Game changer
Electric BMW will let you connect to your Playstation.. ideal for that recharge wait
WE ARE talking Grand Theft Auto – not of your car but in your car.
The latest BMW out of the blocks will come with incredible digital capability allowing you to link up a Playstation or Nintendo Games console.
Imagine Mortal Kombat and Super Mario playing out as you sit with the kids waiting for your car to charge.
No? Well how about a video? Gladiator before Russell Crowe got a bit lardy or Barbie for girl power.
All these and more are available when the new BMW iX2 xDrive30 M Sport hits the forecourts this year.
Of course, you will not be able to watch them as you drive but given this is an electric car you may well have to sit in it on occasion as you charge and what better way to keep the kids and yourself amused than by getting out the digital toys.
For those who have forgotten, the even numbers in BMW’s car series tend to be the sportier versions of the odd numbers.
So the 2 and the 4 are coupe versions of the 1 and the 3 and this, an SUV, is a more dynamic looking iteration of the X1.
It is also taller, longer and wider with, surprisingly, a bigger boot too – 560-litres with the seats up.
There are petrol and diesel versions but initially the new X2 will be launched in iX clothing – that’s an electric model – and will come as xDrive 30. That’s the more powerful all wheel drive – and in the M Sport trim, the top of the range styling.
It will not be cheap but neither is it too eye watering at £ 57,445 including the badge. The sculpted and wide muscular rear is very attractive and the new foureye bonnet includes a new look kidney grille with pretty lights either side.
(You can even opt to have the grille backlit.)
It sits on 19ins wheels and the M Sport kit gives it a wicked and aggressive look.
Inside though the styling is elegant and sophisticated.
Vegan and Alcantara sports seats mean you need never worry about how many cows have been killed to keep you comfortable.
There are logos on the headrests and the dashboard finish has a lovely soft suedelike touch.
Pride of places goes to the two connected glass screens known as the BMW Curved Display – one for the instrument cluster and the other for, well, almost everything else.
The nav can be hidden behind your favourite screens, the weather perhaps or the radio, emerging only when needed.
There is voice control, of course, a head-up display and the information can also be mirrored on the screen.
If you are using the nav in an area you don’t know, this is very handy for making absolutely sure you do not take a wrong turning.
The drive is smooth, quiet and pretty athletic as you would expect.
All versions of the car have stuff like M-adaptive suspension, parking assistant for narrow bays, and BMW’s last 50 metre gizmo.
This remembers the last 50 metres you drove and can replicate it.
And, of course, the new digital stuff can be specified – although me?
Luddite that I am, I’d rather have a book.