BMW X2 showcased locally, to be launched in July  

KUALA LUMPUR: After introducing the G02 X4 and launching the X5 in the country, BMW Malaysia has another surprise to offer. The German automaker has unveiled the X2 M35i and announced that it would be launched in July. The flagship variant is the one to arrive in Malaysia and would set you back by RM 400,000. Included in this cost are five-year unlimited mileage warranty, free scheduled service programme, and tyre warranty programme.

This M performance model of X2 houses a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder mill under its hood that develops a maximum power of 306 hp along with a peak torque of 450 Nm. It is to be noted that it is the first M Performance BMW to feature a four-cylinder mill and is the most powerful four-pot to come out of Munich. On the performance front, with the given configuration, the car can touch the 100 kmph mark in 4.9 seconds and its top speed is restricted at 250 kmph. The mill carries a redesigned cooling system and is coupled to an xDrive AWD system along with an 8-speed automatic gearbox with launch control.

Seeing the above-mentioned figures, it can be said that the X2 is less potent than the Mercedes-AMG GLS 45. However, it makes a noticeable jump over the X2 that was launched in March 2018. The older model was powered by a B48 2.0-litre turbo 4-cylinder mill that churned a maximum power of 192 hp and 280 Nm of torque. The 0 to 100 kmph trip took a good 7.7 seconds and was priced at RM 320,800.

The ride quality is supreme thanks to the M Sport adaptive suspension with selectable modes. Also, present is an M Sport mechanical differential on the front axle; it minimises traction loss. Other elements that contribute are the enhanced brakes (18-inch front discs and 17-inch rear ) and revised settering tuning. The car runs on 20-inch Style 721M units wrapped in 225/40 Pirelli P-Zero run-flat tyres.

As for the exterior design, it is the same as for any car with M Sport package, not to forget it comes with a few extra spices.

BMW X2 equipment list -

• Large front air inlets
• Kidney grille
• Dual exhaust tip with 100 mm diameter
• M Performance exhaust system
• M Sport seats
• BMW ConnectedDrive ( Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices, Concierge Services, and Remote Services)
• BMW Navigation Plus system
• 8.8-inch touch display
• Head-up display
• Harman Kardon 360W, 12-speaker system