New BMW X2 arrives with more space and style
Good practicality and sporting design don’t always go hand in hand, but that’s not the case in the second-generation BMW X2 which has arrived in SA boasting both sharpened looks and increased space.
As the sportier-styled cousin of the X1 SUV, much like the X4 is to the X3, the new X2 attracts a more fashion-conscious clientele with its coupé-style roofline, but the eye-catching design is accompanied by a significant growth spurt over the old model. The premium sports activity coupé, as BMW refers to the X2, is also available with a more powerful engine than offered in the X1 range.
Taking on rivals such as the Audi Q3 Sportback, BMW’s compact coupé-SUV is sold locally in two petrol variants — the front-wheel drive X2 sDrive18i and the all-wheel drive X2 M35i xDrive — and I spent time driving both at the media launch in Gauteng last week.
First up was to test the room inside the enlarged cabin, and I can affirm BMW has packaged practical space inside a vehicle which has grown in length, width and height. Sitting in the back behind a drivers’ seat set to my desired position, my knees didn’t touch the backrest and there was also sufficient head room under the curvy roof (I’m 1.82m tall). The X2 seems capable of comfortably accommodating up to five adult passengers as BMW claims.
Boot space is similarly impressive at 560l which should swallow a lot of holiday luggage, and it expands to a generous 1,470l with the rear seats folded flat (the X1’s boot offers 5401,600l). Only the X2 sDrive18i comes with a spare tyre (a space-saver) while the M35i xDrive makes do with a puncture repair kit.
Wrapping the X2’s enlarged cabin is a body that has a more athletic persona than the X1, which has a traditional high-roof SUV design. The X2’s coupé-like silhouette and hexagonal kidney grille (optionally illuminated) add boy-racer flair to the family crossover, and the sporting vibes are enhanced by “foureyed” daytime driving lights.
An M Sport package is standard on the 18i variant while an optional M Sport Pro package spices up the looks further with items such as high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim, rear spoiler and red brake calipers. The X2 M35i xDrive has a unique rear apron with a fourpipe exhaust system and an M specific spoiler.
Inside, BMW’s usual business-class elegance is perked up with interesting textures and materials, though the standard seats are cloth-covered and you have to pay extra for leather.
A digital instrument cluster is standard in both X2 guises, as is two-zone climate control, navigation, a sport leather steering wheel and a powered tailgate. Also common to both models is a wireless charger with a secure holder that prevents phones from sliding around, with four C-type USB chargers to ensure all passengers can keep their devices powered.
A long options list allows customers to jazz up their X2s with items such as electrically adjustable front seats, leather upholstery (cloth comes standard), a high end Harman Kardon sound system, dark tinted panoramic sunroof and electrically operated tow hitch, among others.
As per the modern trend, buttons inside the cabin are minimised in favour of a clean, digitised set-up with mostly touchscreen controls. An analogue knob remains as a convenient way of adjusting audio volume rather than jabbing “plus” and “minus” icons, while oftused functions like the climate control have quick-access icons on the infotainment curved display. Overall it’s a good physicaldigital balance that minimises driver distraction.
First up, I drove the X2 M35i xDrive which is powered by a 2.0l petrol turbo four-cylinder engine that isn’t available in the X1 range. With outputs of 233kW and 400Nm it delivers spirited, hot hatch-like performance. It sprints off the mark with a quick and lag-free response, and the emotion is dialled up in sport mode with a hoarse sound.
The M35i comes standard with 19-inch wheels but I was pleasantly surprised by the comfortable ride quality on optional low-profile 21-inchers fitted. The adaptive M suspension rides humps very well, even on gravel, while still delivering the German brand’s typically nimble handling prowess. Despite its elevated 191mm ground clearance the X2 feels more like a hatchback than a top-heavy SUV, and sweeps confidently through fast turns.
Top speed is 250km/h and all-wheel drive traction helps the car scoot the 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 5.4 seconds.
Next up was the X2 sDrive18i which inherits its 1.5l threecylinder petrol turbo engine from the X1 range. With 115kW and 230Nm it is far less lively than the top model — as attested by its 213km/h top speed and 0100km/h sprint in 8.4 seconds
— but does not leave you with unsatisfied power cravings. It is an easy performer and more than capable of swift overtakes.
Riding on higher-profile 18inch tyres, it has an even more compliant ride than the M35i xDrive while both versions have impeccable refinement to justify their premium prices.
Pricing ● BMW X2 sDrive18i — R879,739 ● BMW X2 M35i xDrive — R1,223,936 Includes a two-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and five-year/100,000km maintenance plan.