The new BMW X2 builds on characteristics that initially drew drivers to the X2 while further developing other elements and introducing some brand-new features, creating a truly impressive vehicle. The X2 now has a more distinct and sportier presence on the road.
BMW is positioning the latest X2 as a forward-thinking compact SUV. It displays this intention through larger dimensions and emphasis on its coupé silhouette. Tech is enhanced as well with an array of features that assist with automated driving and parking.
As a driver, I feel ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ is not just a slogan for BMW but the reality they create for their drivers. I always say, driving a BMW just makes sense: it is intuitive, thoroughly enjoyable and has eye-catching style. The X2 did not disappoint in any of these expectations.
The drive
The second generation X2 comes in two derivatives: BMW X2 M35i xDrive performance model and the BMW X2 sDrive18i, which was the tested vehicle. As can be assumed, the higher M35i has significantly more power and torque but both derivatives provide an excellent drive that can be faulted for little.
The sDrive18i features a 3-cylinder, 1.5 litre turbopetrol engine. Its power output is 115 kW while the torque is 230 Nm. This is paired with a seven-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch. Is this enough power for its substantial kerb weight? Absolutely, it performs more than adequately, reaching speeds easily, maintaining them and overtaking without much fuss. Added to this, I found it a very responsive vehicle to drive.
On a Sunday drive toward the Vaal, I had the opportunity to test the semi-autonomous driving functionality and it is thus far one of my favourites. I enabled the adaptive cruise control and let the compact SUV ‘do its thing.’ It steered perfectly whether on straight sections or around corners and instructed me to place my hands on the steering wheel during higher risk situations like when passing other vehicles or sharper corners.
I usually love driving myself and just test the semi-autonomous functionality to review it but this time it was quite fascinating to see how well it worked. With certain brands, testing autonomous driving is something is something you do without moving your hands to far away from the steering wheel because it is usually a hit-and-miss situation.
Handling was just as good. It provides a sturdy presence on the road, compliments to its wider stance and updates to the suspension, that instil drivers with confidence. The is the exact drive one would expect from BMW.
Drivers can also select between three drives: efficiency, comfort and sport. The sport option had a distinct power burst but the efficiency did not appear to be that much more different than comfort mode which I had hoped it would. Yet, each had its distinct differences.
The fuel consumption was, however, not the greatest. We only achieved 11.4l/100km despite the claimed 7.7 – 8.0L/ 100km. This was with a mixture of all driving scenarios from including open highway, driving in congestion and local stop/start kind of driving. During the launch I did, however, achieve a consumption of 9.5L/100km.
The design
The BMW X2 is phenomenally stylish. Having the opportunity to drive many top of the range vehicles, you do get accustomed to admiring glances but this BMW was definitely in the top five in the attention it attracted. It was also usually the first thing commented on when people spoke about it.
I do agree with those that find it quite a striking car. I have always seen it as a design forward version of a soccer parent’s car – which essentially is what it is intended to be. The latest design solidifies it in this position with updates that emphasise the X2’s sportiness.
It is particularly the rear of the vehicle that grabs the most attention. Its sleek lines make for a sporty and chic look while also creating the impression of strength and style. At the rear, the prominently flared wheel arches and muscular shoulders come to the fore. The horizontal contours of the model-specific rear light design further enrich the sporting flavour, as do a Gurney-style spoiler and an eye-catching rear apron.
The X2 comes with 18’’ alloy wheels as standard but can be extended up to 21’’. These also play a significant role in creating the stylish and sporty look.
As is seen in the recent BMW launches, a large hexagonal BMW kidney grille is the focal point in the front. It epitomises the imposing and powerful stance of the subcompact SUV on the road. It is also surrounded by the Iconic Glow contour lighting, one of the firsts in its class, which adds another attention-grabbing element to the SUV.
The BMW X2 has LED headlights beside the kidney grille with the sport lines associated with M Sport inside the casing. Additionally, the lights have an extra protective casing over them. The lights are designed to exude confidence and presence. Optional extras include Adaptive LED Headlights with non-dazzling matrix high beam.
Interior design
The interior design was one of my favourite aesthetic features. The seats are made of Veganza perforated variant and Vernasca leather (not standard) in two shades, a darker charcoal shade and a lighter off-white shade finished off with red stitching. The contrasting effect of this design aesthetic likewise adds to the chicness and luxury of the subcompact SUV.
M Sport comes standard in the sDrive18i. Consequently, the M design is displayed throughout the interior and exterior which also aids aerodynamics. The M Sport package Pro adds extended M High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim, M lights Shadowline, an M rear spoiler and an M Sport braking system with red-painted callipers, among other features.
Stepping inside
Something I saw in the X2, and for the first time in a BMW, is a vertical stand to place your phone on. I first encountered this in Chinese brands. The X2 takes it a step further though as it not only featured wireless charging but had a clip at the bottom to hold your phone in place – something other vertical holders sorely missed. Additionally, there are two C-ports slightly below that as well.
Another change is more controls located in the centre just below the centre armrest. The gear lever or ‘knob’ is here as per usual as are the start button, driving modes, parking brake and so forth. Joining this is the hazard light button, the radio skip controls and a very easy-to-use volume control.
Unfortunately, though, when I looked in the usual spots for the hazards, I gave up the task as it was proving to be more of a distraction. Only when I was stationary again did I find its location. Skipping songs from the centre control was an adjustment but one I obviously quickly made because a few times in the next test vehicle I tried to skip songs in the same place. These are not a negative critique at all, just something new drivers will need to adjust to.
The space in the interior is a good size, fitting 4 adults comfortably. For taller drivers, the front seats can be extended for a more comfortable position. The new BMW X2 is 194 millimetres longer, 21 millimetres wider and 64 millimetres higher. Its increased wheelbase and wider tracks benefit space in both the five seats and the boot. It has more than enough space whether you are on your daily errands or taking a short trip away.
The rear is equipped with controls to adjust airflow and direction as well as two C-Port chargers. It does not, however, have its own climate control functions.
Other tech featured in the X2 includes electronically opening tailgate with the option to close and lock simultaneously, keyless entry and exit, start button, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, fully opening panoramic sunroof, seats that move back when stopping and return to its correct position when starting again, BMW Curved Display infotainment system with BMW Operating System 9, two-zone automatic climate control, navigation system, a Sport leather steering wheel, BMW Intelligent personal assistant and a 12V power socket in both the centre console and the boot.
BMW Operating System 9 An update to the BMW Operating System 9 makes provides a highly customisable selection of additional digital services. Drivers can add unlimited apps to display on the infotainment screen. This is not standard, though, requiring either a R159 per month or R1 590 a year subscription.
It is an impressive feature with plenty of value for the owner. It enables entertainment of all sorts from music streaming to news to in-vehicle gaming. Think of a parent staying with the kids in the car as they play games while the other pops into the grocery store.
Other extras include sport seats, electric seat adjustment with memory function, lumbar support, a massage function, electrically operated trailer tow hitch and panoramic glass sunroof dark-tinted glass surface extends right up to the windscreen and the roof frame on either side, and a long way back in a single section into the rear part of the roof. There is also, the often questioned, equipment packages for individualisation of the car offering features such as a mirror package, steering wheel heating and the Harman Kardon Sound System.
Safety
The BMW X2 comes with a full array of safety features, including
- ISOFIX child seat anchors.
- Interaction airbag between the driver’s seat and front passenger seat.
- Front collision warning system
- Speed limit info
- Lane departure warning with lane return
- Parking assistant including reversing assist camera and reversing assistant
Extra safety features can also be selected and some added later using remote software:
- 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 functions
There is little on which to fault the X2. BMW has perfected seeing into the minds of their consumers. It is a stylish, eye-catching car that is responsive to touch and luxurious interior. Few other vehicles can fairly compete and essentially the X2 stands in a class of its own.
Good to know
The specs of the BMW X2 sDrive18i
Engine: 1.5L, 3-cylinder, turbocharged petrol
Transmission: seven-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch
Fuel consumption: 7.7 – 8.0L/ 100km
Power: 115 kW
Torque: 230 Nm
Price: starting from R879 738
Warranty and service plan: 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
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