Driven: ungovernable BMW X2
By khulekani / on October 14th, 2018 / in Car Reviews, featuredThe BMW X range caters for everyone and it was only a matter of time before the X2 became a reality. Interestingly, as I’m writing this, the X7 is a reality and will also be joining the fold. The X2 joined the coupe side of the BMW X family that was already spearheaded by the X4 and X6. The car was needed but BMW didn’t just give us a car, they pulled a rabbit out of the hat and gave us a completely new interpretation of their coupe line up. The X2 is not merely a shrunken version of the X4 and X6, but brings its own styling looks to the table.
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Exterior
The X2 is identifiable by the unique kidney grille which widens at the bottom, unique LED headlights, bumper with large angular air intakes and if you are in an M Sport X model, the bumper will have a design insert which makes the car appear larger and sporty. The side also appears to show the car to be lower at the front than at the back. There’s a different colored skirt design and more distinct rectangular wheel archers. The C pillar has a BMW emblem which pays tribute to BMW classic coupes. In our test X2 M Sport X model, the back was most identifiable by a large M rear spoiler.
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Interior
The interior is well crafted and aimed at pleasing the driver but also keeping all the passengers happy. True to BMW form, the quality is great although there aren’t many deviations to what we know from other BMW interiors. The BMW Connected iDrive works well and depending on options selected, you’ll get a decent 8.8-inch Control Display and touchscreen and full-colour heads up display. If you are a party animal, and I suspect most “ungovernable” X2 drivers are, you must opt for the Harman Kardon sound system to feel like you are in permanent concert mode.
Sitting lower than the X1 but, having the same width as the X1, the X2 surprises with interior space that can be shared by 5 adults. Those at the back won’t complain about head and shoulder room as the car addresses that by not having a roof that slopes too much. The boots pace is also generous at 470 litres.
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Engine and drive
Our test unit was the all-wheel xDrive20d turbodiesel. This diesel unit produces 140 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque and is offered with an 8-speed Steptronic transmission. Fuel consumption is claimed to be at 5.0 – 4.8l/100 km. The power and torque in the car makes it feel like a pocket rocket, it’s quick at take-off and you feel as if all the torque comes much quicker than what BMW says. The car feels extremely comfortable, very confident and composed at high speeds. We took it to Durban on the N3 and did a bit of the R103 and some dirt roads in the Natal Midlands. The car was excellent on the N3 with limited noise coming inside. It was also amazing to see it hug bends neatly and come out of them unshaken. The R103, which is a provincial road and not of the same quality as the N3, did not give the X2 any problems. It remained composed and this was notwithstanding the fact that it has a sports suspension, which is supposed to feel firmer. The interesting part was seeing the Xdrive come to life on the dirt roads. We drove past locals who looked at the car in awe. Most had probably not seen the X2, especially a Galvanic Gold one and seeing it sit lower than other X models, most would have probably not been aware of its capabilities in such conditions. The X2 took those gravel roads in its stride and left us wanting more.
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Final word
Most owners will like the X2. Its got a unique and good looking design. Although a more affordable option is offered in the form of the three-cylinder X2 sDrive18i with 103 kW of power. Unfortunately, we view the sweet spot xDrive20d and it doesn’t come cheap, and if you add extras such as the must -have large panoramic roof, adaptive cruise control with lane keep and professional navigation, the price does climb up. Nonetheless, the offering the X2 remains an exciting offering from BMW that will please its core base and snatch a few ungovernable souls who’ve been forced to conform due limited offerings like the X2 in the market.
Great post – I’d love to give this car a try.