The BMW X2 M35i is the range-topping version of the X2 mini SUV that slots between the familiar X1 and X3. The beefed-up crossover arrived in 2018, less than a year after the X2 went into production. The X2 M35i anticipates the arrival of the Audi SQ2 and a potential competitor that Mercedes-Benz may launch soon.

Following in the footsteps of the X3, the X2 spawned an M-prepped version with higher performance. The big news here is that the M35i hides the first-ever four-cylinder engine modified by the M Performance division under the hood. The X2 M35i is also the most powerful four-cylinder model conceived by BMW so far. I guess this makes up for the fact that the M35i is just an X2 with the M Sport Package inside and out. But let's find out more about that in the review below.

2019 BMW X2 M35i

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 BMW X2 M35i
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 306
  • Torque: 332
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

2019 BMW X2 M35i Exterior

- M Sport Package - Cerium Gray trim - Bigger exhaust pipes - Sporty bumpers - Dull rear apron - Bespoke 19-inch wheels - Optional 20-inch rollers

That's because the slightly beefed-up SUV is actually based on the X2 with the M Sport Package, with very few details setting it apart.

The bumper is an exact copy of the one that comes with the M Sport Package, including the triangular side vents, the foglamps placed at the corners, and the big opening in the center. The latter features revised trim on each side, so the lower opening is narrower.

You might also notice that the trim on the kidney grille and the air outlets are slightly darker. That's because the usually chrome was replaced with a Cerium Grey finish. Call it a compromise between the standard model's chrome trim and the blacked-out elements on the M cars.

Onto the sides, extra features are limited only to Cerium Grey mirror caps and a set of 19-inch M Sport, light-alloy wheels. Optionally, you can go with larger, 20-inch rollers with Cerium Grey accents. Interestingly enough, it's not as sporty as the diffuser-like element from the M Sport Package. On the other hand, the exhaust tips, also finished in Cerium Grey, are slightly bigger.

2019 BMW X2 M35i Interior

- M Sport Package - M steering wheel - Sportier seats - Carbon-look trim - Three upholstery options - "M35i" door sills - Optional tech features

The interior is also based on the M Sport Package, so don't be surprised if you can't spot too many differences when comparing photos.

Unfortunately, it doesn't have a flat bottom like the full-blown M models. You and your front passenger will be treated to M Sport front seats with integrated headrests for enhanced lateral support and increased comfort.

BMW offers three different designs for the seats. There's a combination of FabricTrigon and Alcantara in black with blue accents, perforated Dakota Magma red leather with black highlights, and perforated Dakota Black leather. Thankfully, the seat trim extends to the lower dash and the center door panels, so the Magmared option adds the bright color to those surfaces as well. A welcomed step away from the usual and boring black trim found in M models. Matching seatbelts in an M design are also available with each option.

So are there any features that set the M35i apart from the X2 with the M Sport Package? Just one, in the form of "M35i" lettering on the door sills.

Most tech features remain optional for this version, so you'll have to pay extra to get the full-color head-up display, BMW ConnectedDrive, the new BMW Connected App, and Driver assistant systems like traffic jam assistant and parking assistant.

2019 BMW X2 M35i Drivetrain and Performance

- Upgraded 2.0-liter four-cylinder - 306 horsepower - 332 pound-feet of torque - 0 to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds - Top speed at 155 mph - Stiffer suspension - Bigger brakes - Differential at the front axle

This is where the M35i finally stands out from the pack. Specifically, this engine was retuned by M Performance and it's the first four-banger from the high-performance division. It's also the most powerful four-cylinder engine with a BMW badge as of 2018.

Specifically, the powerplant cranks out 306 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. This is a noticeable increase from the 28i model, which comes with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of tap. That's extra 78 horses and 74 pound-feet that enable the X2 to hit 62 mph in 4.9 seconds, a second and a half quicker than the xDrive28i version.

As you might have already guessed, the X2 M35i features an xDrive all-wheel-drive system as standard and sends power to the ground through an eight-speed, Steptronic automatic transmission. The gearbox features specific M Performance tuning and a Launch Control system for quicker off-the-line sprints. Top speed is limited to 155 mph as usual.

The M Performance enhanced the chassis as well.For an even sportier setup, BMW offers an adaptive suspension with two manually adjustable modes. The mini SUV is also fitted with an M Sport differential. But unlike in other M cars, BMW installed it in the front axle, a first for an M Performance vehicle. The system works like any other differential by reducing possible traction losses on the front wheels during sporty maneuvers.

A more powerful vehicle needs better brakes too. BMW acted accordingly and added an M Sport braking system with fixed calipers in Dark Blue metallic. These work in conjunction with 18-inch steel discs up front front and 17-inch discs to the rear.

2019 BMW X2 M35i Prices

The BMW X2 M35i retails from $46,450 and it's the most expensive model in the lineup. For referrence, the X2 xDrive28i comes in at $38,600, so you pay less than $10,000 for the extra power and the extra features. At the same time, the X2 M35i is almost $3,000 more expensive than the entry-level X3 with all-wheel drive.

2019 BMW X2 M35i Competition

Mercedes-AMG GLB 35

The GLB may slot between the GLA and GLC just like the X2 slots between the X1 and X3, but it's not exactly a true competitor to the X2. Granted, it offers similar technology and premium features, but it features a boxier body, whereas the X2 is more of a coupe-style hauler. The GLB also comes with a third-row seating option, so it's supposed to be a more practical vehicle. But it has what it takes to go against the X2 M35i in terms of performance thanks to the AMG GLB 35 trim. Also powered by a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the GLB 35 comes with 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque on tap. It's just as powerful as the Bimmer, but it lags behind in the torque department by 37 pound-feet. With a 0-to-60 mph sprint time of 5.2 seconds, the Merc is three tenths slower than the X2 M35i. Top speed, on the other hand, is identical at 155 mph. The GLB 35 is not yet available in the U.S., but European pricing is on par with the BMW.

Read our full story on the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35.

Audi SQ2

The Q2 is literally the X2’s only true competitor in this niche. But even though it was launched in 2016, it has yet to spawn an SQ2 version. IIf Audi will eventually introduce such a model, the SQ2 will likely feature a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque (as in the S3 hatchback), so performance should be the same. The Q2 matches the X2 M35i in terms of technology and features and it also looks similar on the outside, unlike the Mercedes-Benz GLB. Pricing should also be similar to the BMW M2 X35i at around $47,000.

Read our full review of the standard Audi Q2.

Conclusion

The M35i is a trim that BMW needed badly in order to raise above the competition in terms of performance, but it's a shame that the crossover doesn't have too many extra features inside and out. Perhaps BMW is leaving room for an upcoming X2 M version, but it's disappointing to see that you can get almost identical features if you order the M Sport Package on the regular X2. Still, BMW just climbed above Audi in this segment and this won't change until Ingolstadt launches S and RS versions of the Q2.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2018 BMW X2.

Read our full speculative review on the 2020 BMW X2 M.

Read more BMW news.