This week BMW launched their second generation X2 in South Africa. The compact SUV or Sports Activity Coupé (SAC), as BMW refers to it, is available in South Africa as from this quarter already. It builds on characteristics that initially drew drivers to the X2 while further developing some of these elements and introducing some brand-new features to look forward to.
The first generation of the X2 introduced the first concept of the Sports Activity Coupé. It performed relatively well in South Africa selling 390 000 units since its launch in 2018. The new X2 now aims to make the car more distinctive and sportier.
The drive
There are two derivatives, the BMW X2 M35i xDrive performance model and the BMW X2 sDrive18i. The electric iX2 or diesel and hybrid options will not be offered in South Africa for the foreseeable future. This is reserved for the X1 as there is more demand for alternative fuel options in that segment and the X1 is sold in greater volume.
We took the X2 on a variation of driving scenarios from city-driving to open road driving. In both scenarios it is agile in its handling while on the open road it was incredibly comfortable to drive responding to quick moves around potholes, absorbing road imperfections and responding with vigour.
The M35i xDrive 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine produces a maximum output 233 kW and the torque is 400 Nm. For the sDrive18i, the power output is set at 115 kW while torque is 230 Nm. Both have a seven-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch.
The claimed fuel consumption for both the sDrive18i and the M35i is 8.0 – 7.7 L/ 100km. The lowest I managed to get the fuel consumption was 9.5L/100km. This was with some open road driving as well as a fair distance in crawling traffic. Again, this is a launch so there is not much focus on getting the best consumption.
Design
The intention behind the design updates to the BMW X2 is to emphasise its rebel character. It is meant to be bold and expressive. The X2 is also designed to have a distinct variation from the X1.
One of the greatest changes to the exterior design in the new BMW X2 can be seen in the flow roofline which BMW says exudes the ‘coupéness’ of the compact SUV. It flows along an unbroken path into the rear end, creating the slim, coupé-shaped silhouette. With this, strong sculptured lines were added to the new X2.
A second place where some of the greatest change can be seen is in the double icon headlights. Additionally, the rear design is a first for BMW with its vertical orientation. Changes to the daytime running lights are also a first-of-its-kind.
The size of the vehicle, as is the trend with most new vehicles, is increased as well. This is one of the areas that the X2 is differentiated from its X1 sibling with larger dimensions. The extended wheelbase gives extra room to the rear and boot. Even with these increases, the X2 sticks to its intention to be a lightweight and sporty compact SUV.
A brand-new introduction to the X2 is the introduction of a new Hexagonal kidney grille. In addition to looking bolder and stronger it is also illuminated likely drawing the eyes of passerby’s for the power and sportiness this exudes. This, named BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting, is a first for the premium compact segment.
At the rear, the prominently flared wheel arches and muscular shoulders are the focus. The M35i xDrive has two pairs of exhaust tailpipes adding that extra pazazz to the sportiness of the vehicle.
The M Sport package is standard across both of the derivatives. There is also the option to select the M Sport package Pro which adds a number of significant extras to the compact SUV.
A new colour is introduced to the line, new Fire Red metallic, which unfortunately was not at the launch. Two ‘frozen’ shades are added, one of which was there. It is one of the most alluring colours I have seen yet. The blue variant looked both metallic and matte at the same time. When you buy the X2 demand a frozen shade.
The X2 comes standard with 19’’ wheels which can also be spec’d up to 20’’ for drivers. The M35i comes standard with 21’’ wheels.
Other extras that one can expect in the M35i includes the red sport strip on the steering wheel. It has newly developed seats offered in the Veganza perforated variant and Vernasca leather with attractive quilting as alternatives to the standard cloth upholstery. Customers can also specify sport seats.
The tested M35i had the red and black leather sport option. Other features to expect is the boost option which allows you to reach maximum torque in instances such as overtaking, sunroof that extends right up to the windscreen and the roof frame on either side, illuminated dash, ambient lighting to suit the drive modes or which can be changed to your desired colour. The i18 also has this feature.
The tech
The X2 features a curved display screen across both models, an impressive four USB-C ports but alas – no USB ports, a 12V power socket in both the centre console and the boot and a Harman Kardon Sound System.
I quite liked the upright smartphone tray with indirect illumination and wireless charging. Recently, I encountered a similar idea in another vehicle and it is a seller for me. If you want to use Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic information rather than the navigation, it makes it so much easier to use. Of course, there is also Android Auto and Apple Carplay but I still like the tray.
The X2 has parking sensors, cameras and 360-degree view as expected. What is not quite expected is the vehicle can sense a change in driving which is not normal and starts to record the surroundings. It takes images which can be accessed on the BMW iDrive app. The Theft Recorder is something that will most certainly be welcome in South Africa – but it is an optional extra.
An update to the BMW Operating System 9 makes provides a highly customisable selection of additional digital services. Drivers can add as many apps as one would like, which display on the infotainment screen. There is a catch though – it is not standard in either model. Owners need to subscribe to BMW Digital Premium for either R159 per month or R1 590 a year.
When BMW introduced their plan to allow drivers to buy access to certain features like heated seats for a period time as selected by them, there was a fair bit of contention as people were questioning why they needed to pay extra to use technology that their car already had. Internationally, this strategy was dropped and while I have not heard much more here, I believe it is no longer in place. The question is how will drivers react to paying for BMW Digital Premium?
I do not believe there will be as much resistance. Firstly, it is a relatively small amount which purchasers of an X2 are not likely to even bat an eye at. Secondly, it is completely different to paying for things where the cost of the features is already worked into the price because it was installed either way. In this instance, it is an app that you are buying.
Lastly, there is no other way to say it than to say it is a pretty cool feature with plenty of value for the owner. It enables entertainment of all sorts from music streaming to news to in-vehicle gaming. BMW’s example is of a parent staying with the kids in the car while they play games while the other pops into the grocery store. Every parent can close their eyes and just imagine the bliss of that.
Safety
The new X2 features the new compound brakes. When you brake a bit more harshly than you normally would it makes a sound that almost sounds like you are accelerating not braking. Do not worry though, it is braking. Compound brakes make braking smoother and reduce wear.
The X2 features driver assistance that works quite impressively. I experimented with it quite a bit and was in awe (to say the least) with how well it responds. I would barely see the lines on the side of the road, but the driver assistance sensors still did and smoothly steered me back into place complete with a sweet reprimand.
In fact, it works so well that if you buy the X2, get accustomed to always using your indicators (I see you BMW drivers). On two occasions a steered slightly to the right to create extra space between myself and vehicles on the shoulder of the road. As I was not crossing the white line and there were no cars behind me, I did not indicate. The driver assistance, therefore, pulled me back towards the stationary vehicles. I was a bit caught off guard because while I knew it was there, I have experienced only a few that corrected so strongly.
An interaction airbag has been added to the X2, which I saw for the first time in the Volvo XC30 recently. These airbags prevent the driver and passenger from knocking heads in a crash.
Standard safety features include:
- Front collision warning system
- Cruise control with brake function
- Speed limit info
- Lane departure warning with lane return
- Parking assistant including reversing assist camera
- Reversing assistant
Optional safety features include:
- Steering and lane control assistant
- Active cruise control with Stop & Go function
- Active Navigation
- Exit warning function
- BMW Head-Up Display
- Surround view
- Remote 3D view
- BMW Drive Recorder
- Remote Theft Recorder function
One of my all-time favourite cars is an X2 competitor. Would I choose the X2 over that one? If it was the M35i maybe I would but then I would remember I am just a journalist so no, I cannot afford either. If you can afford it, there is little on which to fault the X2. BMW has perfected seeing into the minds of their consumers.
My only objection (as it often is in South Africa with luxury vehicles), is it worth spending that much on the X2 when there are other vehicles that could be bigger, or have more tech or have more of something else that serves your needs better? That is a much tougher question, and I believe the answer will come down to fanaticism and loyalty.
Pricing
BMW X2 sDrive18i: R879 738,20
BMW X2 M35i xDrive performance model: R1 223 935,79
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