The BMW X2 is a coupe-like variant of the X1 SUV that includes a raked-back roofline, sportier stance, and decreased rear seat house. It follows the identical formulation because the X6 and so they’re simply confused within the wild – the X2 appears like an X6 at 50% zoom with robotic Gundam vibes on this Skyscraper Gray paint. Even the kidney grill lights up at night time, although we discover this grill design to be essentially the most visually aggressive within the present BMW lineup.
The X2 is obtainable in two variants: xDrive28i and M35i. We examined the latter with its flared physique package, quad exhaust ideas, skinny 20-inch rims, and swoopy M-style aspect mirrors. In comparison with the usual X2, the M35i has been lowered by 15mm and comes with an adaptive suspension. It additionally options an uprated 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 312 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission for a 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.4 seconds, 1.1s faster than the xDrive28i.
We’ve got examined this powertrain earlier than within the X1 M35i and extra not too long ago, within the MINI Countryman JCW. It’s a typical BMW engine that enjoys revving and supplies the correct quantity of thrust for an SUV of this dimension, however the gearbox’s lack of polish leaves a lot on the desk. Whereas delivering crisp and seamless upshifts, the transmission is clunky until pushed arduous, and the transmission is reluctant to downshift and hit the 7,000 rpm limiter. Transitions between gears, throttle modulation, and pedal enter don’t gel nicely collectively and the X2 comes off as uncooked and jittery – not what you’d count on for those who’re getting out of an X3 or X5.
Extra particularly, the turbo lag and delay in clutch engagement is unnerving, particularly when last-minute acceleration maneuvers are required. This occurs throughout each regular speeds and when stationary. The delay after throttle enter leaves you in a short twilight zone, pondering when it should lastly speed up. We remedied this by taking management through the paddle shifters, however the general drive saps our confidence. We additionally miss having a devoted Sport Mode button slightly than the ‘My Modes’ button on the middle console that brings up a complete menu to select from, requiring three button inputs simply to activate Sport – the additional click on is as a result of ‘OK’ consent to cut back the soundness management intervention. A lot of this may also be remedied with Increase Mode by holding the left paddle shifter, triggering the X2’s sportiest settings, however just for ten seconds. That additionally opens up its vocal cords and emits a throaty noise that goads you to drive quicker and let the quantity and RPMs rise.
The X2 is predicated on a front-wheel-drive platform shared with the MINI Countryman, that means it handles in a different way than a rear-biased X3 or 3 Sequence. At low speeds, the X2 stays secure and planted. The entrance is raring to vary path and the rear follows willingly, that means you possibly can carry pace and fling this automotive into corners with a dedication not current in different SUVs just like the Mercedes GLB or Volvo XC40.
Although the steering might use a faster ratio to really feel extra alert and reactive, it’s nonetheless numb and devoid of really feel. And because the speeds climb, the spectre of understeer roams within the distance and persists until you drive it much less like a standard BMW and extra like an overpowered MINI. Shift the load to the entrance wheels by trailbraking and allow them to settle and end rotating earlier than making use of an excessive amount of throttle, and you’ll extract essentially the most from this chassis. It’s not essentially the most involving or partaking methodology of beating round a efficiency SUV with the blue roundel, however such are the excessive requirements introduced forth by different merchandise within the BMW portfolio.
The inside holds as much as these requirements, although, and it’s imbued with a definite and completely different character than the MINI Countryman. From the thick leather-based steering wheel to the Coral Purple leather-based and upscale supplies, the X2 is a premium product. The overlay of digital screens blended with an elevated heart console with dials and buttons means consumer connectivity isn’t a problem. The game seats with their built-in headrests are supportive on the sides and thighs, and the rear seats are surprisingly spacious. There’s sufficient headroom for my six-foot determine although legroom is noticeably cramped. It’s a disgrace the sunroof doesn’t open, and the tiny bunker-slit view out the rear windshield is anticipated however it’s sufficient to roughly see what’s behind you. The off-center steering wheel bothers us because it’s noticeably tilted to the left. We’re unsure if it’s simply an alignment difficulty however we observed the identical factor with the X1 M35i we drove final yr.
Total, the BMW X2 M35i isn’t essentially the most polished product to put on the M badge. The gearbox tuning doesn’t gel at low speeds, efficiency is confined to a FWD structure regardless of a wholesome output, and spirited driving by no means crystallizes into something particular. The adaptive suspension provides a composed and fluid experience, although, and we take pleasure in its exhaust noise, outstanding cabin facilities, and surprisingly beneficiant rear cabin house, however it’s clearly a extra informal tackle the BMW M formulation.
Specs:
Mannequin: 2025 BMW X2 M35i xDrive
Paint Sort: Skyscraper Gray
Base Value: $60,400
Value as Examined: $71,800
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower: 312 hp @ 5,750-6,500 rpm
Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 2,000 – 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch computerized
Engine & Drive Configuration: Entrance engine, AWD
Noticed Gas Consumption (L/100km): 9.8
Tires: Continental EcoContact6; 245/35R21
