S$276k with COE nets you 306hp, 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds for the coupe-influenced SUV

SINGAPORE – This is it, BMW’s most powerful version of its small sport utility vehicle (SUV) is here: the X2 M35i, and it’s priced at S$275,888 with COE.

The car is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with BMW’s TwinPower turbo (twin-scroll) technology, and BMW says it’s the most powerful 2.0 powerplant to date.

Essentially it’s the same unit found in the 192hp X2 sDrive20i and the 230hp Mini JCW, as BMW doesn’t say much about specific mechanical differences, so we assume the power bump has been achieved through measures such as engine and turbo optimisation.

With 306hp from 5,000 to 6250rpm, torque of 450Nm from 1,750 to 4,500rpm, its acceleration figure is 0-100km/h in 4.9-seconds, on to a 250km/h limited top speed. Quoted fuel consumption is 7.4L/100km, with CO2 emissions of 168g/km, and a VES band of C2. Launch control is possible on this model.

Unlike its lesser X2 brethren, the M35i utilises an eight-speed automatic gearbox (not a seven-speed dual-clutch unit) and all-wheel drive (aka xDrive), as well as a locking M Sport Differential on the front axle.

Adaptive M suspension and steering are also standard, as are larger M Sport brakes. The suspension has stiffer springs and dampers, with a lower ride height, with two adjustable modes.  

An M-badged car demands more aggro, obvious through the new front and rear styling with all the M-esque touches highlighted in Cerium Grey (the mirror caps too), a larger hatch spoiler and bigger dual-exhaust tailpipes.

The interior features M badging, an M Sport steering wheel, M sport seats, ‘Dakota’ perforated leather upholstery.

The rest of the cabin sees the usual BMW accoutrements, such as iDrive with navigation, BMW ConnectedDrive services, but a welcome addition is the new Driving Assistant suite that’s standard, making this the safest X2 model to date.

Driving Assistant encompasses “Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info with No Passing Info display, High Beam Assistant, Collision Warning, and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function.”

What’s also interesting about the hot version of the X2 is that it brings a new performance sub-class to the BMW/BMW M brand. The compact M35i models will all be powered by the same 2.0-litre inline 4 and slot in below the inline-six-powered M40i models like the X3 M40i or M340i.

For example, as the existing 1 Series which is still on the old rear-wheel drive platform will transition to a front-wheel drive platform, so to will the current M140i (powered by a 3.0-litre inline six) be replaced by a M135i model in future.

It also puts the M35i models in prime competition with the Mercedes-AMG 35 models – such as the A 35, which we’ve reviewed on CarBuyer.com.sg – and Audi’s small S models such as the S3.

Mercedes-AMG A35 – Mercedes’ first compact mid-range AMG driven

The price of the X2 M35i S$276k with COE does seem a little steep though – drivers might get a bigger rise out of the M240i Coupe, which still has an inline six, rear-wheel drive and was only S$235,888 with COE in March. For a 20 percent premium one could also consider the nutty BMW M2 Competition. And if all that is simply too costly, well remember that the best X2 is also the least expensive one – the S$176k with COE X2 sDrive18i.