Don't get too fixated on the X2 M35i's increased horsepower. The engine's 295 lb-ft of torque is actually a downgrade of 37 lb-ft compared to the outgoing model, and what's more, the 2024 model's torque thrust comes on at 2,000 rpm, rather than its predecessor's 1,750 rpm. That means the X2 feels more sluggish when pulling away from a stoplight than it did before. There isn't just less power available; it takes longer to get this small SUV up and moving.
The X2 is also heavier than before — some 127 pounds in M35i spec — which makes it more sluggish off the line. No, 5.2 seconds to 60 mph isn't a bad thing, but the old X2 M35i did the same deed in 4.9.
The steering has a decent amount of weight to its action when you dial up Sport mode, but there's a dearth of feedback about what's happening where the rubber meets the road. Happily, the adaptive dampers quell body motions during cornering, and the X2 M35i stops with confidence thanks to large 15.2-inch front and 13-inch rear M Sport Compound discs, a $700 option.
Despite being a full second slower to 60 mph, we bet the X2 xDrive28i — which we have yet to test — will be the better of the bunch. Smaller wheels with cushier tires and standard suspension tuning should prove to be a better fit for this more milquetoast X2.