Calling a BMW “luxurious” is a bit silly; it’s repetitive and a lot like calling a sedan a “car” or saying an SUV has a rear hatch. Simply by virtue of being a BMW, we already know a model will deliver impeccable luxury; what their vehicles do beyond that point truly defines them. There’s a reason BMW has built such a tremendous following of fans who are always eager to see the new models hitting their local BMW store. Sure, the sophisticated designs and gorgeous interiors are a big part of that, but the incredible driving experience and innovations beyond that luxury are what truly define a BMW.
The BMW X1 is the perfect example of this: a subcompact crossover sports activity vehicle (SAV) that continually reinvents and redefines itself to be better year after year. For the 2024 model year, we can see this beautifully illustrated in a few ways, though the most prominent is the all-new M35i model that pushes performance to the next level for this sleek and sporty ride. The introduction of the improved iDrive 9 infotainment system and software also elevates the 2024 X1 to the next level and immediately reminds us what BMW is all about. Let’s take a closer look at the X1 for 2024 to see how it goes beyond the typical confines of a luxury car to become something even greater.
The Basics Get Better: BMW X1 xDrive28i
There are essentially two main models now for the BMW X1 since the 2024 model introduces an all-new M Sport Package that elevates performance to another level entirely. Before we get into that, however, let’s look at where things start with the X1, which is the standard xDrive28i model. For many drivers, the xDrive28i is plenty of vehicle with impressive power and gorgeous interior features and options. There’s no denying that the M35i takes things further than ever before, but it helps that it builds on an incredible foundation.
For starters, the X1 xDrive28i features a 2.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo I-4 engine that delivers 241 hp and comes paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. This beauty can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and has a top speed of 149 mph (though a limiter restricts that to 130 mph just to keep things reasonable). It has 18-inch wheels and a sleek design that looks stunning while still offering more than 25 cu.ft. of rear cargo space and more than 57 cu.ft. of total cargo volume behind the front seats.
One of my favorite things about the X1 is that it comes with BMW’s xDrive Intelligent All-Wheel Drive System, standard on every model (hence the “xDrive” in this model’s name). This boosts overall driving performance by sending power to all four wheels and adjusts how that power is being distributed in real-time as sensors detect how well the wheels grip the road or when they start to slip and lose traction. This is a key way that BMW goes beyond simple luxury with the X1 and delivers an incredible driving experience that you can’t help but look forward to.
Inside the xDrive28i, we find perforated SensaTec upholstery with a Black High Gloss trim and ambient lighting, though different interior colors and styles are available. This 2024 model features an updated iDrive 9 operating system and infotainment software, which is quick and incredibly intuitive. The absolutely stunning BMW Curved Display in the X1 includes a 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster and a 10.7-inch Central Information Display, both of which provide you with information that’s easy to see with touch-centric controls. The available Live Cockpit Professional system goes even further with a Head-Up Display and Video Augmented Reality technology that you have to see for yourself to fully appreciate.
With a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, Multi-Zone Climate Control, and Advanced Vehicle and Key Memory that retains your settings for you, the X1 is incredibly fun to drive. It’s also incredibly safe to drive thanks to standard Active Driving Assistant that includes a Frontal Collision Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, and more. The only thing more remarkable than everything the xDrive28i offers is that there’s even more available…
Going Further: BMW X1 M35i
We all know that BMW vehicles offer fantastic performance with nimble handling and sporty acceleration that makes them a lot of fun to drive. For those drivers who need more than the standard power of a BMW, there are the M models that elevate things further. With the 2024 X1, BMW has introduced an M model for the first time, taking things to the next level in terms of what we can expect from a subcompact crossover SAV.
The BMW X1 M35i is powered by a 2.0L BMW M TwinPower Turbo I-4 engine that delivers 313 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque—that’s a significant boost in power compared to the standard version. You’ll find a similar seven-speed dual-clutch transmission here, but this one features paddle shifters on the steering wheel, and the increase in performance lets the M35i go from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds. This beast has a top speed of 155 mph, though again, there’s a limiter that restricts it to 130 mph; it goes without saying, but you should always drive carefully and obey the speed limit when you’re behind the wheel.
Once again, we find xDrive all-wheel drive standard on this model, which ensures a smooth driving experience that’s incredibly responsive. There’s an Adaptive M Suspension to help with the extra power on display here, keeping everyone inside comfortable, along with M Sport Brakes with Blue calipers to ensure the M35i can stop safely. Finally, this one rolls on 19-inch wheels, rather than the standard 18-inch ones on the xDrive28i, and there are some aesthetic differences, like an M Rear Spoiler.
Inside the X1 M35i, we find perforated Veganza upholstery for an added touch of sophistication and style, along with an aluminum hexacube trim with ambient lighting, all of which comes together to create a luxurious richness that’s exactly what you’d expect from BMW. You’ll find a lot of similar features inside this model, with numerous differences too, like a wireless device charger that’s standard in the M35i, a Harman Kardon Premium Sound System, and a multi-function M Sport steering wheel. We find the same incredible BMW Curved Display here, though there are some additional safety features like Active Park Distance Control with Side Protection to help protect drivers and their vehicles.
It’s Time We Redefine Luxury
Looking at the BMW X1, particularly with the new M35i model for 2024, one thing is clear: old definitions of luxury and sophistication simply won’t cut it anymore. You have plenty of options out there for a luxurious subcompact crossover model, all of which have comfortable interiors that are stylish and borderline decadent, but is that really enough? When you could be driving an SAV that can get up to 60 mph in just over five seconds with all-wheel drive that’s responsive and ensures your ride hugs the road in a way that few other vehicles can come close to, why would you want to bother with anything else?
To me, this is true luxury; not just being comfortable and enjoying soft materials or genuine wood details, but having a driving experience that entices you to get behind the wheel each day. BMW does that like no one else, and the 2024 X1 models are the perfect examples of how they go beyond other brands on the road.
