Just as recent as last year, we tested the outstanding BMW X1, and its redesigned release to the consumer market. It boasted decent power, great fuel economy, superb comfort and good looks — just what most consumers are requiring in today’s inflated and car market.

In 2024, we test the BMW X1 M35i, an even better looking subcompact luxury crossover SUV but one that boasts more power, performance and sportiness. With all of these perks, BMW has made a big mistake, and that is the X1 has lost all of its comfort.

In the sporty world of luxury vehicles in today’s market, the competition to the X1 is the Cadillac XT4 and Mercedes GLB, both of which boast tons of sportiness, and the designers of those cars didn’t leave the comfort behind. As a 6’1” full-framed test driver, I have a hard time even fitting in the X1 M35i test vehicle's over-bolstered seats and seeing out the front windshield at the traffic lights.

Unlike the X1 base model, which I really enjoyed, the X1 M35i is over the top in its sportiness, to a level that will see consumers looking elsewhere. Suspension is exceptionally stiff, the ride is very loud for passengers and the seats are exceptionally uncomfortable. It compares unfavorably to the NX350 from Lexus and XC40 from Volvo, which are good examples of subcompact luxury by designers who understand both sportiness and luxury, while the Cadillac XT4 tops the category easily.

Powered by a 312 horsepower, 2.0 Liter four-cylinder engine with seven-speed automatic transmission, the BMW X1 M35i certainly has power, but its discomfort stands out so much that it really is a disappointment in Grasso’s Garage. We looked forward to its test with excitement, since the X1 has been such a great tester previously. It could be that eliminating the M-Sport seats and adding better drive mode options to decrease the stiffness in suspension is all that it would take to make this an excellent vehicle, but without these simple qualities, the X1 M35i is a letdown.

2024 BMW X1 M35i

MSRP: $50,350

MPG: 23 city / 31 highway / 26.0 as tested

As Tested: $56,025

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