And its sleeper aesthetic tickles in all the right ways.
It’s quite a moment for BMW this week, or more specifically for its performance sub-marque, M. Some will be pissed off that M has unveiled its first-ever four-cylinder M-Performance model, and even more will be angered by the fact that it’s in BMW’s sleek new X2 crossover.
Perhaps that’s why even BMW’s acknowledged that the new X2 M35i won’t be to everyone’s taste.
“Sportiness, coupled with a polarising appearance – based on this formula, the BMW X2 has inspired above all a young and modern target group following its premiere. BMW is now presenting the new top model of the X2 series. With its extroverted design, the BMW X2 interprets the character of a premium Sports Activity Coupe in an entirely new way within the compact segment.” — BMW AG
Despite BMW themselves calling it polarising, we’re of a different opinion. The X2 debuted an aesthetic that was new for BMW’s growing SUV-coupe lineup, and brought with it a (purportedly) sporty SUV without the headroom-compromising roofline that most would argue is the highlight of every even-numbered X-Series model from the brand. Instead, the X2 is like a more extroverted & expressive version of the X1, one that puts a greater emphasis on driving dynamics under the skin and lets its appearance reflect it.
And as for the X2 M35i in particular, we can’t help but fall for how it’s so unbelievably subtle. There’s a unique M-Sport bodykit here (with a more aggressive front bumper with silver-outlined side intakes, a more pronounced side skirt, and a reworked rear bumper), as well as 19-inch M-Sport alloy wheels (with 20s available as an option and pictured here) and dual-100mm exhausts, but altogether it doesn’t look that far off from a regular X2. Motoring hacks like sleepers and we reckon a large proportion of the world do too, so the X2 M (which is what we’ll refer to it here on out) will most likely build a strong following without too much effort.
No M car is truly an M car unless it’s got an impressive blend of motive force and driving dynamics. On the former front, you get a 225kW/450Nm 2.0-litre four-pot turbo-petrol mill, which BMW describes as “fascinating.” You’ll get to 100km/h from rest in just 4.9-seconds they claim, with power going to the xDrive all-wheel drive system via an 8-speed automatic Steptronic gearbox.
And to balance all that power comes M-tuned suspension, with a 2-stage adaptive system, stiffer springs & shocks, a lowered ride height, and a “redesigned” rear axle that BMW didn’t want to talk about. There’s also a “premiere for an M Performance automobile” in the form of an M-Sport differential installed on the front axle. Additionally, the X2 M even comes with launch control, which made us laugh as we accepted the realty that not only are performance SUVs here to stay, but even small ones want to pretend like they’re big boys.
While the exterior flourishes (which are finished in Cerium Grey, as BMW is ever so keen to point out) are all well and good, they’d be pretty useless if not matched by an equally-exciting interior. And where the exterior was subtle, the interior is extroverted: BMW M’s decided to offer the X2 M with optional Exclusive M-Sport seats that are both supportive to sit in and gorgeous to look at, particularly in the red/perforated-black leather colour combination, though a less striking black/blue combo is also available. These optional seats can be set off further with (optional) M-Sport seatbelts which, if you don’t option on, kind of spoil the look to a degree.
As standard, you do at least get an M-Sport leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, and kick plates bearing ‘M35i’ on them to let you know you’re in something special. But beyond that the cabin of the X2 M is very much standard X2 fare: You get an ergonomically-pleasing dash highlighted by the freestanding iDrive display, with options like Apple CarPlay, BMW connected systems, and a heads-up display all vying to part you with more of your hard-earned money.
Normally, the various local offices for an automaker will take a while to say in no uncertain terms that a new model will be offered in the near future, particularly high-performance, relatively-expensive variants like the X2 M35i. However, BMW Australia was very quick to confirm to the media that the X2 M35i will be offered locally, with a launch expected sometime in H1 2019. Specifications and pricing have yet to be finalised and will likely be circulate closer to its tentative introduction, so stay tuned to CarShowroom as we bring you more updates as they come.
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