BMW

BMW Motorrad Motorsport ready for the WorldSBK weekend at Donington Park – Home round for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.

The FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) returns to historic ground. The sixth round of the 2023 season will take place at Donington Park (GBR), where the first WorldSBK race was held in 1988, from June 30 to July 2. The circuit near Nottingham (GBR) is also a special place for BMW Motorrad Motorsport. Several significant successes have been celebrated there in the past. It is also the home race for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, as well as Scott Redding (GBR) and Tom Sykes (GBR), who will once again stand in for injured Michael van der Mark (NED) this weekend.

The Bonovo action BMW Racing Team aims to continue its momentum from Misano four weeks ago (ITA) at Donington Park. At Misano, Garrett Gerloff (USA) achieved his best result of the season so far in a main race, finishing eighth in race two. His teammate Loris Baz (FRA) has used the break since Misano to train intensively and is confident of being 100% fit again after the injury he suffered at Mandalika (IDN).

The ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team has a special tradition for its home race at Donington Park. At the beginning of race week, the entire team gathers at their headquarters in Guisborough (GBR), about two and a half hours’ drive from the race circuit. “Our team is based in the north of England, and after we set off for the first European event, all the trucks, equipment, bikes, and so on return to the UK for the first time. We’re practically on the road all year round,” explained Team Principal Shaun Muir. “After the races at Misano and before the races at Imola, this is the only time we have all the equipment here. It’s a good time to pack the trucks with new equipment, and we have the opportunity to prepare the bikes here in our workshop instead of doing it at the track on a Wednesday and Thursday. Here, we have several days and a suitable environment to get everything ready for Donington Park.” The 17,000-inhabitant town of Guisborough is Shaun Muir’s hometown. The team’s headquarters was established in 2002 and has been developed there since.

In addition to the core team permanently based in Guisborough, the days leading up to the race weekend at Donington Park provide an opportunity for the international team to come together. “Our team members mainly have the chance to meet during race weekends. Our mechanics come from all over Europe, from the UK, Portugal, France, Poland, and so on and now they all gather here with us. It’s really like a big team get-together,” said Muir.

Now everything is prepared, the trucks have arrived at Donington from Guisborough, and the race weekend can begin. It’s a track that team manager Muir finds exciting not only because it’s the home track: “I think what’s really special about Donington is that it’s a motorcycle track through and through. It has always been on the WorldSBK calendar; that’s where it all started. Personally, I really like the circuit, and all the riders I speak to feel the same way. I believe that Donington Park is one of the top-three tracks for almost all riders, from the past and the present. It’s a real attraction. So, I’m really looking forward to it.”

Quotes ahead of the Donington Park round.

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “After a four-week break, we are now continuing with three race weekends within five weeks. We want to start this series of events at Donington Park, Imola, and Most in the best possible way. We have very good memories associated with Donington Park. It’s where we celebrated our first WorldSBK victory in 2012, and also after our factory comeback in 2019, we had successful outings at this circuit. The goal, of course, is to continue this trend. The track has been resurfaced, and in the initial practice sessions, we will see how it affects the handling and setup work. In any case, we are looking forward to exciting races at the historic Donington Park circuit and working hard to close in on the front.”

Garrett Gerloff, #31 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team: “I’m really looking forward to Donington Park this weekend. It’s a track where I had success in the past and so did BMW, so hopefully we can have a good weekend and find a setup quickly. It’s going to be slightly different because there’s new asphalt, but I think that’s good for us. We’ll see how it goes. I’m definitively looking forward to it.”

Scott Redding, #45 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “I’m looking forward to my home round at Donington Park. Last year, it went well there for us and I would like to achieve similar results this time. That would be great in front of my home crowd. There is a new track surface so we need to see how that reacts with the tyres.”

Tom Sykes, #66 BMW M 1000 RR, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “I am very much looking forward to Donington Park. It’s my home race and a circuit that I enjoy. It’s also the home race for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. Not only that, on the BMW in the past I’ve had some success there so we have that in mind and with what we learnt at Misano we can hopefully make the base setting of the BMW M 1000 RR a bit more suited to me. I’ve had a good chat with my crew-chief Marcus Eschenbacher in between with some ideas for Donington so I am really looking forward to the possibilities. We’ve also had some fantastic weather here in the UK and if that can continue into the weekend, I can imagine that it can provide excellent racing for the fans. Fingers crossed for a successful weekend.”

Loris Baz, #76 BMW M 1000 RR, Bonovo action BMW Racing Team: “It’s been quite a long time since Misano, but Misano was the first race where I was feeling good on the bike and not riding in pain, so it’s definitely a big improvement for me to be able to ride like this. I had a good three, four weeks to train even more. I’m back at 100 % now, so I’m really looking forward to this round. I love the Donington track! I hope we have more luck than at Misano where we had some issues. I’m confident of finally ride pain-free and enjoying riding the bike. Let’s see if the new Donington surface brings us luck.”

Track Facts Donington Park

Track Facts Donington Park.

Circuit length

4.023 km – clockwise

Corners

12 – 7 right-handers, 5 left-handers

Pole position

Left

Longest straight

550 metres (start-finish straight)

Grip level

Medium

Track layout

Fluid, fast turns; hard braking zones; climbs and descents

Strain on brakes

Medium

Amount at full throttle

28 %

Top speed / lowest speed

277 km/h / 45 km/h

Best overtaking opportunity

T1, T9, T11

Key factors

High speeds through the turns, stability and feel on brakes when leaning, courage
BMW

24h Spa-Francorchamps: BMW M Motorsport teams confident as they travel to world’s biggest GT3 race.

Spa-Francorchamps. BMW M Motorsport is set to compete in the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL) this weekend, with a strong team of drivers and teams aiming for the 25th overall win for the BMW brand in the Ardennes region. With 24 previous wins, BMW holds the record and has a good chance of continuing their success at the largest GT3 race in the world. In the Pro category, BMW M Team WRT and ROWE Racing, with two BMW M4 GT3s each, along with 12 BMW M works drivers, will be competing for the top spot on the podium on Sunday. There will be a total of seven BMW M4 GT3s on the starting grid.

 

Belgium’s BMW M Team WRT will be making their debut at their home event with the BMW M4 GT3 and will be fielding four cars. Maxime Martin, Dries Vanthoor, and Charles Weerts, along with Valentino Rossi, Sheldon van der Linde, and Augusto Farfus, will be representing Belgium in the two Pro cars. BMW M Team WRT has had a challenging season so far in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS (GTWC) Endurance Cup races and is hoping to secure their first podium at Spa-Francorchamps. On the other hand, they had a successful Sprint Cup race at Brands Hatch with three podium finishes, including Valentino Rossi’s first in the GTWC. The 24h Spa-Francorchamps is the highlight of both the GTWC Europe and the Intercontinental GT Challenge seasons. In the previous race at Kyalami, BMW M Team WRT achieved a one-two result in the series.

ROWE Racing has a strong track record at Spa-Francorchamps and in the GTWC Europe Endurance season. The team has won at Spa-Francorchamps twice (2016 & 2020) and finished in second place twice as well (2018 & 2019). Philipp Eng, Marco Wittmann, and Nick Yelloly currently lead the driver standings of the Endurance Cup after their victory in Monza and third place in Le Castellet. The members of the BMW Junior Team and BMW M works drivers Dan Harper, Max Hesse, and Neil Verhagen are also contributing to ROWE Racing’s lead in the team standings of the Endurance Cup.

Aside from the Pro category, Team WRT is entering a BMW M4 GT3 in the Gold Cup and one in the Bronze Cup. Walkenhorst Motorsport, the winner of the 2018 Spa race, is also participating in the Bronze Cup with a BMW M4 GT3. The 24h Spa-Francorchamps will start at 16:30 CEST on Saturday, July 1st.

Note to editors:

We are offering two media roundtables in the paddock at Spa-Francorchamps:

Thursday, 15:00: Head of BMW M Motorsport, Andreas Roos, WRT team principal, Vincent Vosse, ROWE team principal, Hans-Peter Naundorf

Saturday, 13:00: Head of BMW M Motorsport, Andreas Roos

Quotes ahead of the race.

 

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “After the Nürburgring and Le Mans, the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps is the third iconic endurance race in the span of a few weeks. Spa is the biggest GT3 race in the world and winning there is highly esteemed. With our top-class teams and 12 BMW M works drivers, the conditions are favorable for us. ROWE Racing and BMW M Team WRT have had many wins and podiums in the GT World Challenge Europe and Intercontinental GT Challenge races so far. The BMW M4 GT3 has proven to be competitive on every track. We want to convert this potential into victory and win the first 24-hour classic with our new GT3 flagship. I’m cheering for our pro teams and the WRT and Walkenhorst Motorsport crews in other classes. It’s a source of pride that there will be seven BMW M4 GT3s on the starting grid, thanks to the hard work of every BMW M Motorsport employee.”

 

Dries Vanthoor (#32 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team WRT): “We are all extremely motivated to have a good weekend at Spa with our strong driver lineup. Our warm-up test went well, and the car feels good on the track. Our first goal is to make it through the night without any incidents. Then we’ll assess our position. It would be a dream come true to win my home event in Belgium. Together with the whole team, we will give our all to try and achieve this.”

 

Maxime Martin (#46 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team WRT): “I’m really looking forward to racing at my home event with BMW M Motorsport once again. I’m curious about the weather, as it can be unpredictable in the Ardennes. With Augusto and Vale, I have two fantastic drivers by my side, and I want to try and win the 24h Spa-Francorchamps with them, just like I did with BMW in 2016.”

Philipp Eng (#98 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing): “It would be amazing to celebrate my third win with BMW and the third ROWE Racing win in Spa. I’m really excited about the event; it’s always a highlight of the season. Our first two races in the GT World Challenge Europe were fantastic, with a first and third place finish. We are heading into the weekend as championship leaders and aim to gather as many points as possible to stay in the running for the overall win at the end of the year.”

 

Neil Verhagen (#998 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing): “I’m super excited for the 24 Hours of Spa this year. It’s like a comeback, the second time with the BMW M4 GT3. We had a pretty good season last year and aim to build on that success. We’ll approach the race the same way as last year, with a clean race and minimal errors. We know we have the speed; we had it last year. It’s one of my favorite races of the year, and I can’t wait to get back on the track at Spa-Francorchamps.”

 

Overview of the BMW M4 GT3 driver line-ups:

 

Pro Cup.

 

#32 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team WRT

Sheldon van der Linde (RSA)

Dries Vanthoor (BEL)

Charles Weerts (BEL)

#46 BMW M4 GT3, BMW M Team WRT

Augusto Farfus (BRA)

Maxime Martin (BEL)

Valentino Rossi (ITA)

#98 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing

Philipp Eng (AUT)

Marco Wittmann (GER)

Nick Yelloly (GBR)

#998 BMW M4 GT3, ROWE Racing

Dan Harper (GBR)

Max Hesse (GER)

Neil Verhagen (USA)

Gold Cup.

#30 BMW M4 GT3, Team WRT

Niklas Krütten (GER)

Jean-Baptiste Simmenauer (FRA)

Calan Williams (AUS)

Bronze Cup.

#31 BMW M4 GT3, Team WRT

Adam Carroll (GBR)

Lewis Proctor (GBR)

Tim Whale (GBR)

#35 BMW M4 GT3, Walkenhorst Motorsport

Anders Buchardt (NOR)

James Kell (GBR)

Thomas Neubauer (FRA)

Bailey Voisin (GBR)

 

ToyotaUk

Joby Marks Production Launch, Receives Permit to Fly First Aircraft Built on Production Line in Close Collaboration with Strategic Partner and Investor, Toyota

Tetsuo “Ted” Ogawa, President and Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Motor North America, will join Joby’s Board of Directors on July 1, 2023

Santa Cruz, Calif. (Jun 28, 2023) — Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY), a company that develops all-electric aircraft for commercial passenger service, announced today that it has obtained a Special Airworthiness Certificate for its first aircraft manufacturing in Marina, California. The certificate, issued by the Federal Aviation Administration, permits Joby to commence flight testing of its initial production prototype.

In recognition of Toyota’s crucial involvement in the development of Joby’s Pilot Production Line and its contribution to the manufacturing and assembly of Joby aircraft, Tetsuo “Ted” Ogawa, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Motor North America, will join over 1,000 guests and team members at Joby’s Marina facility later today to celebrate the start of production.

Ogawa, who is set to join Joby’s Board of Directors on July 1, 2023, expressed his congratulations on Joby’s achievement and expressed his eagerness to strengthen their collaboration as Joby prepares for the expansion of production and the launch of operations.

Toyota is the largest external shareholder of Joby, having invested approximately $400 million in the company. The two companies recently signed a long-term agreement for the supply of powertrain and actuation components.

For more information, please visit: https://www.jobyaviation.com/news/joby-production-launch-permit-to-fly-first-aircraft-on-production-line/

Lexus

What’s New: 2024 Lexus ES

  • The 2024 Lexus ES comes with an available Technology Package, 12.3-inch touchscreen, SmartAccess Card Key, and Head-Up Display
  • Ultra Luxury grade now comes standard with 18-inch wheels with a Vapor Chrome finish
  • Starting price is $43,190 MSRP (including DPH)

PLANO, Texas (June 28, 2023) – The 2024 Lexus ES, the top-selling sedan in the Lexus lineup, receives minor updates for the new model year. These updates include the addition of an available Technology Package and the inclusion of 18-inch wheels with a Vapor Chrome finish as standard on the Ultra Luxury grade. With its range of powerful engines, all-wheel drive capability, and two F SPORT models, the 2024 ES continues to cater to a diverse range of lifestyles. The new 2024 ES is expected to arrive in dealerships in summer 2023.

Choose Your Own Adventure

The Lexus ES rides on the Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform, which is a front-wheel drive chassis made from high-strength steel. The construction method used, called Laser Screw Welding, ensures a strong and robust structure. The suspension is finely tuned to provide optimal responsiveness. The front suspension features a strut angle that improves ride quality, while the rear suspension utilizes a trailing arm and a multilink setup for enhanced responsiveness. The ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers both performance and efficiency. The ES 250 AWD offers all-wheel drive capability, while the ES 300h features a hybrid powertrain for improved fuel efficiency.

“F” is for Fun

The F SPORT Design and F SPORT Handling grades are available on all three powertrains (ES 350, ES 250 AWD, and ES 300h). These grades add sporty exterior styling elements, such as unique front bumpers, grille surrounds, and rear spoilers. The F SPORT Handling grade further enhances the driving experience with features like Sport+ and Custom Drive modes, F SPORT-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), a heated F SPORT steering wheel, and Hadori aluminum trim, aluminum pedals, and black headliner.

Provocative Elegance, Refined

The 2024 ES features a dynamic and sleek design, with a coupe-like silhouette inherited from the flagship LS. The front end is highlighted by the Lexus Signature Grille and striking Bi-LED headlamps. The ES offers a variety of wheel designs to choose from, ranging from 17-inch to 19-inch options. The exterior is available in 11 different colors, including exclusive colors for the F SPORT models.

Spacious and Inviting Cabin

The interior of the 2024 ES blends a driver-centric cockpit with comfortable seating for passengers. The instrument panel design integrates seamlessly with the Lexus Interface, which is displayed on an eight-inch touchscreen. The Technology Package, available on all models, includes a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, a Head-Up Display, and a SmartAccess Card Key. The ES offers a wide range of interior color options, including different trim materials and finishes.

Lexus Interface and Connected Services

The 2024 ES is equipped with Lexus Interface, which provides enhanced connectivity features, including Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. The system can be controlled through touch and voice activation. With the active Drive Connect three-year trial, drivers and passengers have access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation, and Destination Assist. Intelligent Assistant allows for voice-activated commands to search for directions, find Points of Interest (POI), adjust audio controls, and more. Other features of the Lexus Interface system include dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay integration, Android Auto compatibility, and a Wi-Fi Connect trial.

Safety and Convenience

The 2024 ES comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which includes a range of active safety and convenience features. These features include Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), and Road Sign Assist (RSA).

2024 ES Pricing

[Image of pricing chart]

(Please refer to the original article for the pricing chart)

News

From the archive: on this day in 1937

The LEVC TX of modern London has a heritage stretching back to 1930, spanning over six generations of taxi.

In 1925, a new Tory government imposed tariffs on commercial vehicles to cover war costs. This made the expensive French Unic taxis unaffordable, leading Mann & Overton, a dealer, to ask Austin to create a new model.

Austin decided to reuse the chassis of their old “heavy” Twelve car. They kept the 27bhp four-cylinder engine but made adjustments to the gearbox and steering for a tighter turning radius.

Coachbuilders provided the bodies, usually landaulet style, which had extra height compared to other taxis. This earned them the nickname “high lot” and made them popular among top-hat wearers.

According to the 1906 Conditions of Fitness, one side of the taxi was open, which was unpleasant on wet and windy days. It had a squeezer horn and an external carburettor killer for security. The upright driving position offered excellent visibility, and combined with great maneuverability, it allowed the driver to confidently navigate seemingly impossible spaces.

The performance of the taxi was sufficient for city traffic, although attempting higher speeds, such as at Brooklands, proved to be “amusing.” The taxi’s weight of around 1420kg gave it a stable feel while driving, but the constant vibration from the metalwork countered the comfort of the leather-lined seating area.

It’s remarkable how little has changed in the past 86 years, yet also how much has.

Lancia’s Aprilia masterpiece

Lancia’s Augusta gained popularity in the UK in 1933, so there was anticipation for its successor, the Aprilia. This pillarless saloon achieved a new aerodynamic record with a coefficient of drag of 0.47Cd. Despite its humble 45bhp from the 1.4-litre V4 engine, it had a remarkably low weight of 890kg due to its unitary body construction (a concept developed by Lancia in 1922), resulting in brisk performance. The engine was so smooth and refined that it felt like a six-cylinder.

The Aprilia boasted fully independent suspension, a rarity at the time, providing exceptional riding comfort and a reassuringly safe handling experience. It was the final car designed by Vincenzo Lancia – truly a remarkable vehicle.

UK government fails to deliver on road-building promise

In 1935, with the effects of the 1931 European banking crisis fading and the number of cars in Britain reaching 2.5 million, the government decided to embark on a significant road-building plan. The Ministry of Transport announced a £100 million fund for this purpose.

However, by 1937, when an additional 500 vehicles were joining the traffic every day, there was very little noticeable progress. It was revealed that only £6.45 million had been spent in the first two years. We observed that the majority of funds were being allocated to national armament, which, in hindsight, turned out to be a good thing…

News

Autocar magazine 28 June: on sale now

This week in Autocar, we explore the upcoming lineup of Audi RS electric vehicles, test drive the highly anticipated Kia EV9, and compare three manual driver’s cars.

News

Audi Sport is expanding its electric vehicle offerings with a range of powerful successors to its fastest combustion cars, including the RS3 and RS7. With a renewed focus on the RS brand, we delve into Audi’s plans for the future.

Toyota has reimagined the C-HR for a new generation, featuring sharp styling and the introduction of a hybrid option for the first time.

In addition, the Dacia Sandero is set to be reborn as a rugged, raised supermini with pure-electric power, while still maintaining its reputation for affordability, making it one of Europe’s most popular cars.

We also uncover why a used Ineos Grenadier can sometimes have a higher price tag than a new one and discuss the potential adoption of an agency model by Toyota.

Reviews

Kia has followed up the success of the EV6 with the launch of the EV9, priced at £65,000. Our own Steve Cropley travels to Seoul to test drive the EV9 and discover what sets it apart.

Matt Saunders is in Germany to test the latest generation of Chinese electric cars – the Hiphi Y and Hiphi X. The Hiphi Y is a saloon with 663bhp, aiming to compete with the Audi E-tron GT, while the Hiphi X is a £110,000 SUV challenging rivals such as the Tesla Model X and BMW iX. Are these vehicles worth the wait?

Matt Prior reviews the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and concludes that it offers the most enjoyable driving experience among electric vehicles. Find out why in his detailed review.

Our team is also putting the Mercedes-AMG S36 E Performance, Peugeot e-2008, BMW M760e xDrive, Peugeot’s new 3008, and the BYD Dolphin to the test.

Features

We pay tribute to the manual gearbox by comparing three exceptional driver’s cars. The BMW M2, the only new M car available with a manual gearbox, goes up against two of the best stick-shifters in the industry: the Mazda MX-5 and Honda Civic Type R. Who will come out on top?

Considering buying a European used car imported from Japan? John Evans explores the pros and cons, revealing whether there are significant differences beneath the surface despite their similar appearances.

Off-roaders have evolved significantly over the years. But can modern tech-filled luxury SUVs outperform the original utilitarian workhorses when it comes to off-road capabilities? To find out, we compare a Willys Jeep with the brand new Range Rover.

Opinion

Matt Prior shares his experience driving the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and highlights how it allows drivers to engage their muscle memory and appreciate engine sounds with a simulated gearshift and rev counter reaching 8000rpm.

Car review

Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance

The Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance is the most powerful S-Class yet, with 791bhp and 1055lb ft of power and torque. However, this increased power comes with the downside of adding 309kg to the car’s weight, bringing it to a total of 2520kg.

Equipped with AMG’s nine-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive system, the S63 E Performance can go from 0 to 62mph in just 3.3 seconds.

Although its performance numbers are impressive, the question remains: can this larger and heavier S63 deliver the same level of engagement and dynamics as its highly rated predecessor?

The S63 E Performance offers seven different driving modes: Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport+, Slippery, and Individual. This provides the car with incredible versatility for various driving conditions. In everyday driving, the Comfort mode utilizes both petrol and electric power sources to offer a refined and urgent experience on the motorway, giving the impression that there’s always more power to spare.

Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance

Switching to Sport+ mode unleashes the true sledgehammer performance of the S63 E Performance, with the electric motor’s torque compensating for any lag as the turbos spool up. This results in acceleration similar to that of a supercar, thanks to the 4Matic+ system and electronically controlled limited-slip differential that provide outstanding traction and determination when applying full throttle. However, due to the combination of two separate gearboxes and the 4Matic+ system, there can be some unruly shunt, particularly at low speeds and when accelerating quickly.

News

New 2023 BMW X1 M35i: A Powerful Performance Upgrade

The new BMW X1 now has a performance variant called the M35i, which aims to rival the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35. This upgraded model features various chassis and engine enhancements.

Under the hood, the X1 M35i is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, similar to the ones found in the BMW 2 Series Coupé, Morgan Plus Four, and Toyota GR Supra. With upgrades, this engine now produces 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.4 seconds, slightly slower than the GLA 35 by 0.2 seconds.

All-wheel drive is standard on the X1 M35i, and power is transmitted through a seven-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox. Improved traction is achieved with the addition of a mechanical limited-slip differential at the front end.

For enhanced handling, the M35i comes with adaptive suspension as standard, lowering the ride height by 15mm compared to regular X1 models. The stability control and traction control systems have also been revised, allowing for faster corrective inputs.

On the outside, the M35i features a more aggressive bodykit with larger air dams at the front, along with a prominent rear spoiler and a quad-exhaust-pipe arrangement.

The interior of the M35i receives sportier seats with increased bolstering. Optional M Sport buckets are available as well. The steering wheel is adorned with M Sport stitching, while the rest of the interior remains similar to the standard X1.

The price for the X1 M35i in the UK starts at £45,995, which is £7,125 less than the GLA 35 but nearly £6,000 more than the outgoing Mini Countryman JCW. European customers can expect deliveries to begin in November.

BMW X1 M35i 2023 interior

News

New 2023 BMW X1 M35i brings 296bhp for £45,995

The M performance variant of the new BMW X1 has arrived, bringing a range of chassis and engine tweaks aimed at usurping the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35.

Called the X1 M35i, it’s powered by an upgraded version of the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine featured in the BMW 2 Series Coupé, Morgan Plus Four and Toyota GR Supra, among others. In the M35i, its power and torque outputs peak at 296bhp and 295lb ft, allowing the crossover to complete the 0-62mph sprint in 5.4sec – 0.2sec behind the GLA 35.

Power is delivered to all four wheels through a seven-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox, with a mechanical limited-slip differential improving traction at the front end.

As for chassis tweaks, adaptive suspension is fitted as standard to the M35i, which sits 15mm lower than conventional variants of the X1. The stability control and traction control systems have also been revised to reduce the length of their physical connections, allowing them to provide corrective inputs up to 10 times faster than before.

New 19in alloy wheels are fitted as standard, reducing unsprung weight and providing enough room for optional M Compound brakes. These discs – 385mm drilled units up front and regular 335mm items at the rear – are made from cast iron and aluminium and are claimed by BMW to improve stopping power while further reducing unsprung weight.

BMW X1 M35i 2023 interior

To further distinguish the M35i from regular X1s visually, it receives a more aggressive bodykit with larger air dams at the front. At the rear is a more prominent spoiler and quad-exhaust-pipe arrangement.

Inside, the M35i gains a pair of more aggressively bolstered sports seats, but buyers can also specify the optional M Sport buckets pictured here. An M Sport leather stitched steering wheel is standard, but the rest of the interior largely mirrors the regular X1.

Prices start from £45,995 in the UK – £7125 less than the GLA 35 but nearly £6000 more than the outgoing Mini Countryman JCW. European deliveries begin in November.