There is something very strange about the new BMW X1 M35i

After many questionable models, BMW still proves that it can: build beautiful cars. The new X1 appeared some time ago, but now the Germans have raised the curtain on the sporty version: the BMW X1 M35i. But this sport version has something special.

Not everyone is a fan of BMW’s modern design language. Above all, it is the huge radiator grilles that many car lovers do not like. At least many Europeans are not enthusiastic about it. The Chinese love it and since China has become one of the most important sales markets for BMW, the others have to learn to live with it. For this reason, models like the BMW 7 Series and the X7 are equipped with huge kidneys. Other taste-sensitive models also fell into disrepute. Think of the screaming BMW XM, the protagonist of a marketing stunt gone wrong. The brand has many (too) distinctive models in its range. In that regard, this BMW X1 M35i is a relief. The design is sleek, robust and sporty, just what you would expect from a BMW.

BMW X1 M35i not the strongest

Still, there is something very strange about the BMW X1 M35i. Since there is no BMW X1M (i.e. a full-fledged M model), the M35i version is likely to be the sportiest variant. But if you think that you also have the version with the most horsepower under the hood, you will be disappointed. This M35i version has 300 hp, but one of the hybrid versions and the electric variant are more powerful. For example, the electric BMW iX1 delivers 313 hp and a hybrid variant called xDrive30e even 326 hp. Now there is nothing to complain about 300 hp, but it is different.

The BMW X1 M35i may not be the most powerful version, but it is the sportiest. This is confirmed by its aggressive lines, but also by the adaptive M chassis. The latter should make the X1 the best handling. It also performs well on the straight: the sprint from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour takes just 5.4 seconds, and the SUV only stops accelerating at 250 kilometers per hour.

Iconic occasion

Nevertheless, purists will doubt whether it is a real BMW. The sporty brand is traditionally known for its rear-wheel drives with a longitudinally arranged straight-six.

This BMW X1 M35i features a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is positioned transversely in the engine compartment and sends power to all four wheels. Sounds good, but like the other X1 models too Performance mainly on the front wheels. Anyone who still wants a “real” BMW should take a look at this iconic event.