You think outside of the box, you are sooo different, we don’t get you, you are on your own mission, you don’t conform, basically you are TOTALLY UNGOVERNABLE! We are driving the car for you. The all new @bmwsouthafrica X2 slots in between the X1 and the X3. It’s smallest coupé SUV in the range but looks like it’s got a lot of character. #totallyungovernable #bmwX2inSA #Cars #Carlaunch #Carsluanch #newcar #Bmwfans #sheerdrivingpleasure #city #capetown #instacar

A post shared by The Car People (@khulekani_on_wheels) on Mar 14, 2018 at 11:04pm PDT

By Khulekani Dumisa and Simunikiwe Simelane

The commute to Cape Town is always special. The prospects of sampling the all new BMW X2 made me look forward to the trip even more. The BMW X2 adds to the SUV coupe version of the BMW X models which are the X4 and the X6. In the SUV range, it slots in between the X1 and X3.

The looks of the X2 can be described as polarising but, that is exactly what BMW is banking with in terms of the X2. They are the first to admit that it’s not for everyone and in fact, the official launch hashtag was, “Totally Ungovernable”. The inverted kidney grille, large air intakes, side skirts and BMW badge on the arch of the C-pillars and a slightly sloping roofline give the X2 a sporty and distinctive look. Due to the roof not sloping as much as those of the X4 and X6, this gives the X2 its distinct character. For us, this is good and most importantly, practical. The roof design has allowed the X2 to have decent rear space and a decent boot.

The interior quality is excellent but, it is nothing new. It looks like something you have seen from another BMW before. Not a bad thing considering the quality and the ease of use but it isn’t unique either. The instrument panel comes with contrast stitching and decorative stitching. The centre console is offered in SensaTec with contrasting stitching and surfaces in high-gloss black. BMW’s ConnectedDrive comes with the latest infotainment features such as Apple CarPlay.

At launch we sampled the front-wheel-drive sDrive20i petrol and the all-wheel xDrive20d turbodiesel. The petrol version produces 141 kW of power and 280 Nm of torque. The diesel produces 140 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque. The petrol version is offered with a 7-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission whereas the diesel version is offered with an 8-speed Steptronic transmission. Fuel consumption is claimed to be 5.9 – 5.5 l/100 km for the petrol and 5.0 – 4.8l/100 km. In May, the line-up will be joined by a three-cylinder X2 sDrive18i. This entry level petrol will produce 103 kW and will be offered in manual automatic. Fuel consumption for the manual will range between 6.3 – 6.0 l/100 km and between 6.2 – 5.9 l/100 km for the automatic.

Owners can look forward to a comfortable and engaging drive in the X2. Agreed, the sDrive20i petrol is a front wheel drive but the drive is still fun and interactive. The steering is precise and the light nature of the car ensures that the power is felt at all instances. The all-wheel xDrive20d is the most fun to drive between the two and does extremely well in dealing with tight corners. The torque difference between the 2.0 litre petrol and the diesel versions we sampled is most noticeable on inclines but not so much to discourage you from the petrol version. The petrol version is still a worthy and well powered option.

Pricing of the BMX2 is as follows:

sDrive18i M Sport                                    R572,666

sDrive18i M Sport auto                          R593,922

sDrive20i M Sport auto                         R644,252

sDrive20i M Sport sports-auto            R646,652

xDrive20d M Sport auto                       R694,154

xDrive20d M Sport sports-auto          R696,554

Prices include a 5 year/100 000 km maintenance plan.