The fully redesigned third-gen BMW X1 launched in May 2022, and it seems that the Bavarian carmaker is busy preparing its baby performance SUV to take down the likes of the Audi SQ2 and the Mercedes-AMG GLA. A fresh set of spy shots arrived with light camouflage from our photographers who witnessed an X1 M35i prototype zipping around the Nürburgring. This M lite version of the X1 will pack more aggressive bodywork and engine power to match its rivals.
BMW X1 M35i Spy Shots - October 2022
Original Story
In 2021, the X1 M35i prototype was spotted during cold-weather testing in Northern Sweden. Now we believe that the M lite X1 is slowly moving towards its debut, as it is seen doing some performance endurance runs on the Nürburgring. However, our photographers confirmed that the day was super hot around the test track, so the prototype dropped some of its heavy camouflage, especially in the front. Thankfully, you can get a clearer visual of what is happening in the front end of the X1 M35i. In addition, the Bimmer has a more angular and sporty-looking front bumper design. It seems that the X1 M lite sports a broader intake grille, and the angular brake-cooling vents are nice touches.
Moving to the upper part of the front fascia, the updated LED headlights of the X1 and the colossal kidney grilles are a part of the baby M too. Undoubtedly, the design improvement of the third-gen X1 has added a lot of aggressiveness which was missing from earlier X1s. For example, the rear taillights, the roof spoiler, and the quad-exhaust tips contribute to the Bavarian carmaker’s new design philosophy. In addition, the sides feature 19-inch M Sport wheels and Michelin tires. However, the ground clearance seems lower than the standard X1.
On the inside, the X1 M35i will feature all the tech from the standard X1. This means that the updated dashboard will hold two displays: a 10.25-inch MID and a 10.7-inch display for infotainment. The stock steering wheel might change for an M-badged one, but there is nothing more to expect, since the X1 M35i is not a full-fat M car.
There would not be a lot of changes under the hood of the X1 M lite. A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four will power the baby SUV, and similar to the X1, a mild-hybrid system is expected, which can bump up the power figures to match its rivals. We hope for at least 350 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque from the four-pot. An eight-speed torque converter and an xDrive system are more likely to be part of it.
The X1 M35i is still fine-tuning before its debut sometime in the beginning of 2023. The standard X1 will hit the dealerships in the later part of 2022 and will be offered for $40,000, including destination charges. In addition, the X1 M35i will set you back at least another $15,000 to the X1’s base price tag.