2019 BMW X2 M35i is a Hot Hatch by Any Other Name
The 2019 BMW X2 M35i will arrive at BMW dealers shortly.
The hot compact crossover, which is the latest addition to the X2 lineup, packs BMW’s most powerful four-cylinder ever under its hood: a 2.0-liter turbo making 302 hp and a significant 332 lb-ft of torque. The engine delivers all of its power between 5,000 and 6,250 RPM, while all 332 lb-ft of torque is available between 1,750 and 4,500 RPM.
The engine, which we think could appear in the upcoming G20 3 Series, is a heavily upgraded version of BMW’s existing 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The power upgrade comes via larger bearings, new pistons, a larger turbocharger, an optimized intake tract and a more robust cooling system. The engine is paired with BMW’s eight-speed automatic transmission, enabling the crossover to hustle from 0-60 mph in just 4.9s. A front-mounted M Sport differential, which is integrated into the eight-speed transmission, is also present and helps put the meaty 2.0-liter’s power to the pavement.
SEE ALSO: 2018 BMW X2 Review
Suspension upgrades come in the way of M Sport springs, adaptive dampers and revised rear sway bars, which are joined by M Sport-tuned steering and M Sport brakes with dark blue M-branded calipers.
Appearance wise, the X2 M35i is set apart by its revised front fascia, full LED headlights, M Sport spoiler, Cerium Grey colored accents and an M Sport exhaust system. Orbit Grey 19-inch alloy M wheels are standard, while huge 20-inch M Sport wheels are available as an option.
Inside, the sport crossover benefits from an M Sport steering wheel, optional M Sport seats and a full-color BMW head-up display. Interior colors include Magma Red with black accents, Black Dakota and, if you order the M Sport seats, Oyster SensaTec. Some driver assist technologies come standard too, such as forward collision warning and lane departure warning.
The 2019 BMW X2 M35i will enter production in November 2018, arriving at US BMW dealers shortly after. Expect pricing to be announced closer to its on-sale date, likely at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show in late November.
Discuss this story on our BMW Forum.
Sam McEachern holds a diploma in journalism from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, and has been covering the automotive industry for over 5 years. He conducts reviews and writes AutoGuide's news content. He's a die-hard motorsports fan with a passion for performance cars of all sorts.
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A hot hatch by any other name ... is not a hot hatch. If you see it's silhouette from a distance while squinting because the sun is in your eyes, then yeah you could say "hey, that looks like a hatchback over yonder, perchance it is of the hot variety as well" but a hot hatch this rotund beast is most definitely not.
Mini-wagon, hot hatch, whatever, it works for me, except it needs a stick shift.