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2024 BMW X2 M35i First Drive Review: The Aggressive Driver’s CUV
The new X2 has gotten meaner than its jellybean predecessor, in more ways than one.
After I got over the goofiness that was the D-pillar roundel emblem, I liked the old BMW X2. With a rounded shape and long roof, though, that car was more of a hackled-up hatchback than a compact SUV. Entering the model’s second generation, the 2024 BMW X2 has evolved into more of a coupe-SUV crossover design with a sloping rear end and a meaner face.
Studying both back-to-back, I have to admit that the outgoing car’s softer looks are more my style. But this new iteration is cohesive and generally (and literally) pretty sharp-looking. There’s real visual depth inside too, and I’m surprised to report that the M35i model is more aggressive to drive than you might expect.
Before we dig into how it drives, let’s explore the new X2’s appearances a bit more. The rear end and back quarter are particularly cool; the lights and little tail spoiler are pleasing and complementary. Sculpting on the hood that flares up off the kidneys adds a lot of expression to the car’s face. Scoops at the bottom of the bumper lean into the polygon aesthetic pretty hard, but generally, as far as modern BMWs go, this car looks pretty clean. The electric variant being sold in Europe looks almost identical in case any of you nerds were wondering.
Why won’t the U.S. get the EV? Whatever BMW’s official statement is, the simple answer is that it was deemed unprofitable. So we’ll be focusing on the gasoline-powered M35i with 312 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque from a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder. That energy gets to the ground through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The whole thing weighs 3,840 pounds, which is substantial but not outrageously heavy for a modern car like this.
Fuel economy claims are 32 mpg highway, 23 in the city. That’s not initially impressive, considering my seven-year-old 3 Series wagon, which also has a BMW 2.0-liter turbo engine, can eke out a slightly better 33 highway and 23 in town. However, the M35i does have a 60-plus hp advantage.
The cockpit is screen-intensive but sleek. The sculpting around the door handles looks great, there are a lot of neat materials to run your eyes along, and there’s a cute roller coaster-style safety harness for your phone on the wireless charger.
I even like the center console control treatment; there’s a lot of black plastic but the controls themselves feel pretty good and look classy. Think modern dedicated game console controller rather than the afterthought that is the remote that came with your TV. The steering wheel is quite thick, as BMW helms often are, and the paddle shifters have an interesting rubberized backing that sort of makes it feel like you’re holding a tactical sci-fi weapon out of Halo.
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