Philippine Daily Inquirer

BMWunveils the first-ever X2

- By Alvin Uy

SMC Asia Car Distributo­rs Corporatio­n (SMCACDC), distributo­r for BMW passenger cars and motorcycle­s, launched the first-ever BMW X2 at the recently concluded BMW Joyfest 2018 held at the BGC.

SMCACDCwas appointed by the BMW Group as importer, distributo­r, and service provider of BMW automobile­s in the country in 2017, and is a wholly-owned Filipino company under San Miguel Corporatio­n chaired by Ramon S. Ang, a well-known car aficionado and collector of rare and exotic cars.

With eight full service dealer facilities nationwide, it boasts having the largest network of dealership­s in the luxury car segment.

It also has a growing motorcycle business with five BMW Motorrad dealership­s.

The BMW X2 is definitely an exciting addition to its current lineup of luxury automobile­s.

At first glance, one can see it has its own unique character, one that stands out even next to its bigger brothers, the BMWX4 and X6.

“The BMW X2 represents an expression of modern and extrovert vehicle dynamics,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, senior vice president of BMW Group Design, in describing the firstever BMWX2.

“Its stand-alone vehicle concept brings a new, fresh and exciting facet of the BMW to the compact segment,” he added.

The launch variant is the BMW X2 xDrive20d M Sport X, that retails at P4.39 million.

This is the first time that an MSport X model is available, elevating the levels of driving pleasure in this vehicle segment.

BMW defines its stance on the road as a finely-tuned athlete, essentiall­y combining a fast-moving body language with low-slung proportion­s of a coupé matched with the robust constructi­on of a BMWX model.

This model’s signature details include wheel arches with a squared-off look designed to match the standard 19-inch M light alloy wheels, distinctiv­e exhaust tailpipes, and accentuate­d side skirts, complement­ing its elegant roofline and slim window graphic.

The BMWX2 comes with the familiar trapezoida­l kidney grille at the front, while the creases below it broaden towards the back of the hood reminiscen­t of classic BMWs.

Another key design element is its BMW roundel on the C pillars, similar to classic BMW coupés such as the 2000 CS and 3.0 CSL, highlighti­ng the sporting DNA of the X2.

The design language by BMW for this vehicle is meant to appeal to the younger market and young-at-heart who love to break with convention­s, and maymostly dwell in urban areas, lead ac- tive lives, and are fully connected with the digital world.

Inside, the interior of the M Sport X model is trimmed in an enticing micro hexagon fabric/Alcantara Anthracite combinatio­n with contrast stitching.

The standard lighting package allows drivers to set various lighting moods for the interior ranging from orange, lilac, mint, bronze, blue and white.

The BMW X2 also comes in seven exterior paint shades, including two new colors, namely Misano Blue and Galvanic Gold.

The X2 comes with the xDrive intelligen­t all-wheel drive and eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmissi­on to further enhance handling and responsive gear shifting, cleverly mated with BMW’s TwinPower turbo diesel engine that produces an output of 190 hp and a maximumtor­que of 400 Nm.

Like other new BMW models, it comes with driver assistance systems like the parking assistant, which automatica­lly looks for suitable parking spaces and as an option take over steering duties for the parking maneuvers.

It also features as standard the comfort access system that remotely senses the key and unlocks the vehicle with a simple touch on the door handle even if the key is tucked away somewhere inside the driver’s pocket or handbag.

Aside from its sporty character, it combines all of the virtues of everyday practicali­ty.

With a boot capacity of 470 liters, the X2 can serve for both daily commutes and quick weekend drives with room for luggage and cargo.

 ??  ?? On the road, the BMWX2 stands out like a finely-tuned athlete.
On the road, the BMWX2 stands out like a finely-tuned athlete.
 ??  ?? The cockpit appeals to people leading active lives, and fully connected with the digital world.
The cockpit appeals to people leading active lives, and fully connected with the digital world.
 ??  ?? Signature details include the distinctiv­e exhaust tailpipes.
Signature details include the distinctiv­e exhaust tailpipes.

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