The BMW X2 M35i has been utterly redesigned with a extra coupe-like type, extra refinement greater, ranges of tech and… much less efficiency. Can the brand new, extra expressive design, greater ranges of tech and a rise in room overcome the efficiency deficit? We went to Portugal to search out out.

A Slight Downgrade in Efficiency

The drop in efficiency isn’t a lot and it actually will depend on the place on this planet you’re. Within the EU BMW has needed to drop the the X2 M35i’s energy output from 306 to 300 hp on account of new emissions requirements. Within the US the X2 M35i truly will get an improve to 313 hp.

However there’s a (world) change in torque that truly feels noticeable. This downgrade has nothing to do with emissions and all the things to do with BMW sourcing a brand new transmission for the B48A20T2. The brand new Getrag twin clutch is barely rated as much as 400 nm or 295 ft lbs of torque. Thus BMW has needed to flip down the torque of the B48A20T2 from 331 to 295. Cue unhappy emoji.

The result’s a automobile that ought to be about .3 seconds slower to 60 mph. That’s partially because of the torque but it surely’s additionally tied to a acquire in weight as properly. The brand new X2 M35i is as much as 3,840 lbs, 97 lbs heavier than the earlier model. That will not sound like a lot however coupled with the decrease torque it does add as much as a (simply barely) noticeable change.

A Extra Targeted Driving Expertise

However straight line perforce has by no means been the hallmark of BMWs – even M Efficiency merchandise just like the M35i. What has been is the best way they really feel.

Whereas energy within the EU and torque is down globally, the precise expertise of driving has been improved. The steering is now lighter and faster than earlier than. That will assist with a way of immediacy but it surely doesn’t truly create suggestions. There BMW has labored to recalibrate the EPS software program and enhance the suspension set-up to permit for a sharper response than within the earlier X2 M35i. There’s actual suggestions within the wheel and with {that a} confidence in how the automobile will reply. When was the final time we’ve stated that a few entrance wheel drive primarily based BMW? Possibly by no means.

This all makes the X2 M35i feels extra keen and finally extra partaking in ways in which we merely haven’t seen in a small BMW crossover in a very long time. This was an actual shock for us. Having extensively pushed the earlier X1 M35i and X2 M35i there was a soullessness to their spectacular efficiency. Whereas BMW hasn’t turned this new X2 M35i into an M2, it’s M Division dialed in a sharper driving expertise that’s compelling and begs to be pushed laborious on the correct roads.

Regardless of this new discovered engagement, the X2 M35i is much more comfy and compliant than earlier than. It’s damping is specific spectacular with its means to take in imperfections whereas nonetheless delivering suggestions. Even on among the extra uneven pavement of Portugal’s nation roads the automobile remained poised and unsettled, able to assault corners and brush off the irregularities of the street.

The X2 M35i’s mixture of a quick appearing xDrive and mechanical supplies wonderful grip in a torrential rain storm permitting us to not miss a beat on mountain roads.

7 pace twin clutch transmission might have had the unintended consequence of limiting torque, but it surely does convey a brand new degree of refinement. In our time with the automobile the DCT felt each faster and general smarter than the earlier Aisin sourced 8 pace auto. Shifts had been much less noticeable which helps your complete bundle really feel a bit extra refined. However they weren’t at all times as fast as we’d like. There have been a number of occasions throughout spirited driving that upshifts weren’t almost as fast as we’d anticipate. The DCT has gone a great distance in eradicated the awkwardness that earlier 8 pace auto might have when downshifting, but it surely’s nonetheless not near the ZF we discover in rear wheel drive primarily based BMWs. It’s fascinating given BMW’s lengthy held excellence with its ZF 8 pace that they’ll’t appear to search out perfection in entrance wheel drive utility.

However the overarching vibe we had stepping out of the X2 M35i was simply how a lot BMW and M engineers have improved the general expertise of driving expertise. If you may get previous the marginally slower straight-line pace this new X2 M35i is probably the most compelling entrance wheel drive primarily based BMW we’ve ever pushed.

Sizing Up and Out

The X2 has grown in each dimension. Sadly it’s not essentially in methods you’d need for those who care about proportion and efficiency. However for those who’re in search of elevated utility, it delivers. Boot capability is up 90 liters with the seats up and 115 when down. That’s a noticeable enchancment and one that can attraction to many consumers.

However in our minds it’s an unlucky change. Why push the X2 to be larger when there’s actually a X1 that, by design, is meant to be extra functionally and household oriented? Why not let that be the automobile that delivers the additional capability and the X2 give attention to type and efficiency? Which leads us to the opposite space of disappointment…

The Questionable Design Evolution of the X2

That is purely subjective however look above and inform us that’s engaging. And even good-looking. The will of BMW designers to push the X2 additional away from the X1 appears proper on paper. However the execution – particularly the angular type language – is jarring at greatest. At worst it’s awkward.

There have been some on the launch that most well-liked it to first era X2. However to our eyes it’s forcefully making use of a design route that work on a lot bigger automobiles (the X6 as an example) right into a smaller bundle that merely can’t deal with them.

However the largest problem we’ve got are the dimensions of these overhangs. Pushed by pedestrian security and a necessity for a bigger boot, the X2 appears unbalanced in lots of angles and doesn’t learn as a typical BMW.

A Big Leap in Know-how

One factor the brand new X2 M35i has going for it’s a big leap in know-how on provide. The L2 Driving Assistant Skilled is identical system we’ve grow to be acquainted with in bigger BMWs and it really works flawlessly right here. This coupled with the brand new BMW iDrive 9 means the X2 is now as much as spec with even the bigger, way more costly BMWs.

Nonetheless this new contact display solely model of iDrive isn’t good. Gone is the multi-function iDrive controller and as a substitute a 100% contact expertise. It’s an fascinating transfer provided that BMW has for over 15 years proclaimed multi-function controllers because the most secure manner to make use of an infotainment system whereas driving. Sure shoppers have grow to be properly acquainted with touch-based programs since these statements had been made. However there is no such thing as a denying that it takes extra focus to make use of a touch-based system on the transfer. 

When you get used to it, the system is rewarding and does provide far more in the best way of performance. However in contrast to earlier iDrive programs there’s a studying curve.

X2 M35i First Drive Conclusions

We might finally fall in love with the X2 M35i. However that should look ahead to an extended take a look at. In our first drive we discovered rather a lot to love. The elevated suggestions and engagement was a welcome shock and one which goes alongside manner in our minds. However the discount of torque and efficiency doesn’t assist its case. And the general aesthetics are difficult in comparison with the good-looking first era X2.

However the brand new X2 is a big leap in so many areas. Materials high quality is manner up as is consolation and compliance. BMW has carried out an admirable job refining the X2 into one thing that clearly feels extra premium and extra multi-faceted than earlier than. At $51,400 it is probably not low-cost, however given the fairly bland competitors, you’ll be able to’t say it doesn’t stand out.