Let’s talk about the BMW X2 M35i.
No, in case you’re wondering, I haven’t fallen asleep on my keyboard. That really is the name of BMW’s latest crossover.
“Latest crossover” is also not the kind of phrase to get the blood pumping. Not unless you’re employed in the accounting department of an auto manufacturer, and are excited about the idea of padding the bottom line.
Yet despite having a name like a mashed keypad and a design that seems more oriented to storming up the sales charts than being any sort of Ultimate Driving Machine, the X2M is really quite good.
If you’re a BMW fan, it actually counts as annoyingly good. The X2 has all sorts of theoretical strikes against it, from its front-wheel-drive-biased layout to its four-cylinder powerplant.
Let’s take a closer look at a car that breaks all of BMW’s rules, yet still manages to be good fun.
Design
As with most of the similarly named BMW X-range, an even-number designation for the X2 means that it’s supposed to be the sleeker version of a practical machine. In the case of the X2M, we’re basically looking at a lower-roof variant of the X1.
For the most part, it works. The X2’s front end is a little busy, and BMW needs to tone down the size of the kidney grilles on essentially their entire range of vehicles, but the X2 is relatively handsome.
Think of it not as yet another crossover, but as a hot hatchback with a little extra ground clearance. The longish nose disguises the transversely mounted engine, tricking you into thinking this might be a straight-six BMW, and the sharp curve of the rear greenhouse has been decorated with a 1970s-style BMW roundel.
Environment
Cutting down that roofline hasn’t done wonders for rear seat passengers in the X2M. Legroom and even headroom are surprisingly acceptable, but the amount of sheet metal surrounding you is a bit claustrophobic.
However, front seat passengers won’t notice much besides the typically spartan BMW cockpit layout, and an overall sporty nature. The seats are well-bolstered, but could stand to be a little more forgiving. Overall this cockpit is just the type of driver-oriented place you’d expect.
Luggage space is excellent, passenger and driver have a host of tech to play with, and it’s large enough for family practicality. BMW purists might not want to hear it, but the X2 offers pretty much everything you’d want in a proper BMW product. Oh yeah, and one more thing….
Performance
The X2M gets a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that makes 302 horsepower and 332 foot-pounds of torque. These are the kinds of figures that’d make BMW straight-sixes of auld lang syne turn green with envy.
And, lest we give the X2 too much grief for being a four-cylinder, remember that the original E30-chassis M3 was a four too. And I’m not sure the factory street-going versions could catch this modern little crossover.
The low-end shove from this thing is eye-widening. Yes, there’s a bit of front-wheel-drive-bias to the transverse-engine layout, but the X2M just grips and goes, pulling hard all the way up to highway speeds.
Or, should the road turn curvy, it’s still a real BMW. Despite the ride height, the X2 corners level and flat. It’s just got a bit more clearance to keep going when the trail turns a bit dusty.
I’m not sure the extra ground clearance actually adds much beyond the higher seating position so many drivers enjoy today. However, somehow the X2 doesn’t feel worse for having a higher ride than something like a Golf R.
In fact, it’s so much fun to drive, you’ll forget all about what the X2M should be like, and just enjoy it for being what it is. That’s a proper BMW.
Features
The X2M starts at $49,200, and adding options often drives up the price quickly. As-tested, this one tipped the scales at more than $55K.
Fuel economy figures aren’t out yet, but the penalty vs. the base model shouldn’t be unduly onerous. Expect mixed-mileage somewhere in the 9.0 litres/100 kilometres range.
Green light
Excellent power; practical layout; fun to drive.
Stop sign
Expensive; not quite a hot hatch; interior a little bland.
The checkered flag
A great little driving machine, no matter what the badge on the hood is.
Competitor
Golf R ($42,495): If you’re looking for a hot hatchback – why not just get the hatchback? The Golf R is a very popular choice these days, an offering that is fast, fun, and practical.
In fact, you could argue that the R has basically supplanted the old BMW 3 Series as the car picked by up-and-coming professionals who want something a bit more fun to drive. If you ever walk through long-term parking at the airport, you’re bound to see dozens of them.
BMW’s advantage? Well, it’s still got that BMW badge on the hood, which counts for something. More importantly, the raised height and all-weather look to the X2 will find broader appeal.
