BMW X1 2023: Australian release date confirmed for M35i xDrive

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The first-ever X1 small SUV to be enhanced by BMW’s M division, the X1 M35i xDrive, is set to arrive in local showrooms in the fourth quarter of this year.

The new flagship of the small SUV range will be powered by a 233kW and 400Nm version of the ‘B48’ 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder petrol engine. 

There’s nothing lightweight about performance. BMW claims the SUV newcomer is capable of dispatching 0-100km/h in just 5.4 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250km/h.

Notably, this isn’t the torquiest iteration of the X1, with that gong going to the electric iX1 with its 230kW/494Nm dual-motor AWD setup, but it features a slower 0-100km/h claim of 5.6-seconds.

The potent turbo four is married to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic with an M Sport Boost feature to allow performance bursts accessed via the left-hand paddleshifter. 

The torque adaptive all-wheel drive system features a mechanical limited-slip differential at the front axle, which is integrated into the transmission itself.  

Standard on the X1 M35i xDrive is 15mm lower Adaptive M suspension featuring frequency-selective dampers. The steering has also been enhanced, according to BMW.

The go-fast SUV also debuts the option of so-called M Compound brakes that feature iron/aluminium compound construction discs measuring 385mm up front and 330mm in the rear. These are paired respectively with four- and single-piston calipers finished grey paintwork.  

The M Compound brakes will be available as an option from early 2024 according to BMW Australia. 

What else does the BMW X1 M35i xDrive include?

In addition to the aforementioned performance features, the X1 M35i xDrive offers the following features and specifications:

• Specific exterior styling
• M LIght 20-inch wheels
• Specific M exhaust system with quad outlets
• M-specific curved instrument display
• Dual 10.25-inch and 10.7-inch digital screens
• BMW Operating System 9 (OS9)
• iDrive with QuickSelect
• Head-up display
• Vernasca leather sport seats
• Dual-zone climate control
• Harman/Kardon 12-speaker audio
• Panoramic glass roof
• BMW Digital Premium digital services

The new SUV variant will sit alongside BMW’s other small-segment M-fettled models in the M135i xDive, M235i xDrive and M240i xDrive.   

BMW Australia says that pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle’s release in Q4 this year.