In its customary type, the BMW X2 is type of a tough promote. Less spacious and costlier than the X1 on which it is based mostly, however with none actual positive factors elsewhere, it is a subcompact crossover that is onerous to suggest.This new M35i mannequin, then again, has a lot better attraction. It makes use of BMW’s strongest four-cylinder engine, and brings with it a variety of legit efficiency upgrades. It nonetheless is not any extra purposeful than an X1, but it surely’s a go-fast therapy that is unique to the X2 — and an entertaining one, at that.Boost, child, enhanceThe X2 M35i makes use of a closely reworked model of the B48 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 engine present in lots of BMW’s different fashions. The strengthened crankshaft has bigger essential bearings, and new pistons enable for a barely decreased compression ratio for extra energy supply. A bigger turbocharger presents elevated enhance, and the engine’s cooling system has been upgraded to deal with the better calls for. The result’s 302 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, will increase of 74 in each fields over an X2 xDrive28i.BMW says the X2 M35i’ll scoot to 60 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds, thanks partly to a brand new launch management characteristic constructed into its 8-speed automated transmission. That makes the M35i a full 1.4 seconds faster to 60 mph than its xDrive28i counterpart, and places it squarely in Volkswagen Golf R and Ford Focus RS territory. Power comes on instantly, with peak torque arriving at simply 1,750 rpm. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters permit you to work via the transmission’s eight speeds your self, however the X2 is completely adept when left to its personal units. Throttle response sharpens as you turn from Comfort to Sport mode, and gear-changes are fired off with noticeable urgency.A limited-slip entrance differential and all-wheel drive assist the X2 M35i maintain its composure in corners.
Chris Tedesco/BMW
But the M35i is rather more than a faster X2. It will get a decrease and firmer suspension setup, M Sport brakes, a faster steering ratio and a limited-slip entrance differential.And in truth, the M35i is a riot. This X2 has sharp reflexes and it is keen to alter route, the hefty steering providing strong suggestions. The suspension tune is a little bit too stiff for the pockmarked farm roads southwest of Palm Springs, California, however on clean pavement — just like the monitor at The Thermal Club — it feels simply fantastic. The M35i has an simply chuckable nature, like every good sizzling hatch ought to, with its xDrive all-wheel-drive system shuffling energy to the wheels that want it most. It’ll exhibit a bit extra roll than one thing like a Golf R, however that is largely a product of the elevated floor clearance. BMW nonetheless maintains this factor is a crossover, in any case.Can’t outrun uglyTo visually differentiate it from lesser X2s, the M35i will get a variety of gray-colored exterior parts, together with the mirror caps, grille encompass and model-specific 19-inch wheels (20-inch rollers are a $600 choice). There’s a bigger roof spoiler round again, and an M Sport exhaust rounds out the efficiency upgrades, which supplies the two.0-liter engine a little bit of rumbly aural delight.Aside from new sport seats, the M35i has the identical cabin as different X2s, with BMW’s iDrive infotainment atop the sprint.
Chris Tedesco/BMW
Of course, none of this modifications the truth that the X2 is, effectively, yeesh. The entrance fascia has a kind of bulgy rodent vibe, and I nonetheless cannot get behind the position of the BMW Roundel smack dab in the midst of the C-pillar. Beauty is within the eye of the beholder, I do know, and I will say the M35i is at the least probably the most engaging of all of the X2 variants. But I simply cannot assist however discover this child Bimmer u-g-l-y ugly, particularly in my check automotive’s shade of Galvanic Gold Metallic.Inside, the M35i comes customary with comfy, supportive sport seats. Otherwise, its cabin is identical as another X2, with a surprisingly spacious entrance compartment and decidedly cramped rear seats. With 50.1 cubic toes of cargo area on provide, the X2 M35i is extra capacious than a Mercedes-AMG GLA45, however on the similar time, falls in need of many different compact crossovers. Even the aforementioned Golf R has a much bigger boot, with 52.7 cubic toes behind its entrance seats.BMW’s iDrive 6.0 expertise handles infotainment duties, housed in an 8.8-inch display screen atop the sprint. You can function iDrive by touching the display screen, or via the rotary dial and shortcut buttons on the middle console. Embedded navigation is offered as a part of a $1,800 Premium Package, which additionally unlocks adaptive cruise management with stop-and-go tech, for an extra $1,000.The X2 has a face solely a mom may love.
Chris Tedesco/BMW
An entertaining new choiceThe 2019 X2 M35i begins at $46,450, a full $8,050 greater than the xDrive28i. Fully loaded with all of the aforementioned choices, plus a panoramic moonroof ($1,350), full-leather seating ($1,450), wi-fi charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot ($500), a Harman Kardon premium audio system ($875) and BMW’s parking assistant ($200), you are greater than $55,000 when every thing’s stated and achieved.That makes the X2 M35i a a lot pricier proposition than conventional sizzling hatches just like the $41,120 Focus RS or $40,395 Golf R, however the BMW presents a bit extra luxurious inside, to not point out a extra prestigious badge on the nostril (and pillar). On the opposite hand, the M35i vastly undercuts the Mercedes-AMG GLA45’s $53,350 beginning value, which may simply swell to over $70,000 with choices. That stated, the AMG can also be a little bit firecracker — rather more balls-out spastic than the X2, and rather more entertaining to drive.Still, the X2 M35i is an fascinating proposition: A little bit extra luxurious than a Ford or VW, with out emptying your pockets fairly just like the Mercedes. It’s an interesting therapy that turns the in any other case meh X2 right into a high-riding sizzling hatch that is a hoot and a half to drive.The M35i therapy is a $8,050 premium over an X2 xDrive28i.
Chris Tedesco/BMW
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