The second-generation X2 has arrived, and with it a headlining M35i performance model as part of an initial four-strong line-up that also includes an all-new electric iX2 (driven, p30).
Positioned at the top of the new X2 line-up at £47,395, the M-badged model receives a reworked version of BMW's B48 engine: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol unit with variable valve and camshaft timing, developing 296bhp and 295lb ft of torque.
That's actually 6bhp and 37lb ft less than the original X2 M35i was given by a previous iteration of the B48, owing primarily to the adoption of a petrol particulate filter and other emissions-reducing measures.
By comparison, its keenest rival, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35, offers 302bhp and the same 295lb ft, although it has a mild hybrid system, which in addition to improving efficiency gives it an extra 14bhp and 111lb ft for short periods - something that's lacking on the new BMW for now.
The M35i is one of two ICE X2 models bound for the UK, sitting above the 1.5-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid turbo petrol sDrive20i (£39,365). However, it's the only launch model to offer four-wheel drive as standard.
Power is sent through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox with steering wheelmounted shift paddles, instead of the eight-speed torque-converter 'box used previously. This operates in combination with a mechanical limited-slip differential and a range of driver assistance systems, all calibrated to M specifications.
With a larger body adding 200mm to its length, 21mm to its width and 64mm to its height, the new M35i is 75kg heavier than its predecessor. This combined with the moderate drop in power means the 0-62mph time has extended by 0.4sec to 5.4sec (although the top speed remains governed at 155mph).
Denne historien er fra February 28, 2024-utgaven av Autocar UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 28, 2024-utgaven av Autocar UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
The venomous nature of the Cobra
Last week, Matt Prior drove a totally new kind of AC Cobra. This is a car with one of the strongest allures of all - but also an incredibly complex and controversial history.
SKODA KAMIQ
A long getting-to-know-you trip to Spain reveals all
THE SEVEN-YEAR TITCH
Outgoing baby Jag is plush, practical and now eminently affordable
'Our time has come'
Honda may be late to the EV party, but a barrage of bold new battery-powered cars is on the way. JAMES ATTWOOD speaks to boss Toshihiro Mibe at its R&D base to find out what's in store
Lion kings
Plush, powerful four-door cars are an endangered species - and now Peugeot has called time on its latest, the 508 PSE. STEPHEN DOBIE compares it with its most significant ancestor, the 505 GTI
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
Wolfsburg gives the lesser-known Golf PHEV a big-impact refresh
PORSCHE PANAMERA GTS
Stuttgart's latest 'bahnstormer targets driver appeal over outright punch
MERCEDES-AMG GT 63 PRO
Hardcore variant of V8 sports car engineered with track days in mind
TESLA REVEALS ROBOTAXI
Firm unveils Cybercab coupé and 20-seat Robovan in autonomy push
DACIA PLOTS AMBITIOUS EXPANDED EURO LINE-UP
Firm teases something different’ ahead of impending C-segment reveal