in our first drive of the new, third-generation bmw x1, we held out hope for a more powerful, sportier variant. the base xdrive28i model is the driver's choice in the entire segment, making a bit more oomph and more focused handling an enticing carrot. here's what we asked for, the 2024 bmw x1 m35i xdrive, an m performance version of the entry model. the turbocharged two-liter four-cylinder has been amped up from 241 horsepower to 312 horsepower, torque holds steady at 295 pound-feet. the same seven-speed dual-clutch transmission sends power to all four wheels, here given the secondary control mechanism of paddle shifters, and it includes a mechanical limited-slip differential to improve footing on the steering axle. bmw cites a 0-60 time of 5.2 seconds, a full second quicker than the xdrive28i. a few firsts come with the new sport activity vehicle. there's never been an m performance model adorned with the quad pipes famous from full-fat m cars until now. this is also the first m performance vehicle to give buyers the option of m compound brakes with four-piston front calipers on a 15.2-inch vented rotor and a single-piston floating caliper on a 13-inch rotor in back. additional visual giveaways include an m kidney grille and more air intakes in the front fascia, black mirror caps, punched-up rockers, a new hatch spoiler and those four 3.1-inch pipes set into a cosmetic diffuser inlay. handling upgrades come courtesy of the standard sport steering and adaptive m suspension. the m sport boost function, enabled by pulling the left paddle shifter for at least one second, puts all of the adaptive chassis tech into their sportiest modes. a relocated wheel slip sensor cuts reaction time for the dynamic stability control system, enhancing the suv's reflexes. the car rides on standard 19-inch m alloys, three 20-inch designs fill the options menu. inside, occupants sit under and anthracite-colored headliner, the instrument panel wears alcantara trim, there's dark aluminum "hexacube" trim throughout, the driver works an m leather steering wheel and set of m pedals. standard sensatec seating is trimmed with alcantara. the bmw curved display and its head-up display work idrive 9 and display m-specific graphics. tech like navigation, harmon kardon premium audio, android auto and apple carplay, and wireless charging come standard. pricing starts at $49,900 plus a $995 destination fee, making for a total of $50,895 before options — a $10,800 step above the x1 xdrive28i. the u.s. launch is expected to begin this october.
source:autoblog.com