We finally got our hands on an X2. This was our very first experience of the swoopy version of BMW’s smallest SUV, even though the X2 is in its second generation. We drove the BMW X2 M35i for a week to bring you this review.

BMW, arguably, pioneered the coupe-backed SUV when it launched the original X6. Others followed suit and the sub-segment has become popular across the board. The arching roof treatment is now applied pretty much across all BMW SUVs, save for the X7. Even the entry level X1 has a swoopy sibling in the shape of the X2. We completely missed out on driving the first generation of the X2, so we grabbed the opportunity when we were offered the latest version to review.

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Baby XM

The X2 has quite a bold exterior appearance. There are finely sculpted headlamps and a massive grille up front with an option LED outline. This BMW X2 M35i has a slightly more chunky body kit for an aggro appearance. Additionally, it wears massive, 21-inch dual-tone wheels that look as though they’d be at home on a concept car at a major show. The rear lights, too, are finely detailed with scallops ensuring that this model won’t be easily confused with anything else on the road. The tail also has a little flick of a spoiler. The whole appearance was set off by a distinct shade of blue in a matt finish. The overall appearance is that of a baby XM. One shopper walking by in a mall parking lot even mouthed the word “WOW” as we drove by, such is its presence.

Click here to learn more about the range-leading BMW XM.

Family Look

BMW has adopted a pretty standardised feel/appearance to most of its interiors these days. The facia in the X2 is similar to that found in other modern BMWs, especially that of the X1. There are twin screens with smart graphics. These can also be altered to show info as required, which holds true for the instrument cluster ahead of the driver as well. There are no physical switches or buttons to control anything. Most ancillary controls have been relegated into the touchscreen infotainment system that runs BMW’s latest operating system.

A ‘hovering’ centre console hosts a start/stop button. In addition there is a stubby little gear selector and a button for the parking brake as well as the auto-hold function. BMW includes a wireless charger with a nifty little spring-loaded bar to keep one’s mobile from sliding around. In this X2 M35i the colour scheme was all black. The optional, deep seats with electronic controls also have “M” badges on them for extra street cred. Space fore and aft seems more than plentiful, a side effect of the latest X2 growing almost 200 mm over its predecessor. The extra length also benefits the boot volume, which BMW claims as a whopping 560 litres.

M-Lite

The current X2 range consists of an X2 sDrive18i and, the subject of this review, the X2 M35i. There is about a R350k price difference, so buyers aren’t really spoiled for choice in this range. As the X2 M35i has more than one digit in its name it can’t really be considered an M car, but rather an M-lite product. Under the creased bonnet is a 2,0-litre inline four that is turbocharged. The petrol unit develops 233 kW and a handy 400 N.m of torque. It doesn’t quite deliver the sonorous sounds of BMW’s inline sixes, but it has a strong delivery that doesn’t let up until the red line. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission sends power to all four wheels. The transmission does a pretty effective job, though it can be lethargic at times. This sensation is alleviated in ‘sport’ mode where the pick up rate and shifts are far snappier. BMW says this derivative can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5,4 seconds.

A Dynamic Disappointment

We have to say that we really expected a lot more from the X2 M35i from a dynamic perspective. Perhaps our preconceived notions were led by that crisp and stylish exterior. One can definitely feel the X2 has FWD roots. There is a little more understeer than we’d prefer from a car with an M-badge. The steering is largely lifeless, quite inert and uncommunicative of what it going on across the front axle. Then there is the brakes, which are powerful and immediate, but take such a light touch to get them working smoothly. The grabby action takes some getting used to and can annoy passengers who think the driver is doing it on purpose. Lastly, there is the ride quality. Those tasty looking alloys are shod with wafer thin rubber. As a result the ride quality, in any setting, leaves a lot to be desired. The ride feels lumpen and crashy at times ie the spring rates are too firm. This isn’t a car that relaxes at any speed. It always seems to feel edgy.

Summary

The BMW X2 M35i is certainly a good looking vehicle. We expected those looks to be accompanied by a high-degree of driver engagement, but were left wanting. This M-lite appears to have the bravado of an M-car but doesn’t quite back it up dynamically. So the X2 falls in between being a family car and something with decent sporting credentials. The ride is too firm and the brakes too snatchy to be comfortable and it doesn’t quite deliver the same form of engagement as its nearest rivals, the Audi RS Q3. So the X2 M35i misses on two fronts. It’s too compromised and fails to deliver properly. As good as it looks, its probably worth looking elsewhere if you need a vehicle in this segment.

Model: BMW X2 M35i
Price: R1 223 936
Engine: 2,0-litre, inline four, turbopetrol
Transmission: seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission, AWD
Max power: 233 kW
Max torque: 400 N.m
0-100 km/h: 5,4 sec
Top speed: 250 km/h
Fuel consumption: 7,8L/100 km