BMW X2 M35i has spiced up the Compact SUV Segment

Whenever you come across an M badge on a BMW your mind races to speed and performance. While the M badge appeals to most petrol heads it can be intimidating to the speed prudes. What if I told you that BMW has found a way to cater to both the speed freak and the prude with the new BMW X2 M35i, the top-of-the range version of the X2.

Sit down and take notes everyone, this is how you create a premium compact SUV. A wide BMW kidney grille, a rear characterised by the standard M rear spoiler and two specially designed exhaust tailpipes in Cerium Grey. You then throw in 19-inch M sport light alloy wheels and voila, you have cooked up a premium sporty, elegant compact (car) that offers luxury and comfort in this segment.

The new BMW X2 M35i carries a four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 225kW and a powerful maximum torque of 450Nm. The 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo engine, first of its kind is concealed under an M Performance four-cylinder engine making it BMW’s most powerful version. The X2 M35i comes as standard with intelligent four wheel drive technology xDrive in conjunction with 8-speed Steptronic transmission including launch control, BMW claims the sprint time of this piece of metal is 0-100km/h in just 4.9 seconds.

I took this Black Panther out on the open road and it was not at all the guzzler I expected it to be. If you are going to spend more than a thousand rand filling up, this must definitely last a couple of round trips to the far North. Travelling 259km on Eco Pro Mode got us to our destination and still left half a tank to go around roaring for the rest of the weekend on Sport mode. That’s right, the X2 M35i also makes noise!

Practicality is the order of the X2, it is big enough to accommodate a family, comfortable enough to sit a grandmother of five with back problems and cool enough to impress a three year old toddler.

The interior is dominated by a sporty look featuring a standard M Sport leather steering wheel with shift paddles and door entry trims at the front bearing with “M35i” labels, the optional M sports seats are the highlight of the X2 especially in a bright orange colour which also happen to be electrically adjustable.

The Germans did not hold back on the technology, the X2 M35i is equipped with BMW ConnectDrive Services, preparation for Apple Car Play and Real time Traffic Information.

What do I think? The X2 M35i is a gem, it’s got the looks, handles exceptionally and performs even better. Is it maybe a little overpriced, yes but understandably so because what BMW has done with this particular model in this segment no one else seems to have achieved.

If the pocket agrees, I would say get one.