X2 rather underwhelming

Although it played a critical role in inducting people into the world of BMW X-models, the first-generation X1 was eccentric and bizarre-looking. Admittedly, I’ve come full circle and now appreciate its initial ugliness. The current generation took on a new strangeness. From the pure wagon shape out came a fattened-up iteration that’s halfway between MPV and SUV. Last week BMW debuted the X2, a funkier, edgier version of this entry-level duo. However, the X1 still sets the tone for the X2. The new car sells the same bankable family usefulness, ample boot space and mild beaten-track capability. Its dead-on rivals are the Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi’s upcoming Q4 and Jaguar’s EPace. But don’t dismiss the stalwart of the genre, Land Rover’s popular Evoque, the largely underestimated Subaru XV or the Mini Countryman in that fray. The X2 competes with derivatives armed with segment requirements such as frontwheel drive, petrol or diesel engines and a lone xDrive model with all-wheel-drive underpinnings. Perched either on standard 19-inch or optional 20-inch wheels, it’s a difficult car to hide among this caboodle of alternatives thanks to bright colours, an upturned BMW kidney grille and groovy aesthetics. The standard dress code is M Sport pack or a voluntary M Sport X body at a premium. Even in dull grey paint it’s eye-catching. BMW describes the new design as a “fastmoving body language” and there is no argument with this narrative. Look directly at the X2, be it from its front or back, and its deceptive mass is revealed. Clever pencil work from its designers makes it 7cm lower than the X1 despite an identical skeleton. It’s quite striking. But step inside and if, like me, you expected more, you will be disappointed. It’s not that the interior is rubbish, but inspired by the exterior, I looked forward to a cocooning, sporty business area, perhaps bucket seats, a stubby gear lever at least. Instead a

cabin straight from the X1 with its comfy high-backed chairs and tall gear lever stare back at you. This is no massive derailment of the train of expectations though. It’s quite roomy in there. The dashboard is in modern German logic — clean and flush. Amenities are typically BMW and the digital array pokes through screens and proper fit and finish. Standard fitment across the board includes a 6.5-inch free-standing control display, wireless charging for compatible smartphones and Apple CarPlay preparation. BMW has focused largely on enhancing interactivity and connectivity. Thanks to the car-to-smartphone connectivity, your journey progress can be shared with mates who await your arrival at Vilakazi Street. Through a website they can track your location on a map. However, don’t boast about this feature if you are a proponent of African time. An extensive catalogue of packages is available to tailor your X2 to exacting tastes of sophistication, outside and in, including bright red leather trim. Regardless of wired toys, any vehicle that is this appealing and built by BMW will always be judged on the premise and promise of driving thrills. Sadly it’s not the riot I expected. Every X2 I drove delivered a largely predictable performance. Transmissions are smooth, with an eightspeed Steptronic mated to the diesel 140kW and 400Nm xDrive20d delivering expected refinement, while a seven-speed dual-clutch unit is fixed to the sDrive20i. To some degree it’s a cumbersome thing. This is demonstrated through a slight topheaviness and an acute delicateness felt when driven spiritedly. It doesn’t like to be hurried into corners. If you do post it fast into a likely corner, thankfully, the chassis is sorted, suggesting BMW engineers actually did spend time tinkering on all four corners in pursuit of a sporty agility that’s above that of the X1. All X2s possess good rather than awesome intermingling of traction, punch and composure for smooth and rapid driving. If I’m firm and critical, the model that felt closest to BMW’s carefully crafted omnipotence is the cheaper 141kW and 280Nm sDrive20i; the heavier, costlier AWD xDrive20d is honestly quite dull. This is not entirely a motion of no confidence in the range. It’s a cautionary guidance to view them as a good-looking, compact and practical executive BMW sport activity vehicles fit for roaming in enviable fashionista prose. And that’s not a bad thing. They should also boast parsimony at the pumps, particularly in 20d guise or in the imminent — and even cheaper — 103kW and 220Nm three-cylinder powered sDrive18 model that’s scheduled for availability in a few weeks.