The redesigned BMW X1 was introduced earlier this year and now attention is turning to the hotter M Performance variant.
Expected to adopt the M35i moniker, the performance-focused crossover has been equipped with a sportier front bumper that features prominent air intakes as well as vertical supports. They’re joined by aerodynamically optimized mirror caps and what appears to be a revised grille.
Moving further back, there’s two-tone wheels that are backed up by a high-performance braking system. While the prototype features both red and blue calipers, the latter will likely be found on the production model.
Read: 2023 BMW X1 M35i Is Coming For Mercedes-AMG Blood
Lastly, the rear end gets a sporty makeover thanks to an edgy bumper with an integrated diffuser as well as cutouts for a four-tailpipe exhaust system. We can also see a camouflaged spoiler, which might be larger than the one found on mainstream variants.
Spy photographers haven’t gotten a good look inside at this point, but the cabin should largely carryover from the standard model. As a result, we can expect a Curved Display that consists of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch infotainment system. They should be joined by a handful of special touches including an M steering wheel.
Specifications remain unconfirmed, but the model is expected to use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that develops approximately 302 hp (225 kW / 306 PS) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque. If that’s the case, the crossover would have a slight edge over the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 which has 302 hp (225 kW / 306 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque.
The hotter crossover is expected to debut in the coming months and it will slot above the X1 xDrive28i, which begins at $38,600.
