BMW Unleashes X2 M35i to the World, Sports 300 HP
The X2 M35i features the world’s first M Performance four-cylinder engine and some bold styling options.
BMW has finally pulled off the camouflage wrap on the BMW X2 M35i. We’ve seen the shots of it being tested around the Nurburgring, but now we know what’s really going on underneath the newly extroverted bodywork of BMW’s compact crossover with the M treatment.
The X2 has the distinct honor of being the first BMW on the UKL platform to have been given the M treatment. The UKL platforms have been developed as modular systems for both front-wheel and all-wheel drive cars, and we first saw it used for the 2014 Mini Hatch. We didn’t expect the X2 M35i to be front-wheel drive, but we did expect the 4-cylinder B48 engine to get an upgrade and we’ve been satiated. It’s the first M Performance tuned four-cylinder engine and has been upgraded to a meaty 300 horsepower with maximum torque measuring 332 lb-ft in the 1,750 – 4,500 rpm range. Through the eight-speed automatic, BMW is telling us that zero to 62 mph comes in at a brisk 4.9 seconds.
Going deeper into the chassis, M Sport suspension and brakes are part of the package along with a locking differential on the front axle and a redesign for the rear axle. BMW also says that the steering has been tuned to M Sport level as well and, as an option, adaptive dampers with two different manually adjustable modes will be available. On the outside, there’s the M Sport rear spoiler and 19-inch wheels as part of the package.
For the interior, the X2 M35i has the option for its own exclusive set of M Sports seats that really do look the part. They will be available in black or the striking Magma Red Dakota Leather. We suspect that the uptake on those and in the red will be high. After all, BMW says it’s aiming the X2 M35i squarely at the younger and young at heart buyers. We don’t have prices yet, but production for the U.S. market will start in November and Europe will have to wait until March of 2019 to start seeing them make their way to dealers.
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