When we first saw the 2024 BMW X1 on the road, we thought it was an X3. Its dimensions have swollen to the point that it is now the same size as the first-generation X3. The X1 used to be the prime competitor to the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3, but it has now nudged itself into a slightly larger class, and its elevated price tag certainly reflects that.

For 2024, BMW’s smallest SUV gets a rowdier M35i model. With it, a more aggressive body kit, quad exhaust tips, swanky 20-inch rims, swoopy M-style side mirrors, and a $57,500 window sticker. Compared to the standard X1, the M35i has been lowered by 15 mm and comes with an adaptive suspension. Under the hood is a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four cylinder, uprated to produce 312 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, which is transmitted through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. This allows the M35i to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds.

The turbo-four is your typical BMW engine that loves to rev. It provides just the right amount of power for this size of an SUV – not so much ‘wow hold onto your seatbelts’, but rather ‘pretty quick for an SUV’ – and it certainly earns its M badge upkeep. The polished power delivery and torquey bandwidth remind us of the Volkswagen Golf R. That said, we discovered minor instances of turbo lag, and the gearbox takes a second to wake up from its slumber if not set to Sport mode. 

Speaking of which, the 7-speed dual-clutch unit is the weakest point in the M35i powertrain. While delivering crisp and seamless upshifts, there are delays and hesitancy when asking it to downshift into higher RPMs, flat-out refusing our left paddle inputs in some cases, and interrupting the flow on an engaging serpentine road. Its clunky behaviour conjured up memories of the gearbox in the F80-generation M3. We have never had an issue like this with the X3 M40i, which features a smoother and more polished 8-speed automatic. That said, we did find the DCT more refined at low speeds than the 9-speed unit in the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45.

At least it sounds like an M car. With Sport Mode engaged, the M35i emits a throaty and thrilling roar, goading you to drive faster to let the RPMs sing into the redline, and emitting all sorts of exhaust pops and bangs in the process. It’s an addictive soundtrack, louder and more refined than the Golf R, though not as raucous or raw as the GLA 45 AMG. 

Unlike most M Performance vehicles, the X1 is based on a front-wheel-drive platform shared with the MINI Countryman, meaning it handles differently than a rear-biased X3 or 3 Series. When driving the X1 below its grip limits, it appears stable, planted, and full of confidence. The front nose is eager to change direction and the rear is always willing to follow. The steering is numb and lacks feel, and it could benefit from a quicker steering ratio to feel more alert and responsive. 

As the speeds climb, however, the spectre of understeer roams in the distance and persists unless you drive it less like a traditional BMW and more like an overpowered MINI. Shift the load to the front wheels by trailbraking and let them settle and finish rotating before applying too much throttle; you will then extract the most from this chassis. It is not the most involving or engaging method of thrashing around in a performance SUV with the blue roundel, but such are the high standards set by the spectacular X3 M40i and X5 M60i.

Performance aside, the cabin is where the X1 M35i makes its greatest strides. Whack us in the head with a pillow and we could have easily mistaken this interior for the BMW i5 M60 we recently drove. The chunky leather steering wheel is the same as the i5 and though the grips are overly thick, they feel exquisite and premium. This one even comes with the same type of paddle shifters as the new M3, though the left paddle now doubles as a Boost function. Hold it for a brief second and the powertrain ramps up every parameter to its sportiest settings for ten seconds, useful for quick overtakes or when speedy maneuvers are required. It’s also a more convenient location than the toggle dial on Porsche and Mercedes examples, as your hands don’t have to come off the wheel.

The wide displays mounted on the dash are some of the highest-resolution examples we’ve seen, and the floating center console design, borrowed from the iX, makes the cabin feel spacious and airy. Even the rear seats are generously sized, allowing me to sit comfortably behind my six-foot self. I guess those swollen dimensions have their advantages but if buyers wanted a smaller subcompact SUV from BMW, they’re sadly out of luck. Only the 2 Series Coupe remains.

The optional M Sport Pro Package ($2,500) adds beautifully contoured seats with integrated headrests. Properly supportive on the thighs and sides, these seats are the best-looking examples in the segment, even if the M logos aren’t illuminated like in other M cars. That said, the driving position is too high, making it difficult to feel integrated into the vehicle. The steering wheel is also off-center and angled left, away from the driver, further compromising our driving position, making it off-putting and awkward. Scoliosis, here we come.

The X1 M35i is a more casual take on the BMW M formula. There’s nothing quite entry-level anymore about this entry-level SUV, with a five-star cabin and generously sized rear seats. Performance is plentiful, even within the confines of its FWD layout, and the ride quality is exemplary, thanks to the addition of the adaptive suspension. But a handful of ergonomic foibles, like an off-center steering wheel and a lazy gearbox, gently taint an otherwise competent and attractive SUV.

Specifications:
Model: 2024 BMW X1 M35i xDrive
Paint Type: Blue Bay Lagoon
Base Price: $57,500
Price as Tested: $68,800
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower: 312 hp @ 5,750-6,500 rpm
Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 2,000 – 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, AWD
Observed Fuel Consumption (L/100km): 9.6
Tires: Continental EcoContact60; 245/40R20