Item: BMW X2 M35i
Rating: 3
Author: What Car? Team

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BMW X2 M35i

BMW X4 M Competition

Cupra Ateca

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Introduction

Performance & drive

Interior

Passenger & boot space

Costs & verdict

No X2 is exactly what you exactly a bargain and the M35i costs a rather hefty chunky more dosh still, with its price beginning with a four. That means it’s a few thousand more than the admittedly smaller<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q2/estate/review/n18990"> Audi SQ2</a>, but the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/ateca/estate/review/n17969"> Cupra Ateca</a> is cheaper still and far bigger inside.

Like its competitors, it won’t be particularly cheap to run, either. Official economy figures suggest it’ll do 34mpg combined, but expect that to drop deep into the twenties whenever you decide to exercise all of the 302 horses under the bonnet. Then there’s the additional car tax for it costing over £40,000 and, of course, it’s in a high insurance group (40 to be exact).

Good luck trying to get the bosses to sign one off as a<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/check-your-company-car-tax-rate/n1255"> company car</a>; high CO2 emissions (158g/km) mean you’ll be paying a 35% BIK tax rate and that monthly amount is made worse by the high list price. Equipment levels do look a little stingy given the price. You might get heated front seats, two-zone climate control, cruise control and rear parking sensors, but the options list is long and includes many things you’ll want to add. Those include adjustable lumbar support, metallic paint, front parking sensors and the infotainment upgrade mentioned earlier.

A three-year unlimited mileage warranty is a welcome addition, but you might need it. BMW as a manufacturer finished mid-table in the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2018-what-car-reliability-survey/n17826"> 2018 What Car? Reliability Survey</a>, with the X2’s close relative, the X1, finishing below average for its class.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-are-the-safest-cars-on-sale-today/n3387">Euro NCAP</a> has given the X2 five stars for crash test safety. It has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283">automatic emergency braking (AEB)</a> that works at up to 35mph, and the usual selection of airbags, traction control and stability control.<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-new-car-technology-that-could-save-your-life/n17548"> Lane-keeping assistance</a>, lane-change assistance and pedestrian detection are all optional. Meanwhile, security is par for the course, with an alarm, engine immobiliser and remote central locking are fitted to every X2.

Thumb the starter button and the M35i parps into life, leaving you in no doubt that there’s something potent under the bonnet. Left in Comfort mode, you’ll find it’s a little more vocal than a regular<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x2/hatchback/review/n121"> BMW X2</a> without being too intrusive. Flick to Sport mode and a flap opens in the left-hand exhaust tip to give a bit more volume and there’s even a few pops and bangs to satisfy your inner hooligan. Whichever mode you’re in, any ‘natural’ engine and exhaust noise is augmented (not very convincingly) by the stereo’s speakers.

Performance is predictably rapid, with 0-62mph taking just 4.9sec (if you have launch control engaged). Although the rapid shifts of the gearbox help, it’s the incredible traction the limited-slip diff and four-wheel drive system have that really fire it away from the line. Even with 302bhp, wheelspin is a rare and fleeting intrusion in the dry.

But despite BMW’s M Performance division’s tweakery, this is an effective rather than effervescent engine. Sure, it‘ll pootle around happily with the engine spinning well below 2000rpm and has a broad, muscular midrange, but it isn’t an engine that relishes being revved to the redline. Still, that’s a criticism that we’d also level at the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q2/estate/review/n18990"> Audi SQ2</a> and<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/ateca/estate/review/n17969"> Cupra Ateca</a>.

The biggest problem you’ll have exploiting the M35i’s power, though, is with the automatic gearbox. There’s a considerable delay when you put your foot down, which halts progress, especially when trying to gain some pace from the mid range. When it finally kicks in, there’s a sudden lurch of power that throws you forward in your seat. This is equally as frustrating when pulling on to city roundabouts or accelerating for a motorway overtake.&nbsp;

Putting the gearbox into Sport mode helps considerably, although the needle on the fuel gauge won’t thank you for it. Using the manual gearchange paddles on the steering wheel also take away a lot of the delay, although the transition between gears isn’t particularly smooth.&nbsp;

Show the M35i a series of corners, and there’s very little body lean, grip levels are high and no struggle for traction in the dry, even when exiting the tightest of bends. That combination makes it easy to cover ground rapidly with very little effort. The trouble is that it just isn’t much fun, not helped by lifeless steering that feels as if the front wheels are mired in treacle and a handling balance that can be described as stable but not particularly playful. And, despite having a limited slip-diff, you don’t feel the front of the car being pulled towards the apex of a bend when you get on the power. The cheaper Cupra Ateca is undoubtedly more fun.

Impressively, the Ateca manages to be comfier, too. Even in Comfort mode, the X2 fidgets even on smooth surfaces and thuds over urban imperfections. With all M35i cars getting giant 20in wheels and knowing how firm X2s are on regular M Sport suspension, we’d advise calling your chiropractor now if you’re placing an order.

Fuel 

Gearbox

0-62 MPH

Despite its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine being related to the one found in the regular X2 20i, a bigger turbo, new pistons and a raft of other changes take the power output to a muscular 302bhp. 0-62mph is over in a brief 4.9sec and it feels muscular even when you’re not thrashing it. We just wish it sounded a bit more tuneful and was a bit keener to rev out.


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M35i

m35i

Look at the cars around you when you’re next driving, and we bet that you’ll spot plenty of sheep dressed up to resemble big bad wolves. Despite the ever increasing price of fuel and hefty taxation for company cars that chuck out lots of CO2, us Brits love our big wheels, flashy bodykits and wannabe performance car badging. However, if you fancy a mild amount more subtlety with your M badge, the BMW X2 M35i might be your kind of SUV.

Although it might not look that different from a regular <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x2/hatchback/review/n121">BMW X2</a> M Sport to the untrained eye, those in the know will spot the Cerium Grey surrounds for the air intake, mirror caps, exhaust pipes and badges, lower ride height and standard 20in wheels. But it’s what’s under the bonnet that counts, and the M35i certainly doesn’t disappoint on paper.

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Despite its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine being related to the one found in the regular X2 20i, a bigger turbo, new pistons and a raft of other changes take the power output to a muscular 302bhp. That’s fed to a four-wheel drive system with a traction-boosting limited-slip differential up front, via an eight-speed automatic gearbox with standard paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

To help you negotiate corners as rapidly as you can munch through straights, there’s also a more powerful ‘M’ specific braking system with snazzy blue calipers along with stiffer springs and revised dampers.

All that performance garnish puts it into direct competition with the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q2/estate/review/n18990"> Audi SQ2</a>, entry-level<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/macan/4x4/review/n52"> Porsche Macan</a> and the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/ateca/estate/review/n17969"> Cupra Ateca</a>. To see what the X2 M35i is like and how it compares to its rivals, keep reading for our typically thorough four-point review.

If you’re ready to buy this or any other new car, don’t forget to peruse our<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals"> New Car Buying</a> section for some heavyweight savings on hundreds of new motors.

If you’re opting for a<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/category/sports-suv"> Sports SUV</a> with a view to lording it over fellow drivers, the X2 M35i might be something of a disappointment; you’re really not much higher off the ground than in a regular hatchback. Look past this and the driving position is actually a good one, with plenty of adjustment in the steering wheel and the front seats too, especially with the optional electrically adjustable sports seats fitted. It really doesn’t matter if you’re over six foot tall or barely over five; you should be able to get comfortable. It is disappointing that lumbar support is only available as an option, though.

Even with rear parking sensors as standard, visibility isn’t great. The front pillars are thick and the large door mirrors can block your view forward. The upswept rear window line, small rear window and thick rear pillars can also be a hindrance when reversing, although a reversing camera is on the options list, as too are front parking sensors.

BMW has always had one of the best infotainment systems on the market with its iDrive system – with a rotary selector dial&nbsp; conveniently positioned between the front seats and a handful of shortcut buttons, it’s wonderfully intuitive. It gets sat-nav as standard plus DAB radio and Bluetooth, but the screen itself is a rather small 6.5in.

We’d seriously consider the Tech pack for its larger 8.8in display and wireless charging for compatible devices; it also adds a touch-sensitive pad on top of the rotary dial controller that allows you to input addresses using handwriting. You also get a full-colour head-up display that projects information, such as your speed and navigation directions, onto the windscreen in your line of sight, so you don’t smash through the speed limit launching away from the lights. Can we have this!? Ha. Yeah, why not! Although this system is pretty pricey, it is worth considering given the ease it brings.

Bear in mind, though, that even if you opt for the upgraded infotainment system, you’ll still have to pay extra for<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193"> Apple CarPlay</a>, which is subscription based, and<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194"> Android Auto</a> is not even available.

As with the regular X2, interior quality impresses with plenty of soft plastics, classy trims, precise-feeling switches and leather or leather effect materials. The M35i also adds part Alcantara suede seats, M Sport stripes on the seatbelts and M35i logos on the door sill finishers and driver’s display.

Hatchback

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

Equipment levels do look a little stingy given the price. You might get an automatic gearbox, four-wheel drive, a limited slip differential, heated front seats, two-zone climate control, cruise control, a DAB radio, sat nav and rear parking sensors, but the options list is long and includes many things you’ll want to add. That includes adjustable lumbar support, metallic paint, front parking sensors and the infotainment upgrade with Apple CarPlay

The X2 may have a lower roof compared with the more upright<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x1/estate/review/n100"> BMW X1</a>, but there’s still enough head room for six-foot-plus adults. However, its interior isn't much wider than that of many standard family hatchbacks, such as the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/review/n17371"> Volkswagen Golf</a>, so don’t expect the X2 to feel as airy inside as a<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc40/estate/review/n119"> Volvo XC40</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/ateca/estate/review/n17969">Cupra Ateca</a>.

There’s a pair of cupholders up front that are deep enough to hold large takeaway cups, while the cubby in front of the gearlever makes a convenient spot to store smaller items. The centre armrest is a handy place to hide your phone and connect it to the USB input, plus you can stow a 500ml bottle in there, too.

While front-seat passengers aren’t too affected by the coupé-style roof, those in the back will certainly notice the difference. Head room is significantly less generous than you’ll find in the Cupra Ateca and there’s less rear leg room, too. Being rather narrow in the back compared with many similarly priced rivals also makes it a real squeeze for three adults to sit side-by-side on the rear bench. In addition, the middle occupant will find foot space tight, no thanks to a big hump in the floor.

Although the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x1/estate/review/n100"> BMW X1</a> on which the X2 is based has an impressive array of practical touches, the X2 is rather less generously provisioned. For instance, there’s no option for sliding rear seats to prioritise either leg room or boot space; instead, you have to make do with just a two-position reclining backrest.

What you do get is a standard 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench, so you can carry long loads and still fit three passengers comfortably. The manual release catches are mounted on the rear bench, and there’s no option of an electric folding mechanism. A powered tailgate is standard, though, and the boot is also a usefully square shape with handy nets, underfloor storage, elasticated straps and a 12V socket.

Its shorter rear overhang does reduce boot space by 35 litres compared with the X1, but there’s still 470 litres in total. Not only is that a fair bit less than you’ll find in an Ateca, but those in search of a versatile SUV might not want to sacrifice usable space for that stylishly sweeping roofline. Saying that, we did manage to fit one more carry-on suitcase in the X2 than the six we could fit in the<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/e-pace/estate/review/n17378"> Jaguar E-Pace</a>.

The BMW X2 M35i might be fast both in a straight line and through the bends, but it never truly feels fun. From its overly heavy and lifeless steering to its unresponsive gearbox, it never really puts a smile on your face. Practicality isn’t its strong suit either, while everyday usability is harmed by a stiff ride and noisy cruising manners. Given the steep purchase price, it’s hard to recommend.


<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Strong performance</li> <li>Precise, feelsome steering</li> <li>Agile, entertaining handling</li> <li>Reasonable ride comfort</li> <li>Smart and practical interior</li></ul>

Needing a&nbsp;practical load-lugger doesn't mean you need to scrimp on power and sporting prowess. In fact, most sporty manufacturers now have dedicated sports SUVs in their line-up with 0-62mph times to rival cars half their size.&nbsp;

Porsche, for example, offers two:&nbsp;the Macan and the Cayenne, both of which offer rapid performance and seriously impressive handling, as well as providing enough space for five people and a boot capable of fitting more than seven carry-on suitcases.&nbsp;

But even&nbsp;manufacturers not usually focused on track times are getting involved in this market. The Volkswagen T-Roc R is one of our favourites, too, with a 0-62mph time of 4.8sec&nbsp;and&nbsp;fuel economy of 31.5mpg. A sports SUV&nbsp;should satisfy anyone who doesn't want to trade speed for space.&nbsp;

BMW X2 M35i review

Introduction

What Car? says...