Last year, BMW unveiled the X2 coupe-style SUV in an attempt to lure trendy millennials away from the Mercedes GLA. Credit where it's due, the X2 looks attractive, sporting a decidedly different design language compared to other BMWs to help set it apart. So far, BMW has only announced the smaller engines that will be available for the X2, the most powerful of which being the 228 horsepower xDrive28i with a dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive, which will be sold in the US.

While the X2 shares its UKL platform with the Mini, that hasn't stopped BMW from cooking up a hot M35i version as the new range-topper. No, it's not a fully-fledged M model, sadly, but the high performance X2 SUV is rumored to deliver at least 300 horsepower courtesy of a 2.0 liter, four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine connected to an automatic transmission. This performance boost should allow the X2 M35i to outperform the X2 28i, which accelerates from 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds before hitting a top speed of 143 mph. Our spies recently caught a prototype BMW X2 M35i wearing very little camouflage.

Seizing the opportunity, our spy photographer snapped some cheeky photos of the practically naked performance SUV being put through its paces in the snow while the test drivers were on their lunch break. As a result, they were able to get some close-up shots revealing some of the exterior enhancements. The only visible camouflage is on the front fascia to hide the larger intakes. As standard, the M Sport Package adds a sportier front fascia and additional body-color trim, along with larger alloy wheels and upgraded brakes with distinctive blue calipers. Our spies also noticed bigger exhaust pipes that deliver a more aggressive sound.

Little has changed inside, though the backrests of the front seats were covered presumably to disguise the M35i markings. No word yet on when the BMW X2 M35i will debut, but these spy shots suggest we'll see it sooner rather than later.