BMW has revealed the X2 M35i as their new flagship in the X2 product line up. The X2 M35i will be put on sale in the European market, in March 2019.
Buyers in Europe usually love small, compact yet powerful and capable crossovers and this is what makes the BMW X2 sell in good numbers. With the launch of the X2 M35i, BMW is hoping to lure the performance enthusiasts into the brand.
The BMW X2 currently on sale in Europe is already being offered with an optional M Sport package that enhances the styling and makes the crossover look beefier and more performance-oriented.
It has to be noted that the M35i is not a full-blown M model, meaning, it has not got all the bells and whistles that a car developed by BMW's performance arm. It does look close though. The M35i variant is based on the M Sport kit that is already on offer. It looks largely the same.
The front bumper is s exactly the same as offered in the M Sport package. The grille outlines that are usually finished in chrome on all BMW models are finished in that BMW calls Cerium Grey. It is darker than the chrome finish on the regular model and lighter than the blacked out ones on the M models.
The sides are characterised by the 19-inch M-Sport wheels and one can also opt for 20-inch wheels with Cerium Grey accents. At the rear, the major change comes in the form of larger exhaust outlets and also sportier bumpers.
The interior too comes with several changes which includes an M steering wheel, sportier seats, trim decked in carbon and several other optional technological features. The biggest highlight of the BMW X2 M35i though, lies under the bonnet.
It is powered by a turbocharged, 2.0-litre, inline-four-cylinder engine with a maximum power output of 306bhp and a peak torque output of 450Nm. BMW's X-Drive All-Wheel-Drive system sends power to all four wheels through an eight-speed steptronic transmisson.
BMW claims that this is the most powerful four-cylinder engine it has ever produced. The performance stats then should be amazing, and it is. 0-100km/h is done and dusted in 4.9 seconds and the car will accelerate all the way to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.
Thoughts On BMW X2 M35i
The BMW X2 models range itself is relatively new as it was launched in 2017. It filled the gap between the BMW X1 and X3 rather well and even gave rise to competition like the Audi SQ2 in the European market.
Now, with the introduction of the BMW X2 M35i, performance enthusiasts can get a good-looking BMW crossover with great performance. The Indian market will certainly not be getting the BMW X2 M35i until and unless the market opens up scope for premium crossovers to sell well.