BMW X2 M35i review: hints of the new M135i?

The BMW X2 M35i previews a future where BMW M make cars based on front-wheel-drive platforms. So, is it any good? Pairing a 225kW / 302hp turbo four with AWD and a front LSD, the fast X2 makes a decent case for itself. Tom identifies what needs to change before BMW M dives deeper into this kind of motoring - specifically, before the next BMW M135i comes out.
The X2 M35i competes against other premium small SUVs like the Audi SQ2 and the Mercedes-AMG GLA45.
What's your opinion of the X2 in M Performance trim? Is this the kind of thing BMW should be doing? Do you prefer the AMG GLA? I want to know, so leave me a comment.
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Tom Baker drives the 2019 BMW X2 M35i AWD in Australia. Also covers the X2 interior and boot space.

[@mickyeverton]

Picked up one a few weeks ago, very happy with it! Many Thanks, Peace From London. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Sean-me4fv]

You’re doing a great job with these reviews. Great to see Aussie BMW reviews too. Thank you

[@ysmf888]

Looks like a young Kevin Rudd - not meant as an insult.

[@daveturnbull4167]

Took delivery of my X2 M35I IN APRIL amazing car scared the life out of a M2 driver on the Motorway he couldn't believe a SUV could be so quick

[@billycasper2001]

Would wider tires with bigger sidewalls improve the firm ride?

[@mars353]

I drive a 5 series and never really paid any attention to the 1 and 2 series because I lumped them in with every other low end hatchback. But then I passed by one parked on the street. I didn’t know what it was but the lines of the car and the expensive looking white paint caught my attention. It reminded me a little of a Jaguar F-Pace. BMW originally made its name in the United States with small zippy cars. The interior of this one is nice and I don’t care if it’s dated as long as it isn’t cheap looking. I like the watch face analog gauges but I hate cloth seats enough to mark the car off the list if they were the only option. And I want heated seats.

[@billycasper2001]

What's the ride height/ground clearance on one of these?

[@malcolmscott4150]

Agree re interior as premium fabric interiors or combo much preferred especially in lighter colours. X2 fave BMW before M2 although insular dynamics with a stiff ride and gluggy steering of some models fails to inspire. This engine in new 3/4 series bodes well for inline six replacement yet still crave their silkiness prior to direct injection.

[@chasingcars]

The dynamics are certainly more resolved here, though the ride is just way too stiff for our roads. Looking forward to seeing the new M135i which will undoubtedly incorporate a few more learnings.

[@xorbitman]

I think the X1 is a better looking vehicle and more practical. Save the M$$$ and find someone that can program the vehicle's engine and mods like auto folding mirrors etc. Interior mods like a cover for the hole under the arm-rest. You can find it on ebay. I purchased 19" Niche wheels and better tires....245 all around.

[@xorbitman]

Remove the horrible all season tires run flats and buy good summer tires like the Toyo's and 19" wheels like those from Niche. The car already has adjustable dampers: Sports, Comfort and ECO Pro. Some people using Eco Pro have been getting 38 miles to the gallon on the highway instead of the lower numbers provided by BMW. Best in class.

[@lukelawrence6007]

Can you get x2m in a manual

[@chasingcars]

Not in Australia, sadly, and this powertrain is auto-only globally.

[@lukelawrence6007]

Yeh I hope m135i fwd hot hatch will get a manual

[@chasingcars]

Hopefully... but I’m not holding out much hope. You can barely get a manual 3 Series now. Sad!

[@leonbieldt3656]

For all the petrolhead trolling critics here that criticise the new smaller engines....face facts. Gas guzzling air polluting engines are on the way out. A new car model now has to be relevant in a decade from now...which is when grunting inline sixes will be relics of the past... it’s the inevitable nature of reality coming!

[@Sean-me4fv]

Leon Bieldt Very true

[@JosiahAmankwah]

What the Lexus competitor to this? I need to have something reliable.

[@donny.liu450]

Josiah Amankwah Lexus ux

[@chasingcars]

The UX, as Donny has pointed out, though there’s no fast version of that car yet

[@donny.liu450]

Chasing Cars there will never be a Lexus uxF though

[@chasingcars]

Well, we don’t know that. Lexus certainly haven’t ruled it out. Given the underlying Corolla platform will be getting a hot GR version, perhaps Lexus could adapt that for the UX?

[@delboy2596]

I think the new M135 will make this model obsolete.

[@chasingcars]

In an ideal world, yes - but I’m not sure the taste for SUVs is going anywhere fast!

[@piyushuparate]

I drove this car for a year , don't buy it ,it's too small and uncomfortable

[@chasingcars]

Doesn’t seem that small to me, but I can see how some would find the ride to be too uncomfortable

[@adamme8369]

Then you must be 6'4'' or very fat! 🤣

[@Sean-me4fv]

I’m 6’2” and not fat and found the X1 and X2 too small. X3 is great

[@jenwilli9832]

I have this car for a year and a half, love it..to each his own.😊

[@piyushuparate]

I am 6 feet tall and it's was too low and uncomfortable