Standing out from the crowd

ROAD TEST/ Lerato Matebese finds out if the new BMW X2 is just a dolled up X1 or whether it genuinely has a character all of its own

Barring the forthcoming BMW X7 and the rumoured X8, the German premium marque has essentially plugged every other X number suffix below that with an X range to appease a wide group of buyers and their respective budgets.

We recently spent time with the latest X model, the X2, which is essentially a sportier version of the X1, much like the X4 is to the X3 and the X6 to the X5. Built on a similar platform as the current X1, the cabin has similar dimensions and architecture as its sibling and shares it frontwheel drive layout and engines.

Externally, the X2 couldn’t have been further from its sibling and showcases the Bavarian firm’s latest design language with a much wider kidney grille, sharper headlights and slimmer rear lights, the latter also set to be a feature on the new, forthcoming X4 and 8 Series.

As standard in SA, the X2 comes kitted out with the M Sport package, which comprises a sportier body kit, 20-inch alloy wheels, while an assortment of vivid exterior colours can be had, including the Sunset Orange of our test car and the BMW roundel on the C-pillar looks cool and harks back to the 1971 BWM 3.0 CS.

Motivation in this instance came in the form of the 2.0l Twin-Power turbo petrol engine, which powers the front wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Output numbers are 141kW and 280Nm.

The 470l boot is accessible via a high opening boot lid, while the rear doors proved rather accommodative too, even allowing me to fit my son’s car seat in narrow parking spaces as you would at shopping malls.

The front seats have good scope for adjustment, but I felt

The design of the X2 definitely gives it more character than many rivals. Right: The rear has that coupelike crossover look and the return of the roundel on the C-pillar. Left: The interior is similar to its X1 sibling.