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Jun 15, 2023

New 2023 BMW X2 spied in hot M35i form

BMW’s seemingly endless new product offensive isn’t showing signs of slowing down, with the smallest of its fastback SUVs ready for a complete reinvigoration later this year. Spied in hot M35i form,

BMW’s seemingly endless new product offensive isn’t showing signs of slowing down, with the smallest of its fastback SUVs ready for a complete reinvigoration later this year. Spied in hot M35i form, this top-spec model will join a wider BMW X2 range, and will rival the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 and Volkswagen T-Roc R when it arrives.

Thanks to the recently revealed X1 M35i, we have plenty to draw on when it comes to the new X2 M35i’s technical makeup starting with the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that’s expected to power it. Producing 296bhp at 5750rpm and a healthy 400Nm of torque between 2,000rpm and 4,500rpm, these numbers are only very slightly behind the existing X2 M35i, due largely to stricter emissions laws being enforced in the UK and Europe.

Drive will reach all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, with chassis hardware such as lowered and stiffened suspension with adjustable dampers, uprated brakes and a more direct steering ratio expected to highlight the dynamic package.

Like the current X2, however, the new model is expected to lead largely on aggressive styling, some of which we can already see through the camouflage. Visible straight away is a more angular front end design that references the latest X6 with its down-turned kidney grilles. Within them, the X2 M35i looks to have incorporated horizontal slats à la other full-house M models, sat in a chunky and aggressive lower bumper with a new mesh insert.

The rest of the body, although more heavily disguised, clearly shows a different rear end to the existing X2 thanks to a more aggressively sloping roofline and an integrated lip spoiler. This will sit above slim rear lights with BMW’s latest lighting signature, as well as four exhaust pipes in the lower bumper – another feature borrowed from BMW M’s larger models.

Inside, we expect a few new finishes and interior colour options, but it will likely keep to the X1’s simple, tech-focused design highlighted by BMW’s twin-screen interface. Rear seat headroom will likely be compromised due to that sloping roofline, but it shouldn’t affect rear legroom or overall boot space under the parcel shelf.

We expect the X2 M35i to be revealed alongside the standard car and an all-electric iX2 later this year, priced just above the more family-friendly X1. The X1 range currently starts at around £35,000, rising to a touch under £46,000 for the top-spec M35i model.

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Senior staff writer at Auto Express, Jordan joined the team after six years at evo magazine where he specialised in news and reviews of cars at the high performance end of the car market.