An SUV that’s a cylinder short
A three-cylinder engine in BMW’s posh X2 SUV seems like short-change. Far from it, writes
BMW has introduced a new entry-level version of its X2 compact SUV, powered by a 1.5-litre threecylinder engine. Could less mean more for this quirky car?
This is just a Mini, right?
Yes and no. Like all X2 models, the new sDrive18i is based on a frontdrive platform shared with the new-gen Mini (and the X2’s sister SUV, the BMW X1). That’s why it’s front-drive rather than BMW’s traditional rear-drive configuration; there is one X2, the flagship xDrive20i, that’s all-wheel drive.
The three-cylinder engine fitted to our X2 further highlights the Mini connection because it’s a really big part of the British brand’s powertrain lineup.
However, there’s plenty of pure BMW in the X2: styling inside and out and even the driving dynamics. In sportiness, the X2 sits between the more cruisy X1 SUV and the energetic Mini, but it’s its own thing: unique steering calibration, different camber angle on the front axle and new spring/damper rates.
A three-pot BMW with frontdrive doesn’t sound like fun. Is it?
On the surface, you’re giving up a lot in the 18i compared with the four-cylinder 20i. The three-pot engine is down 41kW/60Nm, it takes a full two seconds longer to get to 100kmh and it’s not even that much more economical: 5.4 litres per 100km for the entry car versus 5.9l for the bigger one.
It’d be easy to argue that the only reason you’d go for the 18i is the $10,000 saving over the 20i.
But that $10k is just the icing on a three-tier cake because what the facts and figures don’t convey is... soul. The four-cylinder engine in the 20i is efficient and sensible, the three-cylinder engine in the 18i is eager and packed full of character. It goes ‘‘pup pup’’ on the outside and sounds appealingly thrummy under load on the inside.
It just makes you smile and combined with the X2’s quickshifting dual-clutch gearbox and capable chassis, encourages you to use every engine revolution available.
You can also drive it harder (if not faster) than the sDrive20i, because there’s less torque to make the driven wheels loose traction in tight corners or on damp roads. The ride is also superior on the smaller 18-inch wheels.
The main downside is a lot of lag away from the lights in urban driving – especially if there’s a hill involved. It’s a combination of the time it takes the tiny engine to muster muscle from standstill (which is partly, but not solely, down to turbo lag) and the machinations of the automated clutches.
But overall, it’s a hoot to drive. The three-cylinder powertrain suits the tongue-in-cheek character of the X2 perfectly.
Speaking of that: if it’s an SUV, why doesn’t it look like one?
Think of the X2 as a coupe version 1.5-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder, 100kW/220Nm, 7-speed automated dual-clutch transmission, FWD, Combined economy 5.4 litres per 100km.
4360mm long, 1526mm high, 2670mm wheelbase, luggage capacity 470 litres, 18-inch alloy wheels.
We like: Tiny engine is sheer joy, base X2 looks better without the M Sport X bling, surprisingly practical. We don’t like: Not a lot of economy gain over four-cylinder version, slow progress from standstill.
of the X1 SUV. It’s also something of a styling exercise for BMW, which allowed the designers quite a bit of latitude to have fun with the brand’s styling heritage. That’s why the kidney grilles are upside down and the C-pillar carries a BMW-badge like some of the marque’s classic coupes from the past.
The 18i does look quite different to the more expensive 20i. It doesn’t get the M Sport styling kit and larger wheels, for a start.
It’s all a matter of taste, of course, but the more pared-down look of the 18i is less pretentious, more cheeky.
The black bumper trim and sills emphasise the ground clearance and sans-bling the eye is drawn more to the low roof and coupe-like styling proportions.
If you must dress up the 18i in M Sport fashion, you can: $5500 for the body kit with 19-inch wheels and another $1500 for the 20-inch rims.
Are you getting enough for your money?
Even at an entry price of $60k, the X2 18i seems pretty pricey. No denying that. But have you seen
Any other cars I should consider?
Compact SUVs from premium brands: they’re everywhere.
One of the pioneers is the Mercedes-Benz GLA, which you can buy in 1.6-litre FWD form for the same price as the X2 sDrive18i.
More recent high-profile arrivals are the Volvo XC40 and Jaguar E-Pace. The Swedish model enters just under $60k in 2.0-litre front-drive form, but the Brit one has higher ideas: the entry E-Pace is diesel, it’s only available in AWD and it starts at $70k.
Assuming you want more of a fashion-forward SUV and you’ve ruled out the more traditional BMW X1, there’s always the Mini Countryman, which starts at $46k. It’s a very different vehicle to the X2... but very similar in the oily bits underneath.
BMW X2 sDrive18i Base price: $60,900. Powertrain and performance:
Vital statistics: