Last year, BMW introduced its all-new subcompact X2 crossover. In BMW tradition, the X2 is a sleeker, stylized version of the more formal X1 crossover. This year, there’s an exciting new edition to the X2 lineup.

The existing front-wheel-drive (FWD) sDrive28i and all-wheel-drive (AWD) xDrive28i models return for 2019, sharing between them a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, plus start-stop technology. They’re mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with sport- and manual-shift modes. The sDrive28i hits 60 miles per hour in a brisk 6.8 seconds, but that shrinks to 6.3 seconds with the xDrvie28i. Fuel economy ratings aren’t available as of this writing.

The big news for 2019 is the advent of the M35i model. BMW claims it to have the brand’s most powerful inline 4-cylinder engine yet. Though it’s the same basic 2.0-liter turbocharged unit the other models use, every major component was massaged and tweaked. Engineers reinforced the crankshaft, retrofitted new pistons, added a larger turbocharger, and even upgraded the cooling system. The end result is an engine that delivers a stout 306 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, which is more power than the BMW’s larger inline-6 engines were making a few years ago. The 60-mph mark rushes up in 4.9 seconds. Along with all that, the the M35i comes with standard intelligent AWD and a unique 8-speed automatic transmission with an integrated M Sport differential. Upgraded brakes and a unique suspension round out the mechanical upgrades. Fuel economy for the M35i, and its uprated engine, has not yet been released.

That’s not to say the M35i’s presentation is plain. It gets an aerodynamic design kit that’s based on the M Sport Package available on the other models, which includes light-gray surfaces for the grille, front fascia, side mirror caps, and lower cladding. Special side intakes provide additional cooled air to the dark blue brake calipers. The rear of the M35i comes with a special performance spoiler and special exhaust that can be both seen and heard, and 19-inch dual-color alloys fill out the wheel-wells. Inside, all the bits from the M Sport package are there, plus standard sport or optional M Sport seats designed to hug you during spirited driving.

The X2 continues to offer an impressive list of standard and optional features. The base configuration starts off with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights with cornering lights, LED fog lights, 10-way power front seats, leatherette upholstery, a 7-speaker, 205-watt sound system, a power tailgate, keyless start, and automatic climate control.

The Convenience Tier adds a garage door opener, auto dimming exterior and rearview mirrors, power-folding exterior mirrors, heated front seats, satellite radio, keyless access, a panoramic sunroof, and lumbar support. The Premium Tier tacks on a head-up display, a navigation system with touchpad controller and real-time traffic information, and a heated steering wheel. A Harman Kardon sound system, Apple CarPlay, and wireless charging are standalone options.

BMW made sure that the X2 is at least competitive in terms of safety features. A reversing camera and rain-sensing wipers come on every model. You can then add forward and reverse parking sensors, adaptive cruise, frontal-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam control, speed-limit recognition, and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert continue to be absent from the options list. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) evaluated the model last year, and awarded it a Top Safety Pick designation.

The BMW X2 takes the brand’s crossover design language to new heights, while the new M35i model gives it the teeth to back up it sporty shape. BMW says the M35i will hit showrooms in November of this year.