The 2020 BMW X2 M35i is a special SUV. Technically, there is only one engine on offer but BMW does some serious tweaks on that same 2.0L, Intercooled turbo engine, and it lets out a bonkers 301 hp & 331 lb-ft of torque. This is the most powerful 2.0L Turbo 4 pot engine made by BMW and probably the best among all. These power figures are close to a Naturally Aspirated V6 engine, thus BMW has done some commendable work on this engine.
All this power is sent to all wheels via the standard AWD setup. The SUV gets an 8-speed automatic transmission, and it is slick shifting. With the help of paddle shifters, you can enjoy the transmission in manual mode as well. The outright acceleration of the 2020 X2 M35i is crazy fast, covering the 0-60MPH in just 4.7 seconds, the best in this class. Yes, the X2 M35i is a compact SUV, but regardless of that, such performance with just a 2.0L engine is nothing short of an engineering marvel.
Models
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2020 BMW X2 M35i
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2020 Jaguar E-Pace R-Dynamic
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2020 MINI Countryman JCW
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2020 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design
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MSRP
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$46,450
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$46,600
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$41,400
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$41,950
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Engine
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2.0L Intercooled Turbo Inline-4
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2.0L Intercooled Turbo Inline-4
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2.0L Intercooled Turbo Inline-4
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2.0L Intercooled Turbo Inline-4
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Drivetrain
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AWD
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AWD
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AWD
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AWD
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Transmission
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8-speed automatic
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9-speed automatic
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8-speed automatic
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8-speed automatic
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Power
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301hp @ 5,000rpm
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296hp @ 5,500rpm
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301hp @ 5,200rpm
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248hp @ 5,500rpm
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Torque
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331lb-ft @ 1,750rpm
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295lb-ft @ 1,500rpm
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331lb-ft @ 1,450rpm
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258lb-ft @ 1,800rpm
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0-60 MPH (sec)
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4.7
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6.1
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4.6
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6.7
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Quarter mile (sec)
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14.9
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15.0
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N/A
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15.1
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Top Speed (MPH)
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155
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143
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155
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N/A
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This engine specs comparison is living proof of what engine tuning can do. All the SUVs come powered with a 2.0L engine with forced induction, but we still have a diverse power range across the rivals. MINI borrows its engine from BMW, and thus they have almost similar power and torque figures. The Jaguar E-Pace R-Dynamic is the only one that comes close to the X2’s power and handling characteristics. When comparing the price range, both MINI and Volvo stay back with a price tag close to $41,000.
How well does the 2020 BMW X2 M35i handle?
The X2’s small size is bad news for interior space, but the exact opposite for driving dynamics. The size and weight make the X2 M35i a nimble SUV that is happy to dive into corners. This SUV is meant for fun and athleticism, and the M Sport suspension setup is the reason why it is so agile to handle. While this makes driving this SUV fun & engaging, it makes the ride quality stiffer. There is an option to get the adaptive suspension which will ease off things a little bit.
The xDrive system with a properly weighted steering wheel inspires confidence within any conditions given. With such power and sporty setup, the 2020 X2 M35i is a dream to drive on the highways, just try to dodge the tiny cracks or rough patches. The standard wheel setup on the M35i gets 19-inch wheels, and please don’t get those optional 20-inches. If you really like to roll out in low-profile looks, then add the adaptive suspension as well.
Braking Performance
For the 2020 X2 M35i variant, BMW says it gets bigger than standard brakes, though we don’t know the size, and the braking distance data is not available either. One positive factor that could work in favor of this SUV would be the size and weight. It’s the lightest vehicle in its segment at 3,721 lbs, and that could positively help X2 in braking.
Models
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2020 BMW X2 M35i
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2020 Jaguar E-Pace R-Dynamic
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2020 MINI Countryman JCW
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2020 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design
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Brake Rotors: Front (inches)
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N/A
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13.7
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N/A
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13.6
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Brake Rotors: Rear (inches)
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N/A
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11.8
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N/A
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11.9
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Curb Weight (lbs.)
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3721
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4175
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3613
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3756
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60-0 MPH (feet)
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N/A
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130
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N/A
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N/A
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The Jaguar E-Pace is the heaviest in the group, and the brakes set up on this one stops the SUV in 130 feet, quite an average result for this class. We don’t have technical data for the MINI and BMW. The Volvo XC40 also gets similarly sized brakes and should stop the vehicle at similar distances like the Jaguar does. When comparing the curb weight, all the SUVs except the Jaguar stay below the 4,000 lbs mark, thus we can expect better braking performance at the end of the day.