Driving along in the all-new second gen , I’m a bit surprised by how sporty and aggressive this subcompact SUV (or SAV — sports activity vehicle, as BMW calls it) feels. Its predecessor was not like this at all.
The first gen X2, while competent, was generic and didn’t make much of an impression. It existed primarily as a slightly bigger and more powerful version of BMW’s smallest crossover, the .
With the launch of the new car, BMW has turned the page on the X2’s rather staid history and has remade this small SUV into a stylish and dynamic vehicle that is clearly separated from the X1.
In North America, the X2 is sold as two gas-powered variants. Yes, there is an EV version (the ), sold in Europe, but it isn’t available here. Someday maybe? Who knows?
The X2s ticketed for 91Ô´´ are powered by a two-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine that produces 241 horsepower and 295 pounds-feet of motive torque in base xDrive28i form. These figures represent an extra 13 horsepower and 37 lbs.-ft. of torque compared to the two-litre engine in the previous X2.
With the more powerful M35i grade, horsepower jumps to 312, while torque remains the same. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is the only gearbox available, and BMW’s all-wheel drive system is standard issue.
The X2 has a provocative and edgy design, at least in comparison to the car it replaces. It’s 180 mm longer, 21 mm wider, and 64 mm taller than the previous model, and its looks are more aggressive, with sharp creases and lots of geometric shapes.
Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder, but this X2 doesn’t blend in with other BMW SUVs, as its predecessor did. This one is much more distinctive, both inside and out. I find its looks to be quite appealing.
As for content, my tester, an xDrive28i unit finished in Vegas Red Metallic, comes well equipped, but BMW 91Ô´´ has added a few extras. Key among these is the Premium Enhanced Package ($6,000), and M Sport Package ($2,500). Stand-alone options include 20-inch wheels, and Vegas Red Metallic paint ($900).
Items included with Premium Enhanced Package are interior camera, head-up display, Harman Kardon sound system, parking assistant plus, including surround view. The M Sport Package includes adaptive M suspension, sport seats, M leather steering wheel, M Sport exterior and interior accents.
These features layer over standard items, such as BMW’s Curved Display, which houses a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.7-inch multimedia touchscreen behind one continuous panel. Also included are: a wireless cellphone charge pad, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights and tail lights, powered liftgate, collision warning with city braking, lane departure warning.
Sliding behind the steering wheel, I’m impressed by how well everything fits together. The interior has a strong high-tech feel, but there isn’t much to fiddle with. BMW has reduced the number of knobs and switches, which I appreciate, but some frequently used items, such as climate controls, have been dumped into the multimedia touchscreen. This is annoying, as digging through touch screens to warm the seats, and the cabin itself, shouldn’t take so much fussing about. But it is reality, so I adjust, as owners undoubtedly will. I appreciate the bridge-style centre console bringing together frequently used items such as the gear selector, drive mode selector, stereo volume wheel, and engine start-stop. Very handy.
I’m impressed with the general comfort, extra space, overall appearance and fit and finish of my tester’s cabin. It has an undeniable premium feel, and while some of that impression is due to the presence of optional equipment, at its core the X2 feels like a BMW should: stylish, premium and bold.
This feeling extends to the drive, where the presence of the adaptive M suspension, and 20-inch wheels, along with the extra power from the two-litre turbo, gives the X2 a dynamic character.
Under my right foot, 241 horsepower is unleashed with little effort, especially when the mode selector is dialed to sport. Doing so firms up the suspension tuning, quickens throttle response, and allows engine revs to build up before the dual-clutch transmission shifts up.
It can feel a little herky-jerky at times, if one isn’t prepared for the car’s hair-trigger responses, but keeping the drive mode selector set to normal or efficiency smooths out the X2’s sporty character. Doing so, makes it more suitable for everyday driving. But my tester was in sport mode for much of the time I drove it, as I really enjoyed its quick acceleration and sharp handling reflexes.
The X2 makes a positive impression. It’s packed with advanced technology, desirable features, sharp styling and impressive performance. Its bigger size provides more interior space, and it carries an air of sophistication that’s uncommon among small SUVs.
Note: It’s worth mentioning my tester has more than $10,000 worth of extras, which brings it to the same price as the M35i. It might be worth considering the M35i if one is looking for more standard features (and more power). But based on my experience, the bigger price tag for this xDrive28i feels like fair value for money.
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