I was SO Wrong About This | 2019 BMW X2 M35i Review

This week we're learning a valuable lesson about judging a book by it's cover with the 2019 BMW X2 M35i. 2019 Best Performance Vehicle Winner!
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It's not often that we're wrong here on TestDrive, but we made a monumental mistake when underestimating the 2019 BMW X2 M35i. We thought this subcompact luxury crossover would be a boring experience with a bunch of M badges stuck on for show without any go, but the X2 M35i is properly tuned by BMW's M Performance division with the power and handling to back it up. We go in-depth on our review of the 2019 BMW X2 M35i on this episode of TestDrive Spotlight.
We discuss the differences with the engine, suspension, xDrive system, and M Sport limited-slip differential with the M35i version of the X2. We also go over the exterior differences with this vehicle including the LED headlights and fog lights, cerium grey accents for the M Performance model, M Sport brakes, shadowline exterior package, Premium Enhanced Package, and M double spoke rims.
Inside we find the magma red dakota perforated leather M Sport seats with integrated headrests with heat, and driver memory, dual zone automatic climate control, iDrive 6.0 with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless phone charging, a colour head-up display, non-premium audio system, and panoramic sunroof. We talk about some of the other interior features and what other packages you can add onto the X2 M35i.
We then take the X2 on a performance road test starting with a 0-100kph (0-60 mph) launch followed up with some real-world driving in sport mode with manual shift. We go over how this vehicle compares to other M Performance cars we've driven to date, and where this type of vehicle fits in BMW's current lineup. We get some audio clips of the exhaust both from the exterior and interior of the vehicle, and do some slower shifting to hear the most out of the exhaust.
We wrap up our full tour and review of the 2019 BMW X2 M35i with our fuel economy testing during the week, and what we ultimately liked and disliked about this $56,650.00 subcompact luxury crossover.
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[@virginiaeyler9274]

We picked up a 2020 M35i in Munich in August..........drove it around Europe for 2 weeks and shipped it home. LOVE IT!

[@PRNTestDrive]

Congrats on the purchase! This was one of the most surprisingly enjoyable cars we drove this year, I'm glad I had the chance to spend a week with it.

[@michaelv6870]

Is BMW back to European delivery?

[@AdamZimmerman]

Awesome review. You have a calm / chill way of describing things which is a lot easier to understand than other reviewers. Keep it up!

[@PRNTestDrive]

I really appreciate that, thank you! I hope we can keep it up!

[@CorbinWilliams]

Solid review! I too, never thought anything of the X2 models until I had the entry level for a loaner, I then test drive the M35 and was even more blown away!!

[@PRNTestDrive]

I'd be curious to see how the regular X2 xDrive28i is to live with, my experience with the X1 was pretty meh last year, but maybe they X2's entry level isn't too bad. Either way I was very impressed with this one!

[@willteeyang]

Totally agree with you! i got the car mid May and everyday it still brings smile on my face. i can see you got lots of smiles while driving it as well!

[@PRNTestDrive]

We're really happy to hear that! I love it when I'm wrong about a car like I was before picking this one up.

[@Zevocity_]

Hey man, do you still own the car? Thinking about buying a 2019 M35 in my area for 33K with 30K miles just a little iffy about reliability down the road after having to go through 2 cars in the last year

[@Sc0rpy]

Spot on mate nice review I enjoyed it as well it sounds good for a 4 cylinder engine.. That red interior though 🔥🔥🔥👍

[@PRNTestDrive]

I just wish I had more time with it! I really liked that red interior too, a lot more than I thought I would.

[@TYAC_TPE_SF-Bay]

Thanks for including the macro comparisons and personal takes!

[@PRNTestDrive]

We're glad it was helpful, thank you very much!

[@vonq9831]

I Love The Way you do your Reviews... ! Great Job ... !

[@PRNTestDrive]

I really appreciate that, thank you! We strive to be different.

[@vonq9831]

@@PRNTestDrive You've succeeded .. 😊

[@RPMATX]

Traded a GLA 45 AMG for this. Absolutely no regrets. Love it. Haven't driven my Porsche Macan for a while either (but love it too).

[@PRNTestDrive]

Interesting! Personally I like this a lot more than the GLA, however we only drove the GLA 250 a few years ago, and the AMG does have more power. What made you make the switch?

[@rolandgerard6064]

Great video again, good you see that this car is great

[@PRNTestDrive]

It's one I'd definitely consider leasing personally!

[@imeddy8]

On the fence. I have a big three row SUV and need a little car to job around town and I'm glad you did this review. I'm going to go drive one!

[@PRNTestDrive]

I’m glad you liked it, thanks! I’m really happy I ended up keeping this car on my schedule to feature it.

[@chrisalbertdeleon5354]

I have a 2018 BMW X2, bought it brand new and even today, I am still amazed by the way it drives. my BMW attacks corners with ease and confidence and mind you I have a standard X28i version and still I love how it blows other cars off the stoplight. But then again, thats my personal opinion. As for the other options, I dont mind missing Apple Carplay because I still can do basic controls of my phone and access spotify even without all those blings. Bluetooth access is enough for me to access my phonecalls via the voice control. To me, BMW is a Drivers car who loves to be driven.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad to hear that! We're starting to see more X2s on the road out here, and the M35i is a nice sleeper in the mix. Keep enjoying yours!

[@Ready72000]

Great styling, love the side emblems. I first noticed the X2 recently at my local Autonation used car lot. They were offering a beautiful Galvanic Gold 2018 X2 Xdrive28i (not the X2 M35i) with barely more than 6000 miles for less than $28k US, a great price. It sold quickly, but there is currently a similar one for sale in Atlanta, with slightly higher mileage but a lower price.

[@PRNTestDrive]

The X2 really grew on me during my week with it, that's why I named this episode the way I did. I think it's a better looking vehicle than the new 2 Series Gran Coupé and more functional for year-round driving.

[@monza9916]

Finally an exhaust without that annoying popcorn noise.

[@PRNTestDrive]

It's there a little bit on hard downshifting, but not quite the same that we've seen from other BMW M Performance vehicles.

[@travelfoodielove]

Great review handsome

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad you liked it!

[@rogerandout808]

I saw one of these parked up a couple of months back and like you, I was a bit puzzled about an M X2! I thought it looked pretty smart, but I've not seen any on the road. In the UK they seem to be a little pricey still but it's now under consideration.

[@PRNTestDrive]

I haven't spotted many of this M Performance version on the road either, I'll see one or two every month if I'm lucky, but I think it might catch on.

[@BoleDaPole]

Great review of a great car.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Thanks! 👍

[@shawnwilson5905]

Thank you for the great review. I bought the BMW X2 M35i in black sapphire and black interior 3 days ago. It looks great next to our 2019 BMW 530e M Package in black sapphire we bought last year.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Very nice, congrats on the purchase! I was very surprised by this little BMW, I’m really glad I got the chance to try it out and discover it for myself.

[@shawnwilson5905]

Your review assisted in my decision to purchase the X2 and for that, I thank you. It is so much fun to drive!

[@PRNTestDrive]

I appreciate that! I love hearing that these videos end up helping, we’ve heard from a number of viewers over the years but I think you’re the first for this X2! Enjoy it!

[@eleanormassaro5195]

I like the looks and styling of this car!

[@PRNTestDrive]

So do I, I’m glad I had the chance to feature it!

[@kawaii6039]

me too

[@MrDruid47]

Great review. Love your attention to detail. Keep it up!

[@PRNTestDrive]

Much appreciated!

[@quasitime]

@PRN_TestDrive , how did you feel about the ride quality of m35i version? You talk a bit about this in the video, but for a daily driver what are your thoughts? At the end of the day, everyone wants their daily driver to be "fun" too, is this overkill?

[@michaelv6870]

I wouldn`t mind driving one of those around town. And that comes from an M850i, X5 50e and Z4 M40 i owner.

[@PRNTestDrive]

I was pleasantly surprised with this one. I rarely see X2s on the road, probably only spotted one M35i, but it was a fun car to drive for a week.

[@Meeesa]

I just got a 2016 M235i, I absolutely love it!! I think the X2M35i would be a cool family car (I hate big cars). But yes, the seatbelt position in my car is also terrible.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Glad to hear it, congrats on the purchase!

[@johnsmith2003]

Meesa different engines though

[@aneeshananth9357]

I hear that the 2022 X2 has active park assistance and reversing assistance features. I would like to see how that works to help my wife and her friend understand cuz they love this car. I watched a European version of M135i Righthand Drive where the guy clearly exhibits it. Apart from that it’s a great review

[@PRNTestDrive]

I'll see if BMW plans on adding that to the press fleet at some point and try to make an episode happen.

[@xorbitman]

Also the Apple car play doesn't work well. Save that $$$ too. Get the console cover from Ebay under the armrest. It looks so good with it and covers the open box that looks messy. Get the logo projectors under the doors so that they illuminate at night with the M Performance logo. Get a pro tuner with the software, ODBII connector and software to program all sorts of cool features such as one touch close including folding the mirrors, and other cool stuff.

[@PRNTestDrive]

We haven't bothered with Apple CarPlay on the BMWs we've tested since using it over a year ago with the M760Li. In theory wireless CarPlay is great, but iOS 13 should help to fix some of the problems I've had with it, as each app must request permission to use the bluetooth connection, which would fix some of the complaints I had about it.

[@mbusomanyathi2553]

"Mercedez GLA eeuwww, why would you want to drive that when you can drive this!" hahaha, x2 looking really good

[@PRNTestDrive]

I really liked this car, opened my eyes to new possibilities! Way better than the GLA 250 we did years ago.

[@vinhbuidoi246]

I have 2019 sdrive, loving it. But thinking M35 next 3 yrs

[@PRNTestDrive]

I had a lot of fun with it, definitely worth checking out!

[@antoniocampos6627]

Though the M market is already packed with different models imagine a full fledged M version of this car. Would love to see a hot hatch from BMW.

[@PRNTestDrive]

I'd certainly like to see that too!

[@ccroy2001]

I like it more than a Mini. I just don’t like Mini interiors. As nice as they are I would skip those seats and maybe that would fix the seatbelt issue?

[@PRNTestDrive]

I'd have to check if these sport seats change the way the seat belts work, but I believe they're the same throughout the X2 lineup. Such a small detail that makes a big difference.

[@williambelanger1036]

I've had one since April and it has been a lot of fun. The non V8 pony cars are no problem, ran toe to toe with a modified STi and shocked the guy. The thing will scoot. It handles like its on rails too. Definitely a great daily driver and if you keep your foot out of it (which is difficult) I was able to get almost 33mpg on a drive down to Florida.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Not bad at all for fuel economy! I think I surprised quite a few people with how fast this car was during my week with it, I did get smoked by a Mustang GT Convertible though.

[@sir556]

Bro I have only found 3 of these in a 100 mile radius from me WHY IS IT SO HARD TO GET ITS ACTUALLY LIT

[@PRNTestDrive]

I'm not sure why either! I really liked this X2, I rarely see any on the road let alone this M Performance version.

[@brettrickenbach7521]

I like how you pan over the parked car while describing how it drives and what you like and dislike. It so boring watching other reviewers driving and talking for 15 minutes.

[@PRNTestDrive]

We try to put as much B-Roll in the videos as possible, the video is about the car and not us so we want to make sure we highlight the car visually as much as possible. Glad you liked it, thanks!

[@johnje4285]

That is the car I want. I love it!

[@PRNTestDrive]

I'd love to have this car also, I enjoyed it a lot!

[@johnje4285]

@@PRNTestDrive I hope that you get one for yourself. I like the combination of sporty and 4x4 plus it looks sleek.

[@bend__]

I don't really like this chassis style, but that is personal opinion. They made more then the best of it though as it looks extremely aggresive and sporty. Black, red and silver works well.

[@HNZKFK]

Hello, I have a selection in one bazaar X2 M35i 2022 with adaptive suspension, I heard that with sports suspension is too hard for longer rides, I was discouraged by many from the m35i due to the harshness of the chassis, my question is if this model with adaptive chassis (0223 Adaptives Fahrwerk) is acceptable for normal driving for comfort? Thank You very much for answer.

[@PRNTestDrive]

The sport suspension is firm, so you may find it to be uncomfortable on longer drives. The adaptive chassis would help to alleviate some of that discomfort though, it's worth looking at!

[@Marshal_Dunnik]

Non-adjustable seat belt height is not only annoying it’s unsafe. Inexcusable. Also, even by the miserly standards of German options lists, not having blind spot monitoring on a nearly $60k car is silly, especially in one where I suspect it has large blind spots.

[@IamDaGrouch]

Not sure why folks are so hung up on blind spot monitors. Insurance companies don't even offer discounts for getting this option, meaning that it has not been proven to reduce accidents.

[@tomtomlinson4826]

@@IamDaGrouch Personally, it 's my most valuable and often used safety feature. The only 'discount " I want is fewer accidents.

[@PRNTestDrive]

I won't be able to forgive BMW for these seat belts. Let's just hope the next trio of BMW's we have lined up make up for this.

[@xorbitman]

This car has smaller windows than the X1 and maybe should have them however the X1 has no blind spots because of the bigger windows. I always do a shoulder check. The seatbelts were not an issue with the X1. Also you should never rely on those gizmos because they don't work in bad weather like the ACC (Automatic Cruise Control. Save your $$$ also on the M and have the ECU programmed by a pro or use the JB4+ chip and use the BMS Cold Air intake. After all you only need a few more Ponies. BTW Remove the all season tires 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.

[@BWM135]

@@tomtomlinson4826 I agree. Here in the states the blind spot sonar isn't even standard on a 4 series. Thankfully it comes in a fairly cheap option group with heated seats and power lumbar. Nobody is suggesting "Reliance" on that system, get that mess out of here. I daily an 08 135i 'vert with tiny side mirrors, huge blind spots, and no driver aids. I RELY on nothing but my senses and situational awareness... No interest in lane departure warning and pre-collision stuff, which I've heard nothing but annoying things about on these cars. But I like BMWs implementation of the blind spot system. Very non-intrusive, and useful. Just my opinion.

[@XYZ-ef3mo]

I wish they did an M Performance X1

[@PRNTestDrive]

I'm honestly surprised they don't, but maybe it'll come with the next generation X1, which we should be seeing in a couple years. Right now the X1 and 4 Series are the only two vehicles in BMW's core lineup that don't have an M Performance variant, and the 4 Series will definitely get the M440i once it's launched later this year.

@@PRNTestDrive 1st generation X1 M-sport Xdrive35i actually an X1 M35i, BMW is tricky with their models and missing Badges but next year 2023 the X1 M35i will be released. look like you don't know much about BMW, 1st Gen X1 has 4 versions, sdrive28i, xdrive28i and xdrive35i, sdrive35i and the M-sport on both Sdrive Xdrive 28/35. This X2 M35i is i4 engine tuned with M performance makes 302HP, the 2015 X1 Msport 35i is i6 engine also makes 302HP both has M-sport styling, the ride is better than the the regular version. Next year 2023 the new X1 will be the same as X2 m35i, it will be X1 M35i i4 M performance makes 304HP.

[@iftekhar77]

What the camera suction mount , can you use it for iPhone ?

[@PRNTestDrive]

The roof-mounted one during the driving segments? It's a Joby Suction Cup with the locking arm, I bought it pretty cheap a few years ago and mainly used it for the secondary action camera I had. I have recently used it with an iPhone mount, a Manfrotto Smartphone Clamp (Pro) but only for interior filming when the car is parked. The weight of my phone mixed with the length of the suction cup might not make for a smooth driving experience with the iPhone.

[@raphaeldoolichand7109]

Was the ride comfortable with those 20" rims?

[@PRNTestDrive]

It's on the sportier/firm side, and the rims don't help. Luxury brands are continuing to push huge rims with small tires, which ends up hurting the overall ride.

[@xorbitman]

This car has smaller windows than the X1 and maybe should have them however the X1 has no blind spots because of the bigger windows. I always do a shoulder check. The seatbelts were not an issue with the X1. Also you should never rely on those gizmos because they don't work in bad weather like the ACC (Automatic Cruise Control. Save your $$$ also on the M and have the ECU programmed by a pro or use the JB4+ chip and use the BMS Cold Air intake. After all you only need a few more Ponies. BTW Remove the horrible all season tires fun 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.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Getting rid of run flats is always a good choice. We're in the process of replacing the tires on our 2001 BMW 740iL and runflats hadn't quite made it to market when it rolled off the factory floor, luckily.

[@jayygtr]

At 2:40, he say this competes with Mercedes Benz GLE45 amg?

[@PRNTestDrive]

GLA.

[@gabilugira139]

Can you plz compare the X2 to Mazda Cx5

[@PRNTestDrive]

Truthfully I wouldn't compare those two, maybe the Mazda CX-30 though as it's slightly smaller and would line up better in terms of features, pricing, and overall size.

[@drxpsaucx4157]

I loved the review. Only downside is you're a Liverpool fan the 'YNWA' tattoo on your arm gave it away

[@PRNTestDrive]

Not what the tattoo is for, but I appreciate jumping to conclusions.

[@AndrewKarpyszyn]

Do you think this competes with the Alfa Stelvio?

[@Tonyx.yt.]

no, Stelvio compete with bigger X3 and before Neil said "but the Stelvio i tried had a poor equipement" his model was prior update.

[@audiwankenobi361]

@@Tonyx.yt. (Nile).

[@Tonyx.yt.]

@@audiwankenobi361 :)

[@PRNTestDrive]

Fingers crossed the 2019 Stelvio Quadrifoglio I have booked on the 9th of September still goes through ;) There's a recent recall out for it. I also have the 2020 X3M booked in early November.

[@Tonyx.yt.]

@@PRNTestDrive wow nice, Stelvio quadrifoglio is one of the quickest SUV in the world, with recorded 0-100kmh in just 3.6 Infotaiment now had Android auto/Apple carplay and improved CPU and i think more options are available for interiors like leather covered dashboard.

[@mlee6136]

A 56k hot hatchback in Canada, it becomes very painful at year 7 when rust starts to show around the hood and wheel arches.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Considering the X2 has only been in production since the 2018 model year I'd say it's hard to state the hood and wheel arches will rust after 7 years, when the oldest examples are only 48 months old at this point.

[@tedpendagast579]

There’s a 12 year warranty against rust

[@BenelliMr]

of course, this car is fully connected, Apple car play, BMW connect, and millions of other gadgets, except the clock. It is daylight savings time: I have to call my son, who tried hard for one hour in order to find out how to change the clock :( Also when you drive in a different time zone, we have to stop at the next parking and change the clock This in 2020 :(

[@PRNTestDrive]

I find a lot of cars don’t update properly for DST, I would be happy if they abolished it completely.

[@tmass1]

but an inline 6 in it and i'm buying it

[@PRNTestDrive]

Who knows, maybe an X2 M will happen, BMW seems to be going all-out these days.

[@stuntmonkey00]

I want to like this but I just can't see why you wouldn't get the Golf R instead; more practical shape, less crippled features. (No Android Auto? Come on...) Also, even though it's glaringly obvious, no reviewer seems to dare talk about how atrocious the rear visibility is with the center rear head rest blocking the way, It's a terrible design.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Rear visibility isn't great, I thought we did mention it in this video.

[@noobwow2009]

I would get golf R rather than this

[@PRNTestDrive]

That's a likely competitor in terms of performance, we drove a 2019 Golf R on a road-trip around the time we did this car.

[@siqongmason]

X2M? Yes, Really! xD

[@PRNTestDrive]

I can see it happening. I don't know if BMW will actually do it though, they seem to need to re-evaluate their offerings right now with everything going on, they haven't been doing so well compared to the other German luxury brands.

[@siqongmason]

@@PRNTestDrive Thanks so much for the reply! Wishful thinking, but an X2M + manual would be epic for me! Great Review & Much Love

[@xorbitman]

Don't buy the Harmon / Kardon Sound system. The premium sound system is good enough...just add your own tweeters and sub in the trunk. Save that $1,000 and put it towards other goodies.

[@vlankngl]

Speak 4 yourself, hi-fi audio is a personal taste just like dimming mirrors and cruise control.

[@BWM135]

Sounds like you all get more audio options than we get in the States. Here it's base, or HK. No in-between. My GF just picked up a '19 430i Coupe with the 9 speaker base system, and it leaves a lot to be desired. It's notably inferior to the base system in my 08 135i, which had the "Hifi" system as standard and still had an HK option. Seems the current cars no longer have the small subs under the seats on the standard system. Disappointing...

[@james2042]

for that price, if i was looking for something with a turbo 4 with over 300hp id get a silverado

[@tehgzizlauw1787]

These two cars target completely different markets

[@james2042]

@@tehgzizlauw1787 it's a joke lol

[@PRNTestDrive]

LOL!

[@james2042]

@@PRNTestDrive I mean it's like 40% larger displacement but still a turbo 4.

[@syncopowerstations]

You like Elton John, don't you.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Nope

[@sherriet2879]

Too small

[@ThePabloG30]

for the reviewer ? or generally?

[@paulm6481]

What is amazing to me is BMW goes to extent of making a vehicle here that looks good and unique, but then doesn’t put a electric only motor in it. I mean they already have many variety of ICE engined vehicles (x1) and X3, and mini brand that covers the unique ICE styling. Why can’t BMW use this look for electric only? I think this is opportunity lost. Perhaps this is why they have announced replacing their CEO and cutting back in models, too bad I also like the unusual looks even if not to everybody’s taste. And way too expensive.

[@PRNTestDrive]

This would be such an incredible replacement as the i3, this form factor works well, and putting a full EV setup in it would work, considering how well the Kia Niro did for us.

[@jeremiahbachmann3901]

Those pants don't look comfortable.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Why are you looking at my pants instead of the car. I’m flattered you’re checking me out but spend more time with your eyes on the car.