cars, the X1 M35i features BMW’s most powerful four-cylinder engine, complementing M-specific chassis technology and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

The four-cylinder mill forms the basis of BMW Group’s new modular generation of “Efficient Dynamics” engines and uses M TwinPower Turbo technology to achieve 233kW at 5750-6500rpm and 400Nm from 2000rpm up to 4500rpm.

It’s sufficient to propel the compact carry-all from 0-100km/h in a scant 5.4 seconds with a V-max limited to 250km/h.

The vehicle’s dynamics can be further sharpened by plumping for the optional, electrically actuated M Compound brakes with rotors measuring 385mm front and 330mm at the rear.

Visually, the X1 M35i comes with design and equipment features originally reserved for high-performance cars from BMW M GmbH including signature twin pairs of exhaust tailpipes. Pay more and optional M Sport seats with illuminated M logo are available. 

In terms of digital tech, the X1 M35i is among the first BMWs sold here to feature a new iDrive control system with QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 9 (OS9). 

Together with all other variants of the X1 (including the all-electric BMW iX1 that recently launched in Australia), it comes out of BMW’s Regensburg Plant in Germany.

Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit operates using the efficiency-optimised Miller Cycle and when compared to earlier iterations of the company’s 2.0-litre turbo four-pot, has redesigned intake ports and combustion chambers and changes to the camshaft timing, injection, ignition system and exhaust gas routing.

Accompanying all of this is an appropriately tuned exhaust note from the M-specific exhaust system that exits out the back through those paired twin tips.

Putting power to the four wheels is a sharp-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with manual paddle-shift override and M Sport Boost mode.

The M Sport Boost function provides rapid bursts of speed by harnessing all the powertrain and chassis systems at their sportiest setting. It is activated when the driver pulls on the left-hand shift paddle for at least one second.

Adding to this is the car’s xDrive all-wheel drive complete with a mechanical limited-slip differential at the front axle.

The system distributes torque as required between the front and rear wheels and is interlinked with the chassis control tech at all times.

Standard specification includes adaptive M suspension with mechanically controlled adjustable and frequency-selective dampers aiding both agility and long-distance comfort.

Chassis technology allows a 15mm drop in ride height at speed for high speed stability further helped by steering with a speed sensitive rack ratio.

The car’s 20-inch alloy wheels are modulated through the stability control system that features a near actuator wheel slip limitation for sharper agility.

M-specific exterior design cues set the range topping model apart from others in the X1 line-up while inside delivers what BMW calls “an arrestingly sporting ambience” focused 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 – and M-Sports seats.

A wide array of cutting-edge safety and driver assist systems are fitted.

The generous standard equipment on the new model can be broadly grouped into tech, luxury and safety related features. 

On the luxury side of the ledger we find: two- zone automatic climate control, automatic tailgate with contactless opening, what BMW calls Intelligent Personal Assistant, personal e-sim, DAB digital radio, harmon/kardon 12-speaker Hi-Fi audio system,  instrument panel trimmed in Sensatec, 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, seat heating for driver and front passenger and sports seats with upholstery in leather Vernasca.

On the tech side we find: BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional with 10.7-inch and 10.25-inch curved widescreen display, BMW’s new Operating System 9, comfort access with a digital key and Driving Assistant Professional that includes active cruise control. Over the air (OTA) software updates are available.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability are also included along with wireless phone charging featuring a vertically mounted smartphone cradle. 

Included in the vehicle’s extensive safety kit is a range of driver assist tech such as blind spot monitor and steering and lane control system, head up display, adaptive LED headlights, what BMW calls Parking Assistant Plus with a surround view camera, reversing assistant and drive recorder.