2024 BMW X2 M35i xDrive review

The BMW X2 M35i is back and badder than ever.

Alongside the X1 M35i launched earlier this year, the hi-po X2 signals a reinvigorated compact M Performance lineup, set to take on the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 and Audi RSQ3 Sportback – though from the outset the Bimmer is slower than both its nemeses.

It also debuts some formerly M-only bits, including the M3-style spurred side mirrors and a quad-tipped exhaust; as well as bringing the latest in BMW tech to the package.

The X2 has grown substantially, including an additional 194mm in length to 4554mm, widened by 21mm to 1845mm, and is 64mm taller at 1590mm. That growth spurt has resulted in almost 100L of extra cargo capacity, as well as improved rear passenger space.

It’s also worth noting the distinct change in styling, which sees the BMW X2 look far more like a baby X4 rather than an overgrown 1 Series – BMW started the coupe-SUV craze with the X6 some 20 years ago, so it makes sense.

We recently attended the Australian media launch and sampled the 2024 BMW X2 M35i xDrive alongside the X2 xDrive20i and the all-electric iX2 xDrive30.

Is the performance halo the pick of the bunch? Or are you better served going for the entry-level or electric versions?

How much does the BMW X2 cost?

The X2 M35i xDrive is the priciest variant in Australia, listing for $92,900 plus on-road costs.

2024 BMW X2 pricing:

• 2024 BMW X2 xDrive20i: $75,900
• 2024 BMW X2 M35i xDrive: $92,900

Prices exclude on-road costs

To see how the BMW X2 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool.

What is the BMW X2 like on the inside?

Just like an X1… mostly.

The X2 is effectively an X1 with a booty job, so the interior design is largely the same right down to most of the available upholsteries, trim inserts and colours – though the M35i xDrive does get the option of more aggressive M Sport seats, as well as scoring more aggressive paddle shifters.

It’s a segment leader for perceived quality, tactility, and practicality. The BMW Curved Display incorporates a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch curved touchscreen, both now running BMW’s latest Operating System 9.

Compared to OS8 from when the X1 and iX1 initially launched, iDrive 9.0 utilises Android-based software for a more intuitive and smartphone-like experience, complete with an extended range of digital features and compatibility with third-party applications from the Google Play store.

Key changes include the map-centric home screen with customisable widgets, meaning key information is always front and centre. You’ve also got a permanent home button situated at the base of the display in the centre rather than in the sidebar, and the permanent shortcuts for climate control remain.

As before, the 10.3-inch touchscreen is angled towards the driver and offers high resolution and snappy response. If you don’t want to fiddle around with touch inputs, you can call upon the “Hey BMW” intelligent assistant to perform various tasks for you.

There’s an integrated 5G eSIM which facilitates high-speed data transfer and connected services, including live traffic updates, access to streaming apps, and a variety of other services. You also get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

It all works well and is an improvement over iDrive 8, though I’ll still note the Android-style app drawer menu and settings sub-menus are a little convoluted – quick access to some settings are buried further than they should be.

I’m still not quite sold on the layout of BMW’s take on a digital instrument cluster. While having new-age skins is cool for some, I like the option of more conventional power meters and speedo dials.

BMW used to make some of the clearest and most attractive analogue dials, so it’s a shame the company has basically thrown conventional gauges out the window in the digitised age. Audi is still the benchmark here.

One cool party trick, however, is the fact Apple CarPlay will project maps into the cluster when in use, meaning unlike some digital binnacles you don’t sacrifice mapping functionality by using third-party software. Props to BMW for this excellent integration.

You also get a nice clear head-up display projected onto the windscreen, which can show you more information than you probably need. As with the instrument cluster, it can be adjusted and configured with various layouts and widgets, which is neat.

Front seat comfort is good thanks to the standard electric seat adjustment, supplemented by memory presets and if you opt for the Enhancement Package ($4700) there’s also a massaging function. The front pews are heated, but not ventilated, and the M Performance model’s steering wheel gets a red 12 o’clock marker.

As with the X1 and iX1, storage is a strong point. There’s a cubby underneath the front-centre armrest, and the floating design of the centre console means there’s a larger cubby underneath for larger items.

Ahead of the console with its stubby shift-by-wire toggle selector are two larger cupholders, then an upright holder for your phone with a wireless charging pad.

Perhaps my favourite part of this design is not the fact the phone is upright and facing you in the correct orientation – not that you should be looking at your phone behind the wheel – but the fact there’s a little weighted harness that clips in and holds it firmly in place like a rollercoaster.

While our test vehicle wasn’t optioned with it, you can also tick a box for trim inlays with illuminated graphics for extended ambient lighting.

The X2’s second row isn’t as good as the X1’s largely due to the sloping roofline, but it’s certainly not as compromised as it might look from its swoopy exterior appearance.

Knee- and leg room are all still good despite the underpinnings that have been designed to accommodate an EV battery. For someone like me at 6’1 with longer legs than torso, it’s easily more comfortable back there than something like the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Otherwise it’s all standard X1/X2 fare. Directional air vents and USB-C power outlets are mounted at the rear of the centre console, there are map pockets behind the front seats as well as a fold-down centre armrest with cup holders.

Outboard ISOFIX and top-tether points across all three positions means the X2 is equipped for carrying kids, and the fact BMW has shrunk the centre tunnel means you don’t have a huge protrusion into the centre of the footwell should you need to carry three across – though the roof-mounted centre seatbelt isn’t my favourite.

The X2 and iX2 come with a standard power tailgate, which opens to reveal a 560-litre boot area (X2) with the rear seats in place – around 35L more than the iX2.

Fold the 40:20:40 rear bench down and that opens up to 1470 litres. You won’t find a spare wheel under there – instead there’s a tyre repair kit.

What’s under the bonnet?

The X2 M35i xDrive runs a high-output four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with all-wheel drive.

How does the BMW X2 drive?

My time in the M35i xDrive was pretty limited compared to the xDrive20i and iX2, but I did get to do a spirited stint.

From the moment you fire up the M35i you can tell this is no normal X2. There’s a growl and burble at start-up that’s noticeably louder and more focused than the xDrive20i, and the sportier interior trimmings show its intent.

Leaving our lunch location, the drive route took us from the hills near Gardners Bay in Tasmania’s south winding down to the town of Cygnet and back. We encountered some high-speed country roads, slower urban roads, as well as some dirt sections.

During the 30-minute loop, most of my time was spent driving in Sport mode in a more spirited manner where appropriate. So, I’ll lean on my impressions of the other variants for certain elements.

Performance is a key aspect here, and the X2 M35i xDrive is decidedly more eager than the xDrive20i, and backs itself with more aural drama than the similarly powerful iX2 xDrive30.

The M35i hits you in the back as it revs out, with all 400Nm of torque on tap from just 2000rpm right through to 4500rpm – so it pulls throughout the rev range.

While BMW’s 0-100km/h claim of 5.4 seconds definitely feels accurate from the driver’s seat, it’s half a second off the claim of its predecessor. That’s largely down to the added size with minimal change to outputs – in fact, it’s 50Nm down on the old one despite offering 7kW more.

The engine note becomes more prevalent as the speed and revs climb, particularly in Sport mode. I’m not sure how much of it is real, and how much is synthesised.

While that’s partly a compliment to BMW M’s engineers for making the actual engine note seamless with its augmentation, you may be a little disheartened when you learn that the exterior noise doesn’t match the interior experience.

From the driver’s seat you’ll hear pops and cracks on upshifts as well as burbles on overrun, but these sounds seem to be fake and played through the interior speakers only. Colour me impressed that it’s so convincing, but also boo that someone wanting to rev for a sound bite in a carpark is going to look like a tosser.

Regardless, the sound does well to enhance the brisk performance without sounding too contrived, and the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic snaps through shifts as well as any DCT for the same money, whilst also offering quick response via the steering-mounted paddle shifters.

It manages to do all this without being too harsh over rougher roads or the sort of lumps and bumps you’ll encounter on the daily commute – really playing into the all-rounder vibe of the M Performance brand rather than the track-ready M pitch.

Handling is just as important in this model as the straight-line pace, and I’m pleased to report this new car feels much more cohesive than the at times disjointed original.

The M variable steering rack standard on the xDrive20i helps to make the M35i feel keen and responsive via the tiller, with keen turn-in and decent feedback to give you an idea of what the front axle is doing. It’s perhaps not the last word in feedback, but it’s a nice balance – plus it tightens up further in Sport mode.

Particularly on the dirt sections it was very apparent the new X2 M35i is much better at putting its power down than the old version. Where I personally have levelled complaints about the lazy engagement of the centre differential to shuffle power to the rear as well as occasional sloppiness of the front LSD, the new one is much better sorted.

It was even proactive enough at times to kick the rear of the car around, which makes it feel more playful and rear-biased rather than the old one’s front-favouring characteristics that made it prone to understeer. Props.

As observed in the other X2 and iX2 variants, overall refinement is pretty good in this new generation as is the enhanced suite of active safety and driver assistance systems.

The previous model was a little light on and dated in terms of tech, and thankfully the new model has made something of a two-generation jump in this area.

BMW’s Steering and Lane Control Assistant is excellent at keeping the X2 centred in its lane and a safe distance from the vehicle in front, while front and rear cross-traffic warnings make pulling out of blind T-intersections or reversing out of blind parking spaces that little less stressful.

You also get handy items like a surround parking camera with 3D view so you don’t curb those pretty 21-inch alloys or scrape the angular body kit.

What do you get?

The X2 M35i xDrive sits above the xDrive20i in the range – see the grade feature walk below.

X2 xDrive20i highlights:

• 19-inch M Sport alloy wheels
• Dual zone climate control
• Acoustic glazing
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Automatic tailgate
• BMW Iconic Glow illuminated grille
• BMW Live Cockpit Pro
  • 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster
  • 10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment
  • Augmented Reality (AR) navigation
  • BMW ConnectedDrive
• Comfort Access incl. Digital Key
• DAB radio
• Driving Assistant Professional
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Steering and Lane Control Assistant
• Electric front seat adjustment
• Head-up display
• Heated front seats
• Lights package, interior
• M Sport Package
  • incl. Adaptive M Suspension
  • incl. M steering
• M Sport leather steering wheel
• Mirror package
• Parking Assistant Plus
  • BMW Drive Recorder
  • Reversing Assistant
  • Surround cameras incl. 3D view
• Personal eSIM (5G)
• Sensatec dashboard trim
• Sports seats
• Speed Limit Info
• Wireless phone charger
• Veganza upholstery

X2 M35i xDrive adds:

• Mechanical limited-slip differential, front
• M Sport Brakes, Blue high-gloss
• Long-range fuel tank (+9L to 54L)
• 20-inch M light alloy wheels
• M double-bar kidney
• Kidney frame surround in high gloss Shadow Line
• M rear spoiler
• Panorama glass sunroof
• Quad exhaust pipe finishers
• Leather ‘Vernasca’ upholstery
• Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio system
• Lumbar support incl. active massage function

Options

The M35i xDrive is available with the M Sport Pro Package as a no-cost option.

M Sport Package Pro: $NCO

• M Lights Shadow Line
• M Sport Brakes, Red high-gloss
• M Sport seats
• M Seat belts

M Compound brakes: $2000

• 385mm front discs
• 330mm rear discs
• Cross-drilled discs

There are also a range of alloy wheel, interior upholstery and interior trim options.

Colours

A selection of colours are available for the BMW X2.

Standard: $NCO

• Alpine White

Metallic: $1800

• M Brooklyn Grey
• Skyscraper Grey
• Cape York Green
• Fire Red
• Black Sapphire
• M Portimao Blue

Matte: $5000

• Frozen Portimao Blue
• Frozen Pure Grey

Is the BMW X2 safe?

The new-generation BMW X2 and iX2 haven’t been crash-tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP yet.

For reference, petrol-powered versions of the related BMW X1 are covered by a 2022-stamped five-star ANCAP and Euro NCAP rating.

This rating is based on category scores of 86 per cent for adult occupant protection, 88 per cent for child occupant protection, 76 per cent for vulnerable road user protection, and 94 per cent for safety assist.

Standard safety equipment includes (iX2 sDrive20):

• Driving Assistant Plus
  • Adaptive cruice control
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Exit warning
  • Lane departure warning
  • Lane keep assist
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Speed Limit Info
• Parking Assistant Plus
  • BMW Drive Recorder
  • Reversing Assistant
  • Surround cameras incl. 3D view

iX2 xDrive30 + X2 xDrive20i add:

• Driving Assistant Professional
  • Front cross-traffic alert
  • Steering and Lane Control Assistant

How much does the BMW X2 cost to run?

BMW Australia covers its lineup with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

The company offers upfront Service Inclusive packages, which covers the first five years or 80,000 kilometres for combustion-engined models. Pricing for the X2 lists for $2500 – or $500 per year.

CarExpert’s Take on the BMW X2

The M35i has its merits, but I’m not sure if the performance hero is my hero of the X2 lineup.

More than $90,000 before on-road costs is quite a bit of cash, and given it plays in the same price bracket as the Audi RSQ3 and Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 which are both quicker on paper it’s off the pace, per se.

But in spite of its lesser performance, the X2 M35i xDrive is larger and more accommodating for people and their stuff than the aforementioned rivals, and arguably offers a higher quality cabin with tech as good as the rest.

It’s arguably the better all-rounder of the three German go-fast compact crossovers, and while the slowest in a straight line it makes up for it with a balanced and pretty engaging drive experience to boot.

With that in mind, you could be better served saving some cash and optioning the xDrive20i with similar kit, with the main difference being a less focused drivetrain. The base X2 is plenty of car for the money, and for most people doing regular daily duties is arguably better suited than the M35i.

Either way, the new X2 range is a marked improvement over the old one and is definitely worth your consideration.

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