Last updated August 4, 2026
The BMW X1 lineup starts with the sDrive28i, the front-wheel-drive entry model that keeps the X1’s turbo power, roomy cabin, and everyday utility. The xDrive28i is the mainstream choice, adding all-wheel drive while keeping a comfort-focused, daily-use character. The performance branch includes the xDrive35i, known for its turbo inline-six and richer convenience equipment, and the M35i, which adds M-tuned power, suspension, brakes, and exhaust to the practical X1 body.
The Base Model trim level — sDrive28i — is the straightforward X1, combining a roomy, useful cabin and turbo power with front-wheel drive.
Best for: Drivers who want the core X1 experience and do not need all-wheel drive.
Highlights
The All-wheel Drive trim level — xDrive28i — is the mainline everyday X1, adding standard all-wheel drive without taking on the performance model’s sharper character.
Best for: Drivers who want an upscale compact SUV with added traction for changing weather and daily travel.
Highlights
Over the sDrive28i, the xDrive28i’s defining addition is xDrive all-wheel drive for more sure-footed traction.
211 in stock
The High Performance trim level — M35i and xDrive35i — is the quicker, more assertive X1 branch, pairing standard all-wheel drive with stronger engines and sportier character.
Best for: Drivers who need X1 practicality but also care about stronger acceleration and a more engaging feel.
Highlights
Over the xDrive28i, this level adds a stronger performance identity. The M35i brings M-tuned suspension, brakes, steering, and exhaust, while the xDrive35i brings a turbo inline-six and additional comfort features.
30 in stock| Feature | Base Model | All-wheel Drive | High Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | sDrive28i29 in stock | xDrive28i211 in stock | M35i, xDrive35i30 in stock |
| Driven wheels | Front-wheel drive | xDrive all-wheel drive | xDrive all-wheel drive |
| Engine identity | Turbo four-cylinder | Current xDrive28i: 241-hp turbo four-cylinder | M35i: 312-hp turbo four; xDrive35i: turbo inline-six |
| Sport-focused hardware | Core X1 road setup | Comfort-focused everyday setup | M35i: adaptive M suspension and M Sport brakes |
| Display and phone integration | Later examples: touchscreen navigation and Apple CarPlay | Recent examples: curved display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | M35i: curved display and wireless phone integration; xDrive35i: Bluetooth and USB audio |
| Signature convenience details | Power tailgate | Power tailgate and three-section folding rear seat | xDrive35i: panoramic moonroof and memory seat; M35i: paddle shifters |
sDrive identifies a front-wheel-drive X1, while xDrive means all-wheel drive. The 28i badge marks the regular turbocharged four-cylinder models. M35i identifies the newer high-performance version with more power and sport-focused hardware.
Since the 2023 redesign, the U.S. X1 lineup centers on the all-wheel-drive xDrive28i. The performance-focused M35i joined for 2024. Earlier lineups also included the front-wheel-drive sDrive28i and the first-generation six-cylinder xDrive35i.
The main difference is the drivetrain: the sDrive28i has front-wheel drive, while the xDrive28i has all-wheel drive. On earlier 28i models from the same era, their turbo engine and core cabin features are otherwise broadly similar.
The xDrive28i is the mainline all-wheel-drive X1. On newer models it has a 241-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, a seven-speed automatic, a curved dual-screen dashboard, smartphone integration, a power tailgate, and active safety features.
The M35i is the performance-focused X1 offered since 2024. It pairs a 312-hp turbocharged four-cylinder with all-wheel drive, an adaptive sport suspension, stronger brakes, a sport exhaust with four outlets, and a steering wheel with shift paddles.
On newer X1s, the M35i adds a 312-hp engine in place of the xDrive28i’s 241-hp engine. It also brings an adaptive sport suspension, stronger brakes, sportier steering-wheel controls, a four-outlet exhaust, and more aggressive styling details.
No. The M35i has meaningful performance changes, not just different trim and badges. Its higher-output engine, adaptive sport suspension, upgraded brakes, paddle shifters, and sport exhaust make it quicker and more focused than the xDrive28i.
They fill a similar performance role in different eras, but they are not the same. The first-generation xDrive35i uses a 300-hp turbocharged six-cylinder and six-speed automatic. The newer M35i uses a 312-hp turbo four and adds M-tuned suspension and braking hardware.
The first-generation xDrive35i has the six-cylinder. It uses a 300-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter engine, a six-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive. The sDrive28i, xDrive28i, and newer M35i use turbocharged four-cylinder engines.
The first-generation xDrive35i combines its 300-hp six-cylinder and all-wheel drive with a panoramic moonroof, power front seats with driver memory, adaptive xenon headlights, automatic high beams, Bluetooth calling, and a USB audio connection.
The xDrive28i is the straightforward everyday pick in newer X1s. It combines all-wheel drive, strong turbo power, modern phone integration, active safety features, a power tailgate, and the X1’s practical cabin without the M35i’s firmer performance focus.
Look for an earlier sDrive28i. It delivers the regular X1’s turbo power, cargo flexibility, and core comfort and technology features with front-wheel drive. The U.S. lineup moved to standard all-wheel drive with the 2023 redesign.
An xDrive model is the better fit because it has all-wheel drive. That includes the xDrive28i, early xDrive35i, and newer M35i. The earlier sDrive28i is front-wheel drive, so tires and local winter conditions deserve extra attention.
Choose by era. The newer M35i is the performance choice, with 312 hp and upgraded suspension and brakes. Among first-generation X1s, the 300-hp six-cylinder xDrive35i is the stronger option over the four-cylinder 28i models.