BMW X2 Gets the M Treatment it Truly Deserves

The BMW X2 did not impress me as it was just another jacked-up hatchback parading around as a crossover. But BMW has turned things up a notch by introducing the first M-tuned X2, the X2 M35i, and completely blew my mind.

If there was an endearing quality to the X2, it was the design. The body looked tight and sporty, giving it a youthful feel that BMW has lacked for some time. The X2 M35i takes these looks and makes them even wilder with full-LED headlights and fog lights, a Cerium Grey kidney grille, side air intakes and mirror caps, a distinct M rear spoiler, an M Sport dual-exhaust system, 19-inch M Sport light-alloy wheels, and the M Sport Package Aero kit.

2019 BMW X2 M35i xDrive

Inside, this M’d X2 gains an M Sport leather-wrapped steering wheel with shift paddles and leather sport seats. Optionally, buyers can add M Sport leather seats available in perforated Magma Red Dakota Leather with black accents or perforated Black Dakota Leather.

While the 2019 BMW X2 M35i looks great, its real highlights come under the skin and start with the first-ever M Performance 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder powerplant that injects 302 horsepower from 5,000 to 6,250 rpm and 332 pound-feet of torque from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm. Turning the already impressive standard 2.0-liter TwinPower engine into this high-strung M Performance powerplant required heavy modification and included improved main bearings, new pistons, reduced compression to allow for additional boost from the larger turbo, and a revised air-intake path.

This engine mates to an eight-speed automatic transmission with launch control. The power routes through xDrive all-wheel drive with a BMW-first M Sport front differential. This all adds up to a 0-to-60 time of just 49 seconds for this lifted hatchback.

No M-tuned Bimmer would be complete without a host of suspension updates, and the X2 M35i is no exception. It features the M Sport suspension with stiffer springs and a 10 mm lower ride height, M Sport brakes, and a faster-responding steering system.

2019 BMW X2 M35i xDrive

The BMW X2 M35i xDrive will hit showrooms in November 2018. Pricing remains unknown, but around $50,000 is a good guessing point.