Just over 10 years ago, when BMW launched the first ever X6, the world was introduced to a new type of SUV. Marketed as a Sports Activity Coupe, BMW wanted to showcase the on-road capabilities on top of the off-road nature that are the highlights for vehicles of these type. By doing so, BMW pioneered the coupe-styled SAC, and today we have to thank them for starting a trend that’s being adopted by car companies everywhere.
A decade today, BMW’s X series of vehicles now stand at seven models. Nomenclature for the brand now categorises odd numbered vehicles as the core range, and the even numbers reserved for the sportier and sleeker coupe bodystyle.
Styling
For the first ever BMW X2, the brand wanted to inject some individuality and character that appeals to the young and active. With a mix of heritage and the need to have a vehicle that stands out, the X2 is styled quite differently.
The design highlights at the front showcases the identifying BMW kidney grille. Instead of just furnishing it with the standard grille, designers took to inverting the traditional grille, effectively showcasing a trapezoidal shape that’s wider at the base. The resulting look gives the X2 a broader face and sportier appearance.
A look at the X2’s side profile and this SAV stands apart from even BMW’s own X4 and X6. From the coupe roofline and the BMW swage line that tapers the body sharply towards the glasshouse, the athletic shoulders is met with the beltline that rises towards the rear lamps.
Injecting Heritage
Here at the C-pillars, the hallmark Hofmeister kink is joined with, for the first time, a BMW roundel on an X model. The roundel heralds back to classic coupes like the 2000 CS and 3.0 CSL from the 1960s. The form with function continues to the rear, where the spoiler with side-mounted aero edges is one of the contributing factors to the X2’s coefficient drag figure or 0.28 cd. The lighting signature for the rear is a hybrid of the T-shape in the X models and L in the coupes.
Interior
While the exterior styling is very bold and daring, the interior goes back to the straightforwardness of BMW’s practicality. X1 owners will feel right at home as the dashboard is almost identical to the X2’s. It does feel a little dated as it adopts the previous generation look and feel, but we still do enjoy the legibility and ease of use of the layout. The trim here is the Aluminium Hexagon anthracite paired with black leather Dakota upholstery with sport seats for the driver and front passenger.
The M Sport steering wheel, 8.8-inch touchscreen Professional and ambient lighting rounds off the standard equipment list.
Variant
The X2 we’ve reviewed here is fully imported and BMW’s sole variant sDrive20i M Sport in Misano Blue. Underneath is the brand’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged unit that outputs 192 hp and 280 Nm of torque from 1,350 to 4,600 rpm. Mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, power goes to the front wheels. Century sprint from a standstill is achieved in 7.7-seconds while combined fuel consumption is rated at 5.9-litres per 100 km. The M Sport pack also includes a passive suspension that lowers the height of 10 mm over the standard non-M Sport version.
Comfort and Practicality
Those who are looking at a more commanding seating position as is expected with X models might be a little disappointed as the X2 only sits slightly higher. In terms of spaciousness, there’s plenty of headroom for the driver and front passenger, but for rear passengers over six-feet tall, it might get less airy. Nonetheless, legroom is adequate.
Boot space is 470-litres with all seats up, and 1,355-litres with them down. Backrests are a good 40:20:40 split folding.
Safety
There’s airbags for the driver and front passenger, head and side, as well as front to rear curtain systems, ABD, DSC, DTC, Dynamic Brake Control, Electronic Differential Lock Control, and Performance control.
Driving Experience
Those worried that the BMW handling is different with its new front-wheel drive cars need not fret as turn in is just as sharp. There is a little more weight to the steering than what we’re used to, but this adds on to the sporty appeal and gets better with speed. Agility is good thanks to the 10% firmer suspension than the X1 but might prove to be uncomfortable over long drives with really cratered roads as it will be felt through the cabin. Just be sure to avoid potholes with this one. That being said, there’s little noise from the outside as the cabin is well insulated.
The 192 hp is more than enough for most as it picks up speed well, and with the paddle shifters, gear changes are quick and precise. The Heads-up display does its job well and we haven’t had any issues with the drive or how it performed. Cruise control with braking is also included.
Verdict
Is the X2 for you? It depends. If you are looking for a small coupe styled BMW X car that stands out from the others, drives more like a hot hatch, but with a little less power, the X2 could suit you rather nicely. However, at its current price of RM 328,800, those looking to get this would be spoilt for choice as the price sits nicely in the range of the brand’s other offerings like the all-new 330i, 520i Luxury, 530e Sport, X3 and even is a whole RM 108,000 more than the X1.
But if you are really into the styling and want more power, as of publication, you can opt for the more potent X2 M35i with 306 hp and 450 Nm of torque which now can be ordered at RM 398,800. What would you do?
Click here for more information on the latest BMW X range!
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