Summarize

BMW has patched a few holes toward the top of its junior X ranges with the local release of the X2 M35i and the X3 and X4 M40ds.

Starting with the new X2 M35i that gains a 225kW 450Nm version of BMW’s 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine turning the default BMW 8-speed automatic and intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive technology to top the X2 range with 4.9 second 0 to 100km/h acceleration. 

The top X2 gets stiffer dual mode adaptive M Sport suspension and an M Sport Differential for the front axle and M Sport braking. Set apart by Cerium Grey trim and HD technology head and fog lights and a distinctive M rear spoiler with M Sport twin exhausts, 19-inch or optional 20-inch M Sport light alloy, while the M Sport tricks spread inside to a leather shift paddle steering wheel and optional M sports seats and more at R809K on the road.

BMW at the same time rolled out the new 240kW 680Nm (that’s not a typo, it is six hundred and eighty Newton metres!) turbodiesel X3 and X4 M40ds, both also good for 4.9 seconds to 100km/h, a 250km/h top end and 6.4 l/100km at 170g/km CO2 to fill the holes left open for a top diesel model in both of those ranges at launch last year. 

Similar in spec to the M40i petrols we have already driven, expect the same frisky and seriously quick nature as their petrol siblings and lack of body roll or tyre protest with a precise and adjustable steering. The X3 M40d will set you back R1.02 million, while the X4 goes for R1.13 bar.