By Sala Masindane

The X2 has always been the proverbial ugly duckling in the X lineup, a somewhat confused model. That has changed with the new design. We recently spent time with the new X2 to see if the hype is justified behind the steering wheel.

How does it look?

The styling is quite a departure from the outgoing model, now following BMW’s coupe shape and resembling a baby X6. The new design is appealing and commands attention. It stands out from the previous generation thanks to its sloping roofline, optional illuminated hexagon grille, and LED headlights, to name a few.

New cabin

Inside, the X2 boasts a sleek instrument panel with the BMW Curved Display, running the latest iDrive 9infotainment system. It also features a floating armrest with controls, along with convenient amenities such as a smartphone tray and wireless charging. Boot space is 560 liters, expandable to 1,470 liters with the rear seats folded down.

The X2’s interior mirrors that of the X1, offering a modern, premium feel with sporty accents. The infotainment system is intuitive, but the rotary wheel is sorely missed, as are physical buttons for climate control. The cabin provides sufficient space for all passengers, with boot space of 560 liters, expandable to 1,470 liters when the rear seats are folded down.

Drive and performance

The X2 sDrive18i is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, producing 115 kW and 230 Nm, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. The engine delivers good acceleration, and the ride in the X2 is comfortable across most terrains. Our time with the X2 resulted in a fuel consumption of 7.4L/100km, compared to the claimed 8.0L/100km. This included both highway and city commutes.

Final word

BMW has been knocking the new designs of their cars out of the park, and the same is true for the new X2. There aren’t many competitors that look better, with possibly the latest MINI Countryman coming closest to mind. However, that’s a cousin, sharing the same platform. We haven’t had a full review of the X2 M35i yet, but we feel the sDrive18i engine hits the sweet spot. Overall, this compact SUV is worth considering if you’re looking for something trendy and niche. Pricing for the BMW X2 starts at R879,738.