BMW X2 M35i 2019: price, spec and on-sale date

This is the new BMW X2 M35i, a sporty version of the stylish small SUV that’s set to challenge rivals like the forthcoming Audi SQ3 and Volkswagen T-Roc R. Like those rivals, the X2 M35i aims to inject some hot-hatch flavour into the small SUV market when it arrives in March 2019. Prices are yet to be announced, but a starting figure of around £45,000 is likely.

The biggest change over the standard BMW X2 is the engine, with the M35i model becoming the first modern M-badged BMW to be powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, tuned here to produce 302bhp. The move breaks the trend of BMW M models being powered by six-cylinder engines.

Being two cylinders down doesn’t hold the X2 M35i back, though: 0-62mph takes just 4.9 seconds and top speed is 155mph. The car is fitted with BMW’s xDrive four-wheel-drive system, along with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

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A sports exhaust comes as standard, along with an M Sport differential for the front axle, which improves traction under hard cornering. Larger brakes front and rear, specially tuned suspension and steering and an optional adaptive suspension system all help to set the M35i as a driver-focused SUV.

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Thanks to its downsized engine, the BMW X2 M35i promises to return fairly sensible fuel economy and emissions figures for a car of this kind. BMW claims an average fuel-consumption figure of around 35mpg, with CO2 emissions sitting at 185g/km – although choosing large wheels will knock those figures down slightly.

To give the X2 M35i a sportier edge, BMW has added some subtle styling tweaks including new 19-inch alloys (plus 20-inch optional wheels), full LED headlights and foglights and a rear spoiler. Inside, a standard M Sport steering wheel features, along with optional M Sport seats and a choice of fabric or leather trim.