BMW X2 Review
Here’s a BMW that’s trying to sniff out a whole new niche
By Shahzad Sheikh
Click below now to watch my BMW X2 Review
This is the brand new BMW X2, which very obviously and taxonomically slots in between the X1 and X3. However, it’s actually physically not as tall as an X1. But it’s meant to be the sportier version in the X1 series, like the X4 is to the X3 and X6 is to the X5. However it doesn’t get that sloping fastback rear roofline, it’s more hatchbacky.
So compared to rivals, you’d compare it to the Mercedes GLA, which would make it a hatchback-crossover-SUV. Except that it’s a front wheel driver (all-wheel drive is available). And that’s surprising given that it’s based on the Mini Countryman – yep I just threw yet another different car in here. And we’ll come back to this one.
Meanwhile the X2 is an interesting shape and there’s a lot going on at the front in terms of styling, with a bluff and chiselled lower end meeting a more fluid upper style. There’s the famous kidney grille, but it appears to be upside down, giving the whole car the attitude of one that is sniffing its way around.
The side profile is good and having that BMW logo roundel sitting on the C-Pillar is a classic and cool touch, reminiscent of other BMWs of the past like the awesome M1 supercar.
And talking of supercars, were the designers fans of the Lamborghini Countach? Because the wheel arches seem to have a hexagonal angular opening.
Under the bonnet you get a 2.0 Turbo four-cylinder engine putting out 190bhp giving the car a 0-100kph time of 8seconds and mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. It’s price from AED240,000 ($65,000).
Boot space is pretty good, with a useable underfloor extension should you need more space, and of course with split folding seats. That more squared-off rear end makes this car more practical than its fastback brethren.
The rear passenger compartment is funky place, well it is in this car’s red upholstery. There’s AC vents and 12V power supply but not USB outlets. Space in the back would be okay for a couple of average sized adults as long as the front seats were also occupied by average beings. With awkward gangly long-legged anomalies like me, it’s a bit tight in the rear frankly.
At the front it’s much more comfortable and it’s very well laid out with typically intuitive controls – a BMW forte that.
On the go performance is adequate, handling is good and steering response and feel is nicely judged as you’d expect from a BMW. It’s has a comfortable ride too.
The question you’re left asking though is who is this car aimed at this money? Frankly I’d get the more stylish and charismatic MINI Countrymen – the Cooper S version with this same engine, AWD, better performance and save yourself at least AED50k. Or choose the 1.5 Cooper and save even more.
