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Small engines in big cars are becoming the norm, and for many, this trend is upsetting. Fortunately, as the motoring world is figuring out the perfect solution to tackle this enthusiast uproar, the BMW X2 M35i might be the performance family car that you won't mind having with a 2.0-litre engine.
Although the X2 might lead you to believe it is an M car with its four massive exhaust pipes and sharp, aggressive M Performance lines, it is not, which is a good thing. Throwing a small engine into an M car wouldn’t likely be well received by the passionate BMW fan base, so keeping the X2 as an M35i was a sharp call.
BMW's recent interior design language speaks to the classy enthusiast who doesn’t shy away from a thrill. It's a dark environment that complements the car's attitude and provides an ominously exciting feel.
The attention in the cabin is drawn to the 10.7-inch infotainment screen, which provides a technologically forward addition to an otherwise beautiful interior. The Harmon Kardon speakers are the cherry on top, as the sound quality is exceptional. Although the screen might appear complex, it's simple to use and gives the owner a sense of customisation and control with each input.
Furthermore, the cabin is spacious, with decent legroom in the back for your rear passengers and an impressively comfortable front-seat experience. The seats are comfortable and support your upper body in the corners. It's a vehicle you eagerly anticipate getting into, and it plays to the demands and emotions of the driver with displays of either joyful acceleration or comfortable practicality.
The X2 M35i is no slouch. It produces 233kW and 400Nm of torque, which is delivered through the 7-speed DCT to all four wheels. This allows the X2 M35i to accelerate to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds. It also provides a limited top speed of 250km/h. It’s a thrilling experience once you bury the throttle, but comfort mode is also impressive as you cruise quietly and comfortably on the open road or through town.
Like many new cars, there are a variety of driving modes to choose from, such as Efficiency, Comfort, and Sport. In Sport mode, the throttle is responsive, and the stiffer ride quality provides aggressive and predictable cornering dynamics. Even though its SUV nature puts a lot of weight on the outside tyres, the X2 inspires confidence in the twisties while displaying little in the way of body roll.
Unfortunately, the sound projected from the tailpipes is muted on the outside, and the artificial sounds inside the cabin leave you longing for the straight-six. Ultimately, the X2 is a daily SUV that has the potential to liven things up if you're looking for a thrill, but during your daily errands, the X2 plays the part brilliantly and ensures you look bold and beautiful in the parking lots. The open road is also a breeze, and despite having a smaller engine, it's not as thirsty as one might expect, with an average consumption of 7.8l/100km.
BMW's X2 M35i comes in at R1,223,936, and it has a rather niche group of competitors. Overseas, the X2 M35i would be compared to the Audi SQ2 and the Cupra Ateca. In our market, it almost stands alone in its price bracket, with its closest competitor being the VW Tiguan R. The X2 does reward its owners with a similar performance level to the Tiguan R but exceeds the Volkswagen product in quality, styling, and emotion inside and outside the cabin.
Considering recent reports that the X4 will be departing the BMW line-up, the X2 will now fill its shoes in a way. It's a smaller vehicle with a more aggressive appearance and a lower price point than the X4, and yet its reduced size doesn't leave you wanting more.
The BMW X2 M35i is a brilliant all-round performance SUV. Its bold looks, potent engine, and classy interior are desirable, all at a more achievable price. Yes, the look may not appeal to everyone, but it sets the X2 apart from the surrounding traffic. You get a sense of exclusivity in such a unique coupe-styled SUV, and although you can wind it through the corners with ease, it can step into the slow lane and cruise in comfort when the excitement is over.
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