You’re probably sitting there wondering if the 2025 BMW X1 M35i is just another overpriced compact SUV with fancy badges.
Or maybe you’re thinking, “Do I really need to spend $50,000+ on what’s essentially BMW’s smallest SUV?”
I’ve been asking myself these same questions, and after digging deep into what this little beast actually offers, I’m here to give you the real talk.
Here’s what caught my attention first.
The 2025 BMW X1 M35i doesn’t mess around with its 312-313 horsepower turbocharged engine—that’s serious power in a compact package.
Compare that to the base X1 with its 241 horsepower, and you’re looking at a 71-horsepower jump that transforms this from a grocery getter into something genuinely fun.
The heart of this machine is a 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder engine.
But here’s where it gets interesting:
I’ve driven plenty of “performance” compact SUVs that feel like they’re trying too hard.
This one actually delivers.
Let me paint you a picture.
You’re merging onto the highway, and some guy in a pickup truck thinks he owns the road.
With the standard X1, you’d be planning your merge like a chess move.
With the M35i, you just press the pedal and you’re gone.
The performance upgrade is substantial, and you feel it every single time you drive.
Here’s something that shocked me.
This thing is 4,505 mm long, 1,845 mm wide, and 1,642 mm high—but inside, it feels way bigger than those numbers suggest.
Key interior highlights:
I sat in the back seat, and at 6 feet tall, I wasn’t doing the knee-to-chest dance.
That’s rare in this class.
The X1 M35i starts at $50,350 MSRP before you add any options.
Now, before you have sticker shock, let me put this in perspective.
You’re getting:
Compare that to a loaded Audi Q3 or Mercedes GLA, and suddenly that number starts making more sense.
The base X1 xDrive28i starts around $41,350.
So you’re paying roughly $9,000 more for the M35i treatment.
Here’s my honest take: if you’re buying an X1 and keeping it for 5+ years, that extra nine grand is probably worth it.
The driving experience is just that much better.
BMW didn’t skimp on the tech front.
Standard tech includes:
With the Premium Package (which I’d recommend), you also get:
Some owners have reported technology issues, like troublesome touchscreens and unreliable features, but this seems to be hit-or-miss rather than widespread.
Many owners enjoy the car’s comfortable ride, spacious interior, and good fuel economy on highways.
But here’s what they’re not telling you in the brochures:
The Good:
The Not-So-Good:
Let’s be real about what you’re cross-shopping.
The Q3 has a nicer interior but less power. The X1 M35i is more fun to drive but less refined inside.
Very close match on paper. The GLA feels more premium, but the X1 has more space.
The Genesis is larger and more luxurious. The BMW is more nimble and has better driving dynamics.
Here’s my bottom line.
If you want a small SUV that doesn’t drive like a refrigerator and you’re okay paying premium prices for premium performance, the X1 M35i makes sense.
If you’re looking for maximum luxury per dollar or you rarely push your vehicle beyond grocery store runs, save the money and get the base X1 or look elsewhere.
Buy the M35i if:
Skip it if:
The M35i gets 23/31 City/Highway MPG according to EPA estimates. That’s reasonable for the power level, though you’ll want to budget for premium fuel.
It’s still early to judge long-term reliability, but BMW’s 2.0-liter turbo engine has been generally solid in other applications. The X1 platform is also well-established.
While not absolutely required, premium fuel is recommended for optimal performance. You’ll likely see reduced power and efficiency with regular fuel.
The xDrive all-wheel drive system is quite capable in snow and adverse conditions. The adaptive suspension also helps maintain control in challenging weather.
BMW provides a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is competitive in the luxury segment.
No, the M35i only comes with BMW’s 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. There’s no manual option available.
The 2025 BMW X1 M35i isn’t trying to be everything to everyone—and honestly, that’s exactly why it works.
