The 2024 BMW X1 M35i xDrive is a wonder of our age — a high-performance luxury subcompact crossover SUV that can compete against genuine sports cars, but comes with a real back seat, good cargo space, and standard all-wheel-drive. The only thing it lacks is an available manual transmission, but few sports cars provide them these days, either.
Subcompacts used to be nothing but entry-level vehicles. They were the cheapest vehicles offered by manufacturers and the trade-offs were obvious: underpowered engines, cramped interiors, small rear seats, and limited cargo space. But they also had some advantages, including being easier to drive downtown and relatively good gas mileage. Some were also fun to drive, especially when equipped with manual transmissions because of their light weights.
The earliest subcompacts were small cars. The first popular compact SUVs — the groundbreaking Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, introduced in the mid-1990s — are subcompacts by today’s standards. Their upright boxy styling increased interior and cargo space, and the availability of AWD made them suitable for light off-road driving.
Fast forward three decades and there are few subcompact cars anymore because buyers prefer SUVs. And even the least expensive of them are incredibly sophisticated compared to the originals. But more important, buying one like the base 2024 X1 281 xDrive does not require any sacrifices. It is BMW’s least expensive SUV at around $40,500, but comes with a surprisingly roomy, luxurious interior, a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces a respectable 241 horsepower, AWD, and loads of tech. BMW also offers M Sport options that include such performance-enhancing features as an adaptive suspension system and steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles.
But please note, adding M Sport options does not make the X1 a genuine M Sport model. That choice is new this year with the addition of the more high-performance version, the M35i xDrive. Upgrades include a 312-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, an adaptive suspension system, bigger brakes, unique 19- or 20-inch wheels, special M Sport trim, and more. The result is a true enthusiast’s subcompact SUV.
The X1 was completely redesigned for 2023 to feature more aggressive exterior lines and a contemporary interior a wide screen across the dash that houses the gauges and infotainment display behind a single sheet of glass. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, along with SiriusXM satellite radio. The Premium package adds a head-up display, a Harman/Kardon stereo system, and a 360-degree exterior camera system.
My tester was a fully-loaded M35i xDrive, which included all the performance goodies. BMW says it will reach 60 in just 5.2 seconds, but it felt even faster than that to me. The ride was firm, even in the economical Serenity drive mode. It encouraged aggressive driving, but some people might think it is a little harsh on poorly maintained streets, like those in my neighborhood.
The only disappointment was the transmission shifter, a console-mounted toggle switch which is less than satisfying to engage (though not as uninspiring as windshield wiper-like stalks used by Mercedes-Benz).
In addition to the M Sport upgrades, my tester included several options, including the Driving Assist Pro Package and the Premium Package with a panoramic sunroof. All of that pushed the price of the M35i xDrive to $57,045, which is obviously a lot for any kind of subcompact vehicle. But considering that it is a serious but more practical alternative to a genuine sports car, that does not seem unreasonable these days.
2024 BMW X1 M35i xDrive
Base price: $49,900
Price as tested: $57,045
Type: Luxury subcompact crossover SUV
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (312 hp, 295 lbs-ft)
Transmission: 7-speed dual clutch automatic with paddle shifters
Drive modes: Individual, Serenity, Sport
EPA estimated mileage: 23/31 (as tested)
Overall length: 177.2 inches
Curb weight: 3762 pounds
Final assembly: Regensburg, Germany
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