2019 BMW X2 M35i Comes With Brand's Mightiest Four Banger
BMW has chucked a new M Performance variant into its X2 range, as no vehicle in the automaker’s lineup should ever have to go without the thirteenth letter of the alphabet. Fortunately, the brand’s decision to install a range-topping X2 also involves installing the most powerful four-cylinder engine in BMW’s history.
Knowing the UKL platform’s front-drive bias would make wedging in something like an inline-six more than a little troublesome, BMW opted for an alternative solution. That means the 2019 BMW X2 M35i gets by with a quartet of pistons totalling 2.0 liters of displacement. However, the manufacturer managed to wring 306 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque from the mill to avoid any embarrassment.
BMW claims that the model hurls itself to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds with a little help from launch control, turbocharging, and a redesigned cooling system. An eight-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive system come standard, with the latter being further aided by a limited-slip differential at the front axle.
Since this is the M Performance spec variant of the X2, Bimmer stiffened the suspension and lowered ride height by 10 millimeters. Upgraded brakes match with standard 19-inch wheels, however, those wanting more clearance and an even firmer ride can have an optional 20-inch set. Shoppers can also upgrade to an adaptive suspension setup with two manually adjustable modes of operation.
The exterior of the X2 M35i gains appropriate M Performance accoutrements, and we aren’t talking about the badging. BMW has bestowed the crossover with its own set of air inlets and spoilers. There’s also an M Sport exhaust system featuring two colossal four-inch tailpipes with darker accenting in lieu of chrome. In the cabin, the M35i gets a sport-inspired steering wheel and detailing. However, the M Sport seats, wireless Apple CarPlay, and head-up display remain optional.
BMW claims production of the 2019 X2 M35i should begin in November (March for the European market). Pricing and market-specific details are to be announced at a later date.
[Images: BMW]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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Following the same pattern as just about every CUV, this thing is ugly.
Agreed. Living on the French-german border, I have yet to see an X2. The X1 is surprisingly big (for a compact SUV, of course), but the Audi Q2 and VW T-roc are really funny: they're sold as compact crossovers, but look the exact same size as compact cars, often being higher by only an inch or so. So yeah, they are effectively just raised compacts (with a substantially raised MSRP, too...)