BMW has been playing catch up to Mercedes in terms of high output four bangers, in the recent years especially with the A45 and GLA45 AMG Mercedes has proven and cutting out and downsizing doesn’t always come with a drop in power and torque. AMG trickery has enabled Mercedes to make the most power four cylinder engines, with almost as much as 400 horsepower in its highest form. But BMW X1 M35i aims to change that.
Engine- BMW has revealed that the X1 M135i xDrive will feature a brand new 312hp 2.0L four cylinder Twin-Power unit making it the most powerful four pot ever made by BMW. This new engine is likely to be seen in other upcoming BMW models including M135i and X2 M135i, surpassing its rival (A35 and GLA-35 AMG)
Although this new engine cannot hold a candle to the screaming E30 M3’s iconic naturally aspirated 2.0 litre in the response department, but when it comes to outright power and outright performance this new engine is in a league of its own.
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Max output | 312 hp @ 5,750-6,500 rpm |
| Max torque | 400 Nm @ 2,000-4,500 rpm |
| Output per liter | 156 hp |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph | 5.2 sec |
BMW X1 M35i xDrive
Due to its new engine, BMW X1 M135i xDrive has a slight edge over to its closest competitor the 302hp GLA-35 AMG (10 HP difference). However in order to make use of all the extra oomph BMW has added All wheel drive, a faster seven speed automatic transmission with a mechanical LSD. What’s more is that using the paddles you can turn on the M Sport boost mode. which makes all the settings default to BMW factory tuned settings for maximum attack. Top speed is limited to 155MPH with performance tyres.
These add on serious four-piston, fixed caliper brakes with 15.2-inch discs up front, and a single-piston floating caliper with 13-inch discs at the rear. In addition to improving braking feel, unsprung mass is reduced, while the calipers are finished in high-gloss gray with the M logo emblazoned on them.
When the X1 was introduced just over a year ago, we agreed that it was a good-looking crossover, unlike many recent BMW designs. The M Performance version of the X1 maintains its attractive appearance.
The front bumper has deep intakes that help maintain optimal temperatures for the engine, transmission, and brakes. The M kidney grille, although not universally liked, is not terrible either. It features vertical double bars and is black, with a touch of color from the M logo.
Other notable features include the M twin-stalk wing mirrors and four tailpipes. These, along with the black rear apron, distinguish the M35i from other X1 models. The standard wheels are 19 inches and come with all-season tires that are not run-flat. If you prefer larger wheels, you can choose from three designs of 20-inch rims with performance tires.
Availability and Price
The news comes in after a few days of X1 launch here in India. There is no official word from BMW whether they will bring M35i to India or not, we expect that they might bring it as the X1 is a hot-selling model for the Indian market. GLA 35 AMG starts at Rs.64 Lakhs if BMW releases the X1 M35i it is safe to assume that it might cost slightly more than that.