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A camouflaged BMW X1 was recently spied with a quad exhaust setup, suggesting a BMW M35i is in the works
by Sidd Dhimaan, onA BMW X1 prototype with a quad-exhaust setup was recently spied and it made us wonder if it is the SUV’s standalone M model. But, the company has stated in the past that there will never be a pure M model based on the front-wheel-drive platform. So, this means that the prototype that was spotted was an X1 M35i and not a full-blown M model. Well, not sure if we’re happy or sad seeing this camouflaged prototype.
What’s Special About This Camouflaged X1 M35i Prototype?
Quad exhaust setups were one of the aspects associated with the M model until now. However, going forward, it seems like it will be a general affair with the models that don’t have an M model, but are given the M performance treatment to the standard models. On the lower end of the hierarchy, we’ve seen the M performance models in the form of the 1 Series M135i and the X2 M35i.
Apart from the quad exhaust setup, there’s isn’t much else to talk about in terms of the exterior design. The skin hid most of the elements well, but some were exposed, like the roof, A-pillar, wing mirrors, and part of the hood. All of them flaunted a black treatment.
It was seen riding on five dual-spoke wheels finished in a dull silver color of sorts. As stated earlier, it boasts of a quad-exhaust setup. You can also spot a rear spoiler at the top of the windshield, which was also wrapped in camouflage.
The current BMW X1 makes 228 horses and 258 pound-feet of torque from its 2.0-liter, twin-turbo four-cylinder engine. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The X1 M35i is expected to make over 350 horses! This will be a huge improvement over the current model. We won’t hold our breath on this power output, though.
Realistically speaking, something in the whereabouts of 300 horses can be expected. The X2 M35i – which also features the same engine – makes 301 horses. Anything beyond this will mean the X2’s figures will have to be pumped up as well. Let’s see how that goes.
The BMW X1 M35i can be expected sometime in 2022. An electric version of the X1 is also in the works and it could arrive in 2023. What are your thoughts on the X1 M35i getting quad exhausts? Share them with us in the comments section below.
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
