New BMW X2 top-end variant introduced with 306 horsepower and new features

MANILA: BMW, the giant German luxury automaker, has just added a new member in the premium SUV X2 series. The X2 was added to the brand’s crossover portfolio last year. Among the existing variants, the most powerful one is equipped with a four-cylinder, twin-turbocharged engine which is capable of thrusting out a maximum of 231 horsepower along with a peak torque of 350 Nm.

However, wouldn’t be the most powerful variant now as the in-house M tuner of BMW gets into business and has made the most powerful trim in the X2 series thus far. Plus, this powerful model would even get some premium styling packages.

The variant of the BMW X2 is known as M35i and is the top variant in the lineup. Though being powered by the same four-cylinder, twin-turbo, 2.0-litre engine, the change in tuning, would cause the engine to pump out a maximum of 306 horsepower and more torque as 450 Nm.

The crossover gets the most powerful four-cylinder engine from the manufacturer so far. An 8-speed Steptronic transmission sends the power from the engine to wheels. The power is enough to get it to accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just 4.9 seconds.

Speaking of the design, the BMW X2 M35i shares almost the same exterior elements as other variants. Only a twin-exhaust setup dons the rear now. The front bumper and rear-view mirrors, get the Cerium Gray paint. Also, new 19-inch wheels can be spotted that keep the large brakes out of sight.

The crossover is equipped with an M Sport suspension system that are stiffer on the tuning. Also, two different driving modes - Sport and Comfort tweak the adaptive suspension response. And since the engine is now more powerful, the brakes in the front and back are larger. The traction of the front wheel is enhanced with the help of an M Sport Differential.

This sporty BMW X2 M35i will hit the production phase in November 2018, and is expected to go on the sale in Europe around the first quarter.