2024 BMW X1 M35i

　　

2024 BMW X1 Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　, rating written byMichael CantuSenior Reviews Editor

　　Clint Simone has worked in the automotive industry since 2015. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Before joining zzdcar as a senior reviews editor, Clint contributed to Motor1.com and InsideEVs, evaluating mostly electric cars. Clint loves hot hatchbacks more than any other type of vehicle but secretly enjoys driving big trucks when he gets the chance. He would never admit to that.

　　The X1 is one of BMW's smallest and most affordable SUVs. It's the starting point of the brand's sizable X lineup of SUVs. The X2 is similar in price and size but boasts a sportier design. The X1 is a subcompact, but it still provides enough room for families. There's ample cargo room for this kind of SUV, too. The little BMW is fresh off a 2023 redesign that included a complete redesign inside and out, lots of new tech features, and improved passenger and cargo space. The big news for 2024 is the addition of the more powerful M35i xDrive model.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 BMW X1 M35i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$178/mo  for X1 M35i

　　X1 M35i

　　M35i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) (Most Popular) - $49,900 MSRP

　　vs

　　$167/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: The new X1 M35i

The M35i is the X1's performance model. It differentiates itself from the xDrive28i with a unique front bumper and grille, four exhaust outlets and 19-inch M wheels. Performance upgrades include a sport-tuned adaptive suspension and more powerful brakes. Inside, the M35i sports M-specific details such as darker trim and unique doorsills. It also gives you the option to upgrade to the M sport seats. But the best part of the M35i is, of course, the engine. It's the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder found in the base model, but thanks to several improvements, it cranks out 312 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This is one of the quickest models in the class and a welcome alternative to pricier sporty SUVs like BMW's X3 M40i.

　　

Competitors to consider

The X1 competes in the subcompact or extra-small luxury SUV segment. It's packed with compelling rivals but the X1 is one of the top contenders. Other entry-level luxury SUVs to consider include the Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLB and Volvo XC40. The Lexus NX 350 is another alternative. The X2 is getting redesigned for 2024 and is also worth a look if you like its sporty design. For our test team's thorough review of the X1, check out the zzdcar Expert Rating below.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the X1 drive? Our BMW X1 test car came with the M Sport package that adds 19-inch wheels wrapped in high-performance summer tires. At our test track, the X1 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, which is noticeably quicker than the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLB. The power from the four-cylinder is smooth and strong, but wonky transmission tuning keeps the car in too high of a gear a lot of time, leaving the X1 feeling flat-footed when you need a quick burst of power.

　　Around turns, the X1 provides huge amounts of grip and stays balanced and controllable. The M Sport package's summer tires and adaptive suspension are definite advantages here. Sport mode considerably firms up the steering feel, making the driving experience even better on tight roads.

　　At city speeds, the X1 is a mixed bag. We like the light-effort steering and smooth-stopping brakes. The steering and small size make it easy to park, too. But getting away from a stoplight is sometimes a challenge due to the horrid engine stop-start system. It turns off the engine at strange times, and the engine restart is rough and shoves the car forward.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the X1? While the M Sport-specific seats are a bit more firm than necessary, they're very supportive and hold you in the right places through a fast corner. In the same vein, the M Sport adaptive suspension is also on the firmer side and makes everyday driving a somewhat bumpy ride. Comfort-minded customers should skip the M Sport package to avoid these two components.

　　BMW doesn't offer ventilated front seats on the X1; Mercedes does for its GLB. BMW also routes all of the climate controls through the touchscreen interface. It results in a sleek-looking cabin, but in our experience, using the touchscreen to change climate settings is more distracting than using traditional physical buttons.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below