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According to Wikipedia, the term “hot hatch” (shortened from hot hatchback) is a high-performance version of a mass-produced hatchback car. The Volkswagen GTI, Subaru WRX, and Honda Civic Type R are perhaps the best known of the bunch, but a new generation of souped-up small crossover SUVs are giving those stalwarts a run for the proverbial money.
For our proverbial money, the new-for-2019 BMW X2 M35i is among the most entertaining of the bunch, combining rapid acceleration with adept handling abilities in a stylish package, and it even shows a practical side. We were fortunate to supplied to take an M35i out for an extended spin, in a model provided to us by BMW and, frankly, were deeply sorry to see it go after a week-long test.
The M35i is based on BMW’s X2 crossover, which is, in turn, derived from the X1. It’s a bit shorter and lower to the ground, and is capped with a sleeker coupe-like roofline. This makes it racier-looking than the X1, though you do sacrifice a bit of rear-seat headroom and cargo volume in the bargain.
The X2 M35i is expressive looking, overall, with BMW’s signature split-kidney grille up front, flanked by cat’s-eye LED headlamps that extend into the front fenders. M-specific lower air intakes afford added engine and brake cooling. Curves and creases running front-to-rear contribute to the vehicle’s extroverted appearance. The BMW logo is prominently applied to the thick rearmost window pillar and the hatch. The rear end features an M rear spoiler and dual M Sport exhausts.
The interior is cleanly and attractively cast, and can be accented with aluminum, wood, or (as was ours) gloss black trim. Entering the cabin is a bit more difficult than it could be, however, given the size and shape of the front doors. Large analog gauges face the driver, while a widescreen display for the car’s infotainment system sits atop the dashboard. Beneath it are analog controls for the audio and climate control systems, with BMW’s familiar iDrive system controlling most functions via a control knob and a few buttons on the center console behind the shift lever. Our tester included the optional head-up display and a small touchpad for the navigation system.
The version we drove came equipped with the available 12-way power M Sport seats that we found sufficiently supportive, but without sacrificing much in the way of comfort. We might not have chosen the shockingly bright red leather treatment our tester came with, however. The cabin is sufficiently spacious up front for tall adults, and though back seat room is lacking that’s to be expected in what’s considered a subcompact crossover.
While the X2 M35i is a looker, its outstanding performance is what seals the deal. Under the hood resides a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that channels a brisk 302 horsepower and a strong 332 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels. This is the first M Performance four-cylinder engine and is BMW’s most powerful turbo-four to date.
It’s mated to a quick-shifting eight-speed M Performance-tuned automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for quasi-manual operation, along with launch control for maximum off-the-line thrust. Mashing the accelerator to the floor affords a truly exhilarating experience. A nicely throaty exhaust note provides an appropriate soundtrack for a sprint to 60 mph in a breezy 4.9 seconds. The M335i features selectable sport, comfort, and eco-oriented driving modes, though we suspect few buyers will use the latter two choices much.
The X2 M335i’s handling is indeed energetic, thanks to a specially engineered M Sport suspension and the standard xDrive all-wheel-drive system. BMW says the M Sport limited-slip differential installed on the front axle reduces any loss of traction on the front wheels during assertive cornering. It’s eminently tossable, with fast and precise steering, given its quicker ratio than with the standard X2. There’s sufficient feedback transmitted to the driver through the steering wheel. Braking is likewise top-notch with upgraded calipers painted in a Dark Blue M metallic hue. Ours rode on the available 20-inch M double spoke wheels.
All the usual comfort and convenience features are represented. Our tester came with the excellent premium Harman Kardon surround audio system, with the latest version of BMW’s ConnectedDrive and Apple CarPlay systems affording maximum smartphone connectivity. A forward collision warning system is offered, but only with with low-speed auto-braking. Other available safety gear includes lane departure warning and active stop-and-go cruise control with a driving assistant function.
Of course, this all comes at what most reasonable people would consider a prohibitively stiff price. The X2 M335i starts out at $46,450, and ours bottom-lined with options and the destination charge at a healthy $55,020. Sure that’s an awful lot of money for a small crossover SUV, but it is incredibly fun to drive. Consider that it’s also roughly priced on a par with new Toyota Supra sports coupe, which is only a few tenths of a second quicker to 60 mph, and lacks the X2’s inherent practicality.
