BMW gives us the expected spin-off from the third-generation X1 compact SUV range, but this time around the X2 looks much more like its big siblings, the X4 and X6, rather than a quirky hatchback version of an existing machine. The questions are, will buyers prefer this more rakish appearance, and does the X2 drive in an appreciably sharper and more rewarding fashion to merit its sweeping roofline? We've tried the flagship M35i model to find out.

In the metal

Coupe-SUVs are contentious things, but we have to say the BMW X2 doesn't mortally offend our sensibilities. It's perhaps a corollary of its size, in that it's not enormous and hulking like an X6, so it doesn't seem as vulgar, but there's also no doubting it's quite a clean piece of design work. There's definition to the flanks, the kidney grilles up front don't seem so ridiculous, and the neat little ducktail spoiler on the boot with the meatier diffuser of the M35i gives the BMW pleasing purpose. It perhaps helps when it's finished in signature Frozen Tampa Bay Green and sitting under the shining sun, but we're of the opinion the X2 is probably BMW's best-looking coupe-SUV yet...

In order to get that roofline, however, it is inevitable that the X2 has got bigger. Like, much bigger. It's nearly 20cm (194mm) longer from tip to tail, for example, but it's also 64mm taller and 21mm wider, with a stretched wheelbase. The net outcome of this is more space in the second row for passengers, despite the descending rake of the ceiling, and then a bigger boot, measuring 560 litres minimum in the petrol models.

Inside, a high-quality if somewhat austere dashboard is topped with the Curved Display, and this works well in the main - even if most of the functions are now on the central touchscreen. BMW appoints the X2 M35i's cabin with great material finishes and a sense of solidity befitting of its elevated price tag, while the paddle shifts on the steering wheel deserve praise - they look and feel superb, which is not always a given in the modern era of carefully building even premium cabins down to a price.

Driving it

Objectively, the BMW X2 M35i xDrive - using a 300hp/400Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine plus seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and xDrive all-wheel traction - is a supremely talented car. It excels in many areas and has notable weakness in few, and whether you get in it to drive slow and steady, mid-paced and mellow, or fast and furious, it will respond, and respond well. There are few situations where you'll realistically find it wanting.

The problem is that, subjectively speaking, it's all just a bit dull. And while it is 'only' an M Performance model, and not a 'full-on M car', your levels of expectation are nevertheless raised by the use of BMW's most revered monogram and tricolour stripe motif.

If we could liken the X2 M35i to any other, similar high-performance crossover-SUV we've driven in the past, what it feels is rather Audi-like, perhaps a bit SQ2-esque... and that might be the biggest dynamic criticism we could ever level at a BMW. It's all very safe. You get masses of grip and masses of traction, and plenty of strong punch from that 2.0-litre engine, but the surprisingly lightweight steering (controlled through one of BMW's way-too-fat M Performance wheels, which further robs its driver of precious feel) and a lack of any fluency or adjustability in the chassis makes the X2 M35i entirely predictable. You point it where you want to go, you press the throttle and it goes there, quickly and with little drama. Anyone can get the best from this car within minutes of climbing into its driver's seat.

At no point, however, does such steadfast and metronomic handling put a great, big smile on your face. Nor will the rather anodyne soundtrack from the 2.0-litre engine up front. While BMW has done its best to augment the engine's exertions without making its amplifications too obviously fake, what you end up with is a somewhat flat, boost-led hissing from up front, and the occasional, contrived rumble-and-thud from the exhaust.

There's a bigger problem, too, in that this M35i doesn't feel as good to drive or as rabidly quick as the 306hp X2 M35i it replaces. It's not massively heavier than the old model but having lost 50Nm of torque - far more relevant than the mere 6hp peak power deficit it has to work with - makes it feel blunted by comparison. It's not as if the previous X2 M35i was some kind of groundbreaking performance vehicle that delivered a truly seminal drive, you understand; it's simply that this new, sportier-looking version doesn't feel quite as good or interesting to drive.

Otherwise, it rides reasonably well considering its 20-inch wheels and sports suspension, albeit with the odd jolt and bounce that reminds you you're in the speedy flagship rather than the base model, and it limits noises in the passenger compartment to the utmost degree. But then, you could say the same of other X2 models that are a lot cheaper than this one is. Not least the xDrive30e EV, which feels a more rounded and appealing vehicle than the more expensive M35i.

What you get for your money

At almost €81,000 in Ireland before options, the BMW X2 M35i xDrive is going to be a niche purchase here. For that money, you obviously get the power and speed of the M35i, plus all the M Performance-specific trappings outside and in to go with it, as well as equipment such as split-zone climate control, an automatic tailgate, the 40:20:40 through-loading rear seat bench, cruise control with brake function and more, but it's still an awful lot of money for a car that won't ever provide the most scintillating driving experience.

Summary

BMW's X2 M35i xDrive might look sportier and now it has a 'proper' coupe shape to its body, but it seems to have lost something in the transition from the old model to this new one. It's not quite as alive and intriguing as it was before, but by way of recompense it has more advanced in-car tech, a superb interior and top-notch rolling refinement. We think there are better-value models elsewhere in the new X2's line-up, but for some the allure of that M badge on the coupe-SUV's hatch may be too much to resist.