Final week, we instructed you about our first drive within the new Mini Countryman John Cooper Works, Mini’s new little crossover. This week, it is the flip of a associated mannequin, constructed on the identical automobile structure: BMW’s new X2 crossover, or “Sports activities Exercise Coupe” in BMW-speak. As we’ll discover out, the BMW shares a couple of trait with the Countryman JCW.

BMW had an array of X2 M35is, all painted the identical “Frozen Tampa Bay” shade of inexperienced, which begins within the US at $51,400. There is a less-powerful $42,000 X2 xDrive28i coming right here as nicely, however North American prospects won’t be provided the battery-electric iX2—BMW’s product planners evidently did not suppose importing the diminutive EV could be worthwhile. Exterior the US, BMW expects 1 in 5 X2s to be electrical.

The primary-generation X2 (and the extra upright-looking X1) have been divisive vehicles even by BMW requirements. The brand new one is barely larger than earlier than, at 179.3 inches (4,554 mm) lengthy, 72.6 inches (1,844 mm) extensive, and 62.6 inches (1,590 mm) tall. That interprets to extra rear legroom and extra cargo quantity on the again, nevertheless it’s not an enormous machine—a contact larger than the Audi Q3 however a bit smaller than a Mercedes-Benz GLB.

It is not probably the most elegant automotive to emerge from BMW’s design studio in recent times, though the styling tweaks for the M35i model—a special entrance splitter, quad exhaust pipes, an M-specific rear spoiler, and an illuminated kidney grille—are visually somewhat daring. The three-dimensional gentle cluster particulars are somewhat fascinating.

The X2 M35i is powered by a turbocharged 2.0 L four-cylinder gasoline engine that generates 312 hp (233 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm), ample to propel it to 60 mph (98 km/h) in 5.2 seconds through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that sends energy to all 4 wheels.

BMW says it has closely revised the suspension of the brand new X2, which shares the same structure to the outdated mannequin however with little or no elements carryover. On the street, the primary factor you discover is that the experience is sort of agency, with loads of lateral jostling at low speeds over bumps or potholes regardless of adaptive dampers as customary.

It is also not notably partaking to drive on a twisty street, with little really feel communicated via the fat-rimmed steering wheel. The gearbox’s management logic was ok to not must trouble with shifting manually through the paddles, however an extended pull on the left paddle engages an overboost operate for a short while.

As with the Mini Countryman JCW, the noises that accompany spirited driving are fairly synthetic in nature, being performed to the occupants through the automotive’s inside audio system. This retains noise ranges low for bystanders, and whereas a lot of my colleagues discovered the sounds too contrived for his or her tastes, I really fairly appreciated the pops and crackles.

Whereas the automotive wasn’t that thrilling to drive, I used to be impressed with how nicely it coped throughout a violent rainstorm. It dealt with puddles of standing water with no trace of hydroplaning, though a rear windshield wiper could be a welcome addition.

The cabin design is somewhat fussy, and there is a large blind spot from the motive force’s facet A pillar that mars in any other case good ahead visibility. The rear windshield is somewhat small, however. And on the subject of complaints, the cubby constructed into the armrest between the entrance seats is simply too weirdly formed to have the ability to accommodate a smartphone—I am undecided what you are supposed to have the ability to retailer there aside from pens, pencils, and perhaps brief rulers.

The X2 makes use of BMW’s newest working system 9, like the larger and costlier vehicles within the lineup. I am usually an enormous fan of the newest model of iDrive, which provides glorious voice recognition and a UI that principally helps the motive force out. However just like the Mini Countryman, within the X2 it feels as if the infotainment system is underpowered.

Nevertheless, I did lastly take a look at BMW’s in-car gaming, which additionally appeared within the BMW i5 we examined final yr. It is known as AirConsole, and you utilize your cellphone as a controller, pairing it to the system through a QR code. There is a Mario Kart clone that is satisfactory, and my drive accomplice and I attempted a trivia recreation, too.

Whereas I am speaking tech, I must also reward the augmented view for the navigation system, which overlays large arrows onto a video feed to indicate you precisely which flip it desires you to take. The My BMW App integration can be somewhat nicely applied—you need to use an Android or iOS cellphone as a digital key for the automotive, in addition to remotely lock and unlock the doorways or the cargo hatch.

If all of that sounds compelling, it is best to already have the ability to discover the X2 M35i in inventory at BMW dealerships.