BMW X2 drive review….head to head with the XC40 & GLA

Hammer January 3, 2019

0 261 4 minutes read

The BMW X2 breaks new ground for BMW as a unique and exciting addition to the BMW X model range. It comes at a time when Mercedes leads in the crossover segment with its GLA and Volvo has its XC40 at a better price point. Let’s look at main points first.

The X2’s chassis and xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system delivers the ideal balance between sporting dynamics and efficiency. BMW ConnectedDrive and BMW ConnectedDrive Services – both of which are now available in freshly updated form is included in the BMW X2 ownership experience.

X2 Design

Even next to its bigger brothers, the BMW X4 and X6, the BMW X2 makes a distinctive impression. The car’s exterior design combines the low-slung proportions of a coupé with the BMW X mantra of being an off roader.

Size wise, this BMW X2 is 2 centimetres shorter and more than 7 centimetres lower than the lower priced BMW X1, yet has the same wheelbase. Featuring short overhangs, it also has a stretched, coupé-style roofline and slim window graphic.

The kidney grille on the X2 is wider at its base than at its top. The X2 is the first modern BMW to feature this design cue, and it gives the new car a broader, more distinctive and sportier appearance. Below the grille, the hexagonal surface treatment in the bumper further reinforces this impression. The high-gloss black grille provides sharp contrast with its chrome surround.

Full-LED headlights as standard on Sport, M Sport and M Sport X models. The bi-LED light for low beam and high beam is highly effective at illuminating the road, while also accentuating the BMW X2’s sporty character.

The C-pillars host two characteristic BMW features: the hallmark BMW Hofmeister kink and, for the first time on a BMW X model, the BMW roundel. At the rear, a spoiler provides a flourish to round off the BMW X2’s roofline and contributes to the BMW X2’s drag co-efficient of just 0.28. Together with the width-enhancing rear bumper, this creates a powerful rear view. The X2 come with a twin exhaust arrangement of 90mm diameter and finally, it has a poised stance thanks to the 19” M light alloy wheels, double-spoke style 715M with run-flat properties.

X2 Interior & Equipment

The cabin is driver-focused, with the design of features such as the revised taller instrument panel binnacle directed at the road ahead. All controls are positioned to allow the driver to assimilate their information with a single glance and operate them with ease. The interior of the X2 comes leather upholstery as standard and electric front seats. The boot has a capacity of 470 litres, meaning it can handle leisure activities, from shopping sprees to carrying outdoor fun filled equipment like a bicycle where there is space up to 1,355 litres with the 40/20/40 split folding down rear seat backrests. This functionality manifests itself in the passenger compartment too, thanks to features such as a door design featuring large storage pockets. This new BMW crossover offers Navigation Plus with 8.8” touch display which also enables split-view.

The BMW X2 also offers drivers a wide selection of Driver Assistance systems. Besides cruise control with brake function, the Park Assistant helps parallel parking manoeuvres. The Park Distance Control and the rear-view camera also make precise and comfortable manoeuvring that much easier.

X2 Driving Dynamics

The 2.0L TwinPower Turbo engine can be altered in attitude by using the Driving Experience Control switch, allowing the driver to choose between default COMFORT mode, efficiency-enhancing ECO PRO mode and SPORT mode. The pre-programmed set-up available via SPORT mode gives the car even more dynamic steering and powertrain responses.

This TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder petrol engine which combines twin-scroll turbocharger with Valvetronic, double VANOS and High Precision Injection generates a top speed of 227km/h. With an overall system output of 192hp and 280Nm of torque. This BMW X2 sprints from 0-100km/h in just 7.7 seconds with a 7-speed Steptronic Sport double-clutch transmission working smoothly.

In the city, this crossover behaves predictably like a hot hatch through corners and the average driver will find themselves slowly being a hero around corners as the tail stays tucked in at speeds that will leave many others scouring for traction. The drive comes instantly and with great traction, pulling this X2 from the apex with neutrality not many drivers can really handle. And unlike so many in this class, the rewards seem to come entirely without compromise. Under quick point to point driving the steering isn’t wrenched from your hands as you fight to maintain direction and there is no nagging electronic intervention. The meaty well damped steering wheel is a joy to hold and abuse around corners.

If we had to pick a negative to any aspect of the X2 aside perhaps from the high asking price and rather harsh ride on our Petaling Jaya badly maintained roads, it will have to be the availability of better priced options from the rivals. The Volvo XC40 is fully imported and sells for just RM256k and the Mercedes GLA250 is at RM269k. You need to test drive this X2 yourself and the decision to purchase lies more with badge snobbery and driving dynamics.