Dare we say “grown up”, the new BMW X2 is bigger and more sophisticated in its second generation, but in many ways it retains the cheeky spirit of the mic-dropping original.
Unlike the latest BMW X1 that it shares a platform with, the new X2 has not played it safe on the design front, where we see a massive, almost hexagonal illuminated grille and sharply contoured headlights and taillights.
Some have even likened the new X2 to a baby XM.
Styling is a subjective thing, I know, but I don’t think pictures do the new X2 much justice. I came to like it a lot more after viewing it in the flesh, and when painted black the M35i version has some serious Batmobile vibes.
The second-generation BMW X2 is a good 194mm longer than its predecessor as well as 21mm wider and 64mm taller.
At 4,554mm, it’s now just 197mm shorter than the X4, so that when the latter is discontinued next year the X2 can at least partially fill its shoes.
The new X2 is available in just two versions in South Africa. You can either have the base sDrive 18i M Sport with BMW’s 115kW turbocharged three-cylinder engine, or the far beefier all-wheel drive M35i with a 2.0-litre turbo four pelting out 233kW and 400Nm.
There is a really big price difference though, with the 18i costing R879,738 at the time of writing (July 2024) and the M35i setting you back a cool R1,223,936.
It was the beefier one that we recently tested for a week, and despite our obvious yearning for BMW’s sweet-sounding straight-six powerplant in a vehicle like this, we enjoyed the M35i more than expected.
Capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds, the flagship X2 is seriously fast. The engine also impressed with its linear power delivery while the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox was lightning fast in its operation, particularly when Sport mode was activated.
Drivers are also treated to some snap-crackle-pop acoustics upon throttle lift, something like VrrrPhaa but with a Bavarian accent.
But whether or not you’re into that kind of thing, it does make the X2 feel more like a hot hatchback.
Despite its larger dimensions, the X2 hasn’t become too big or cumbersome and it’s still quite fun to chuck around.
Of course it certainly helps that the X2 comes with 21-inch wheels, model-specific adaptive M suspension and all-wheel drive.
Despite its sporty tuning, the ride is still acceptably comfortable on everyday surfaces.
The cabin of the new X2 shares its basic architecture with the new X1, with a large curved display dominating the upper dashboard.
It features the latest BMW Operating System 9 and BMW Personal Assistant. Customers can choose from a customisable range of digital services, such as music streaming or gaming, from the BMW Connected Drive Store.
The X2’s central touchscreen interface is relatively straight forward, and although you have to use it to adjust the climate control system - as the physical controls have been done away with - there is at least a short cut that enables easy access.
The centre console system below deserves a round of applause for its user friendliness. The charging pad allows your phone to stand upright. There’s also an armrest whose frontal section incorporates the volume selector, My Modes button, start button, handbrake and gear selector.
This makes it really easy to get in and drive off as all the things you need to get the vehicle moving are in one place.
The cabin of the M35i features an M sports steering wheel, but if you really want to feel the sporting vibes, you’ll want to opt for the M Sports seats that come with the M Sport package Pro, at R25,000.
The new BMW X2 has more standard features than before, with goodies like dual-zone climate control, auto tailgate operation, Lane Departure Warning and Parking Assistant with reverse camera all being part of the deal.
But as always a lot of the cool stuff, like Head-Up Display, Surround View and the semi-autonomous driving aids like Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go as well as the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, all cost extra.
VERDICT
At R1.22 million, the BMW X2 M35i is a unique, fun and sophisticated package and there aren’t a lot of direct rivals out there.
But keep in mind that a Volkswagen Tiguan R will give you similar performance, albeit in a more sober wrapping, for R1,082,100, while the more potent five-cylinder Audi RSQ3 starts at R1,309,500.