The heart of the most powerful variant is a 300-horsepower four-cylinder engine.
The current generation of the smallest SUV from BMW has just received its most powerful version, which was previously missing from its lineup – the M235i xDrive. The X1 model has been equipped with a 15-millimeter lowered suspension with adaptive dampers, sport steering with variable and direct transmission, and optional M Compound brakes with up to 385-millimeter discs at the front. The brake discs have internal cooling and are lighter, resulting in a lower unsprung weight for the car.
The M235i xDrive version doesn’t differ much from the regular X1 with the sporty appearance package – both bumpers have almost identical shapes. However, the new version features a double-slatted grille insert, black backgrounds for the full-LED headlights, and stands on eye-catching 20-inch wheels, while at the rear, there are four actual exhaust tips. All exterior details are finished in glossy black, and a larger roof spoiler is also present. Inside, there are sport seats with prominent lateral support, a modified steering wheel, and large paddle shifters behind it.
However, the highlight of the new X1 M235i xDrive is its engine. The two-liter gasoline four-cylinder M TwinPower Turbo proudly boasts a power output of up to 221 kW/300 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque.
The intake ports have been modified, and changes have been made to the timing and exhaust gas flow. The crankshaft mechanism is also said to be more robust. The bearings, in fact, come from the current generation of inline six-cylinder engines. The four-cylinder engine features optimized oil supply and variable valve timing. It is paired with the standard xDrive all-wheel drive system and a 7-speed dual-clutch Steptronic transmission.
The new model can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, and its top speed is 250 km/h. It comes with a mechanical limited-slip differential as standard, but a new feature called M Sport Boost has been introduced. By holding the left paddle behind the steering wheel for more than one second, all vehicle settings switch to the sportiest mode. BMW has not yet disclosed the pricing details, but the sporty SUV is expected to reach the first customers before the end of this year.
