2024 BMW X1 M35i AWD: The Brand’s Entry-Level Performance Crossover Receives Updates

Highlight: The X1 offers an optional hands-free driving steering which works at speeds up to 38-mph.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $58,795 (Base Model): $41,495

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; AWD; a rear camera; automatic high beam headlights; a stability control system; a hill descent control system; spare tire; a blind spot detection system; a forward collision mitigation system; a lane keep assist system; and a tire pressure monitor system

Standard Equipment (Base X1 xDrive28i): 18-inch wheels; 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder twinpower turbo; 241-horsepower; a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission; all-wheel drive; an automatic start-stop engine; pseudo leather; a multizone climate control system; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a power tailgate; power front seats with a driver’s memory; and an active parking distance control

Standard Equipment (M35i xDrive): 19-inch wheels; 313-horsepower; an inline 4-cylinder; M shawdowline headlights; M black Sensatec/Alcantara sport seats; M sport brakes with blue clipers; an adaptive suspension; M rear spoiler; roof rails in high gloss; a Harman Kardon premium audio system with SiriusXM; a radar activated cruise control system; a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment screen; an automatic parking assistant and back up assistant; M-specific steering wheel with shift paddles; and a navigation system

 

Options: exterior paint color; a driver’s assistance pro package; a M Sport professional package; a premium package; 20-inch wheels; M Sport package pro; a remote engine start; open pored fine woo for the interior dashboard

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a xxx speaker system

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Powertrain Warranty:  4 year or 50,000 miles

Engine/Horsepower: a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder twin turbo/312-horsepower (test model)

Towing: N/A

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 23-city/31-hwy

What’s New: After the X1 went through a major redesign in 2023, new for this model year is the performance oriented M35i trim. The new 2.0 four-cylinder engine, with its 312-horsepower, spews out as much power, as the traditional non turbo boosted 6-cylinder engine.

Why:

All-wheel drive

Looks like a SUV

A power packed 4cylinder twin turbo engine

Designed for an exhilarating driving experience BMWs are know for

A new interior design with a free-floating center armrest

New curved digital cluster and infotainment screen

A performance handling stability system with the M-Series package

Driver’s seat provides extra support for back and leg

Roomy interior

A crystal-clear optional audio system

20-inch wheel available

Red brake calipers screams performance

Leather-like vegan seats available

A co-pilot assist steering system with a stop-and-go traffic feature

A parallel and perpendicular parking assist feature is available

USB ports

An optional hands-free driving system up to 37 miles with automatic lane change

An optional 360-degree interior camera design for anti-theft recording

Wireless charging

Heads up display available

Remote engine starts

 

But: 

Pricey

No covered centered storage armrest with new design to store keys and other items

Memory operated driver’s seat

The interface requires one to go through several steps to change such features as the audio system

Keyless access doesn’t unlock and lock rear doors

No towing capabilities even with the power packages 300 plus horsepower engine

Verdict:  The X1, unlike most of today’s utility vehicles, looks and feels like a traditional SUV in this world of car-like utility vehicles known as crossovers.

The X1 M35i brings the performance factor that was lacking from the X1, which only offered a 241-horsepower engine. This year’s trim adds the punch X1 buyers with an expandable bank account desire – more horsepower.

The roomy subcompact X1 makes one wonder why BMW has the compact X3 in its line up. The X1 feels like it could be considered compact, if not for the X3 being in the brand’s line up.

The performance oriented X1 adds 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension system and several cosmetic enhancements, when compared to the base X1.

Overall, we love the design, which was introduced in 2023, and the additional horsepower for this year. However, at a near $60,000 price tag in our test model, the engineering team should make sure a covered storage is available for the front row occupants, as well as a keyless access system that has the capabilities of both locking and unlocking the vehicle through the front door. Even the premium looking Buicl Envista offers keyless access for all four doors, at a price point in the low $30,000 range. Surely BMW can offer the same.

Moreover, the small, but highly capable Mercedes-Benz offers almost every available safety driving aid imaginable. The brand even offers a hands-free driving system up to 37-miles per hour. Besides stop-and-go highway traffic, this feature isn’t necessarily a must have feature.

Overall, we like the X1. However, when one starts to add-on options this could push the vehicle out of practical affordable range, when there are larger  crossovers and SUVs

Competition:  Lexus NX 350-F Sport and Jaguar F-Pace