New X2 a BMW SUV with Mini-attitude
BMW’S new baby SUV owes quite a lot to the Mini brand, reports David Linklater.
The new BMW X2 kind-of is and kind-of isn’t a coupe version of the X1 SUV. It’s definitely based on the X1 platform (also shared with the latest Mini), so a lot of the hardware is the same. It also follows the same nomenclature path as its larger siblings: there’s a coupe version of the X3 called the X4, and another derived from the X5 called the X6. Odds and evens.
However, while the X4/X6 are basically versions of their respective base vehicles but with really curvy rooflines, the X2 is very much its own thing in terms of styling. This is partly from necessity, because having a coupelike sweeping profile is nearimpossible on a compact vehicle at least if you want to be able to sit in the back.
But it’s also because BMW wanted to make the X2 more of a standalone model. Styling-wise it owes little to X1, and underneath there have been some small but significant changes to give it a different dynamic character. More about those in a minute.
Our launch drive of the X2 in Portugal kind-of was and kind-of wasn’t representative of the model being launched in New Zealand in March.
When the X2 gets here, it’ll be available in two versions: the $60,900 sdrive 18i and the $70,900 sdrive 20i. They’re both petrolturbo, front-wheel drive models: the former with a 100kw/220nm three-cylinder powerplant, the latter with a 2.0-litre 141kw/ 280Nm unit. Both will have BMW’S new dual-clutch sevenspeed automatic transmission.
The sole model available for the launch drive was the xdrive 20d, which is a turbo-diesel all-wheel drive model that retains a conventional eight-speed automatic. Which was very far from ideal from a Kiwi perspective.
But the test car was in the same M Sport specification as the 20i we’ll get, with its 10mm-lower suspension. There’s some extra weight with the diesel (about 85kg) but given that the xdrive system on this front-drive platform is essentially an on-demand set-up, the handling and ride of our xdrive 20d is still pretty close to the Kiwi-specification sdrive 20i.
Let’s start by sizing up the X2. BMW’S intention was to make it look as small and sporty as possible, but it’s deceptively large. It has the same wheelbase as an X1, although it’s 79mm shorter overall and 72mm lower. So you get the same legroom, but give up 60mm of rear headroom. It’s down on bootspace, but not by much: 470 litres, or 35 less than the X1.
More to the point, the X2 has presence compared with its obvious and not-so-obvious rivals. It’s natural to compare it with the Audi Q2, but the X2 is actually 169mm longer and 30mm wider. The new BMW is closer to the Q3 in size and price.
The most obvious target for the X2 is perhaps the Mercedes-benz GLA, which is still 64mm longer but 20mm narrower than the BMW. There’s also the forthcoming Jaguar E-pace and Volvo XC40.
Much of the X2’s appeal lies in the details. The ‘‘coupe’’ shape is really not too different from a tall hatchback, but it looks unlike anything else in the BMW range and the Munich maker has certainly loosened the corporate tie a little with its new baby.
Look closely and the iconic kidney grilles are actually upsidedown on the X2 - a first for a modern BMW, although it’s about to do the same on the forthcoming 8-series. It serves a purpose in making the X2 seem wider than it is, but it’s also supposed to be a bit cheeky.
You’ll also notice the BMW roundel attached to the C-pillar. That might make the purists frown, but it’s a reference back to some classic BMW coupes of the 1970s.
Or there’s the X2 twist on the obligatory M Sport kit, which can be specified in an ‘‘X’’ configuration (standard for the 20i in NZ). It adds some Suvappropriate styling detail back into the package, including contrast-colour elements on the M Sport bumpers and sill extensions.
It’s not all show. The X2 body style is 10 per cent stiffer than the X1 anyway, but the steering has been made more direct and the chassis has been tuned with more camber angle on the front axle, new spring and damper rates and a new design of stabiliser-bar bushing that has a ‘‘preload’’ function. This, says the company, allows the X2 to resist roll without adversely affecting ride.
Our M Sport test car was on the standard 19-inch wheels, so a size down on the 20in rims that the NZ 20i will wear. But it still had a very sporty feel, with direct steering and excellent body control through brisk corners. Admittedly smooth ones on our test route, but it’s clear that the X2 has a different dynamic gait to the X1 on the road. Think of it as a step towards Mini (same platform, remember) in terms of character and responsiveness. Not all the way, but definitely in that direction.
It remains to be seen how the X2 chassis matches up to the petrol engine and dual-clutch gearbox of the Nz-specification cars, but given you’ll be getting more revs and quicker cogchanges, it’s pretty promising. The big question is whether the automated-manual transmission can keep its cool in city driving and parking.
Inside, most of the cabin architecture is borrowed from the X1, but it’s more colourful and it picks up the very latest control systems, including idrive with a touch screen. Despite the low(ish) roofline, it is also quite practical: adult-sized rear seats and decent luggage space, with BMW’S signature 40/20/40-split rear seats. A power tailgate is standard across the range.
The X2 is less of a niche thing than BMW’S other Suv-coupe models. While the X4/X6 are outsold by their more conventional X3/X5 siblings threeto-one, BMW NZ expects the X2 to be a far stronger sales proposition against the X1 - without being terribly specific, because the company does not discuss sales expectations. The X1 is its second biggest-selling SUV, behind X5.
If you still think all-wheel drive adds credibility to an SUV (how old-fashioned), don’t rule out an xdrive 20i in the future. It’s a model which isn’t launched in Europe until the second quarter.
However, don’t hold your breath for that 20d: diesel vehicles were just 34 per cent of BMW NZ volume last year, well down from 47 per cent in 2016.