The 2024 BMW X1 M35i xDrive will top the X1 trim levels and deliver 312 horsepower to the brand’s smallest SUV.

A new top trimmed X1 arrives for the 2024 model year: the BMW X1 M35i xDrive. Boasting a 71 horsepower increase over the new for 2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i, the 312 HP figure comes from a slew of new parts, not an increase in displacement, as both X1 trims house a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder under the hood.

This higher output engine gets a stronger crankshaft, a different oil supply system to the pistons with cooling channels, and main bearing caps and shells from the big brother six-cylinder engines. That along with different tuning, delivers the aforementioned peak horsepower between 5750-6000 rpm. Peak torque merely equals that of the xDrive 28i, but that’s still a healthy 295 lb.-ft, albeit delivered for a slightly narrower rev range, between 2000-4500 rpm.

Aside from power, you get a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with an M boost feaure, which will automatically put all the chassis and powertrain settings at their most sporting, just by holding the left hand side paddle down for one-second. And that dual-clutch trans then channels the power to an all-wheel-drive system that includes a limited-slip differential up front. This will help power out of corner exits, certainly. The xDrive 28i suffers here.

To help keep an even keel while entering and clipping the apex of said corners, BMW installed a set of adaptive M dampers, to give you a bit of choice in low much the body leans. Moreover, BMW threw in a sport steering with a claimed “very direct” ratio in the rack. And I’ll speculate a bit less assistance for a heavier feel and more precision too.

The brakes grow as well. 15.2-inch rotors up front with four-piston calipers clamping down on them. And 13.0-inch rotors in back, using a single-piston caliper to squeeze when needed. Topping that off is a standard set of 19-inch wheels with all-season tires, a touch disappointing. Thankfully, BMW will happily upgrade that to 20s with performance rubber mounted.

The 2023 BMW xDrive28i proved an enjoyable, comfortable, and surprisingly spacious little crossover. But it did lack a bit of the traditional BMW flair that folks of a certain generation, like me, have come to expect. On paper at least, the M35i xDrive looks to rectify that. Cannot wait to drive one and learn once and for all.

If you want to go big, instead of small, check out the Mazda CX-90