If you’re in the market for a practical performance BMW, and don’t want to wait for the M5 Touring or find the M3 equivalent just a bit OTT, then the all-new 2024 BMW X1 M35i xDrive could just be the car for you. It may not be a “full fat” M machine, but it boasts the most powerful four-cylinder engine in BMW’s modular engine portfolio, with 312 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque from a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo engine. Calling it the spiritual successor to the E30 M3’s screaming S14 engine may be a stretch, but the M genes are undoubtedly present on paper. The hot crossover dispatches with the 96 km/h sprint in 5.2 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h on performance tires (209 km/h without).

This new engine is likely to see service in other hot BMWs, too, including an X2 M35i and an M135i A35-fighter. Output is 312 hp between 5,750 and 6,500 rpm, and peak torque of 400 Nm from 2,000 to 4,500 rpm. It features M-specific enhancements, including a stronger crankshaft, an optimized piston oil supply system with cooling channels, and main bearing shells and caps carried over from the latest-generation 6-cylinder engine. While that may sound like gobbledygook to most of us, what it means most importantly is that the X1 M35i has a slight power leg up over its closest competitor, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35, which makes 302 hp. Interestingly though, torque and acceleration figures are precisely the same between the two German performance crossovers.

                                                                     

Like the AMG, the new top of the X1 tree features all-wheel drive. Power is sent via a seven-speed transmission which features a mechanical LSD. The gearbox can be manually controlled via paddles on the steering wheel, which is nothing new in itself. But, hold the left paddle for more than a second, and you activate “M Sport Boost” mode, which turns all the active parameters — engine, gearbox, and chassis — into their sportiest settings. All very amusing for a small crossover. To tame the power of BMW’s most potent 4-cylinder are some M35i-specific chassis alterations. These include different dampers, with more valves for better rebound, coupled with adjustability on the fly. Also standard is a Sport steering, which adds speed-sensitive power assistance with a quicker steering ratio.

Unfortunately, if you want to improve braking on the X1 M35i, you’ll have to tick an optional box for the M Compound brakes. These add on serious four-piston, fixed caliper brakes with 15.2-inch discs up front, and a single-piston floating caliper with 13-inch discs at the rear. In addition to improving braking feel, unsprung mass is reduced, while the calipers are finished in high-gloss gray with the M logo emblazoned on them. When the then-new X1 landed just over a year ago, you agreed with us that — contrary to so many recent BMW designs — the new crossover managed to cement itself as quite a looker. Thankfully the M Performance variant doesn’t undo all that good work.

 

The deep front bumper, with its gaping intakes, is said to contribute to the engine, transmission, and brakes all working within their optimum temperature ranges. The M kidney grille may not be as well received, but it’s undoubtedly not atrocious. It features the now signature vertical double bars and gets the all-black treatment, with a hint of color from the M logo. Other details for the anoraks include the M twin-stalk wing mirrors and four tailpipes that, together with the black inlaid rear apron, help mark the M35i from lesser X1s. Filling the arches as standard are 19-inch wheels with non-runflat all-season tires. If you want to go bigger, you can select from three 20-inch rim designs with performance rubber.

Inside, you’ll find that the X1 M35i is the first BMW to run their new OS 9 operating system, with the latest iDrive that features quick select. There’s plenty of Alcantara, aluminum, and leather in the cabin, with just as many M logos to go around. Speaking of which, if you want some glowing “Ms” in your life, then you can select the optional M Sport seats, which also come with a wide range of electrical adjustment. Otherwise, Sensatec/Alcantara sports seats come as standard, which can also be optioned in a “Veganza” leather-like finish. The 2024 BMW X1 M35i xDrive will start at an MSRP of US$ 49,900, not including a US$ 995 destination and handling fee. That’s a decent chunk of change over the X1 xDrive28i, which comes in with a starting price of US$ 39,100. However, the X1 M35i is a full second faster to 60 mph, comes with more kit, and features some M-Specific bits that not too long ago may well have qualified it for full-fat M status.

It’s priced to go toe-to-toe with the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35, which starts at an MSRP of US$ 49,500, and while the Merc looks fairly reserved, the X1 M35i certainly brings a decent chunk of drama with it. U.S. sales of the new flagship X1 will begin in October 2023, with cars being built in the Bavarian city of Regensburg.