BMW X1 M35i xDrive: A Hot Hatch in Disguise

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The BMW X1 M35i xDrive is not a car that I expected to like. In fact, I was prepared to hate it. Why? Because it’s a crossover, and I hate crossovers. They’re boring, they’re bland, they’re bloated. They’re everything that a car enthusiast should despise.

But then I drove it. And I realized that the BMW X1 M35i xDrive is not really a crossover. It’s a hot hatch in disguise. A hot hatch with a lift kit, a turbocharged engine, and a snappy transmission. A hot hatch that can haul ass and haul stuff. A hot hatch that can do it all.

What is the BMW X1 M35i xDrive?

The BMW X1 M35i xDrive is the top-of-the-line version of the X1, BMW’s smallest crossover. It’s also the first M Performance model in the X1 lineup, which means it gets some extra goodies from BMW’s performance division.

The most important of these goodies is the engine: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a twin-scroll turbocharger that pumps out 306 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. That’s more power than you get from some V6s or even V8s in this segment. And it’s all sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and launch control.

The result is a crossover that can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited). That’s faster than some sports cars or even supercars from not too long ago. And it’s not just fast in a straight line: the BMW X1 M35i xDrive also has a sport-tuned suspension, an M Sport differential, an M Sport braking system, and 19-inch wheels with performance tires that help it corner like a champ.

The BMW X1 M35i xDrive also looks the part: it has an aggressive front bumper with large air intakes, a rear spoiler, dual exhaust tips, and M badges all over. Inside, you get sport seats with contrast stitching, an M steering wheel, an M shifter, and an M instrument cluster. You also get plenty of standard features, such as LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless charging, a head-up display, and a Harman Kardon sound system.

The BMW X1 M35i xDrive starts at $47,450 (plus $995 destination fee), which is not cheap for a compact crossover. But it’s also not outrageous for what you get: a lot of performance, a lot of practicality, and a lot of fun.

How does the BMW X1 M35i xDrive drive?

The BMW X1 M35i xDrive drives like a hot hatch on steroids. It’s fast, it’s nimble, it’s responsive. It’s also surprisingly refined and comfortable.

The engine is the star of the show: it’s smooth, punchy, and eager to rev. It sounds great too: not too loud or raspy, but with enough growl and pop to let you know you’re driving something special. The transmission is equally impressive: it shifts quickly and smoothly, whether you let it do its own thing or use the paddles to take control.

The handling is also superb: the BMW X1 M35i xDrive feels light and agile on its feet, with minimal body roll and excellent grip. The steering is precise and well-weighted, with good feedback from the road. The brakes are strong and easy to modulate, with no fade or squeal. The ride is firm but not harsh, with good damping and isolation from bumps and potholes.

The BMW X1 M35i xDrive is also easy to live with: it has a spacious and well-appointed cabin, with plenty of headroom and legroom for four adults. The cargo area is generous too, with 27.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 58.7 cubic feet with them folded. The visibility is good all around, and the driver assistance features are helpful and unobtrusive.

The BMW X1 M35i xDrive is not perfect, of course: it has some flaws and drawbacks. For one thing, it’s not very fuel-efficient: it’s rated at 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, but I struggled to get more than 20 mpg in mixed driving. For another thing, it’s not very original: it looks like every other BMW crossover, and it doesn’t have much personality or character. And for a third thing, it’s not very cheap: it can get pricey with options, and it faces stiff competition from other brands.

How does the BMW X1 M35i xDrive compare to its rivals?

The BMW X1 M35i xDrive competes with other compact performance crossovers, such as the Audi SQ2, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35, the Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design, and the Mini Countryman John Cooper Works. All of them offer similar levels of power, performance, and practicality, but they also have their own strengths and weaknesses.

The Audi SQ2 is the closest rival to the BMW X1 M35i xDrive: it has the same engine and transmission, but with slightly less power (300 hp) and torque (295 lb-ft). It’s also slightly cheaper ($45,500), slightly lighter (3,527 lbs vs 3,713 lbs), and slightly more efficient (24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway). However, it’s also slightly smaller (14.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 48.6 cubic feet with them folded), slightly slower (0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds), and slightly less fun to drive (the steering is numb and the suspension is stiff).

The Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 is the most expensive rival to the BMW X1 M35i xDrive: it starts at $49,500 (plus $1,050 destination fee), but it can easily go over $60,000 with options. It has a similar engine to the BMW X1 M35i xDrive (a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder), but with more power (302 hp) and torque (295 lb-ft). It’s also slightly faster (0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds) and slightly more efficient (24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway). However, it’s also slightly smaller (15.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 50.5 cubic feet with them folded), slightly heavier (3,759 lbs), and slightly less refined (the engine is noisy and the ride is harsh).

The Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design is the most stylish rival to the BMW X1 M35i xDrive: its distinctive design stands out from the crowd. It also has a similar engine to the BMW X1 M35i xDrive (a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder), but with less power (248 hp) and torque (258 lb-ft). It’s also cheaper ($39,950), lighter (3,629 lbs), and more spacious (20.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 47.2 cubic feet with them folded). However, it’s also slower (0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds), less efficient (22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway), and less engaging to drive (the steering is vague and the transmission is sluggish).

The Mini Countryman John Cooper Works is the most fun rival to the BMW X1 M35i xDrive: it has a similar engine to the BMW X1 M35i xDrive (a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder), but with more power (301 hp) and torque (331 lb-ft). It’s also faster (0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds) and more efficient (23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway). However, it’s also more expensive ($41,900), smaller (17.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 47.6 cubic feet with them folded), heavier (3,790 lbs), and less comfortable (the ride is bumpy and the cabin is noisy).

Should you buy the BMW X1 M35i xDrive?

The BMW X1 M35i xDrive is a great car for people who want a hot hatch that can also handle some light off-roading, some family duties, and some long trips. It’s a car that offers a lot of performance, a lot of practicality, and a lot of fun.

It’s not a car for people who want a pure sports car, a luxury cruiser, or a bargain hunter. It’s not a car that will turn heads, stir emotions, or save the planet. It’s not a car that will make you feel special, unique, or adventurous.

It’s a car that will make you feel satisfied, confident, and happy. It’s a car that will do everything you need it to do, and do it well. It’s a car that will surprise you with its abilities and delight you with its charms.

It’s a car that I liked. A lot. And I hate crossovers.