Perfect Balance
You’ll want for nothing with the new second-generation BMW X2, which is the perfect balance of luxury and performance, writes Paul Agnew. Photography: Peter Austin
Imagine a catwalk for cars. An auditorium, full of glitz and glamour, excitement and panache, where confident models strut their stuff, where stunning looks and good body styling are paramount – where global manufacturers compete to be different, innovative, to stand out from the crowd.
Well, here is a genuine contender for best in show 2024 – the new BMW X2.
A real eye-catcher, it’s sporty and distinctive with a sleek coupe-like roof, quirky front kidney grille and a host of striking features.
In 2018, the BMW X2 introduced the concept of an SAC (Sports Activity Coupe) for the premium compact segment.
This forward-looking second generation – available in both petrol and all-electric – is significantly larger with a pronounced coupe silhouette that represents something of a development leap for the manufacturer.
But you never ever need to worry about BMW getting anything wrong and the progressive character of the new X2 is not only evident in the fully-electric BMW iX2 variant, but also in the large spread of systems enabling automated driving and parking and the amazing digital services laid on by the new BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 9.
The worldwide launch got underway in March with the all-electric BMW iX2 xDrive30 offering high-voltage batteries and impressive eco-friendly statistics, along with a top speed of 112mph and acceleration of 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds.
Oh, and ‘up to 279 miles’ is the answer to the all-important ‘electric range’ question.
The dynamic BMW X2 M35i, with its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, comfortably provides 36mpg and happily sprints to 62mph in 5.4 seconds.
Visually, the new BMW X2 shows clear differentiation from the brand’s compact Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), the BMW X1. As such, it is instantly identifiable as a pure-bred Sports Activity Coupé some 194 millimetres longer, 21 millimetres wider and 64 millimetres higher than its predecessor.
Defining elements of the upright front end are striking LED headlights and an almost hexagonal kidney grille, which can be specified as an option with BMW iconic glow contour lighting. You can also opt for adaptive LED headlights with non-dazzling matrix high beam.
M-specific design features such as the two pairs of exhaust tailpipes integrated into the rear apron, give the BMW X2 M35i xDrive a particularly dynamic aura. An M Sport package is available for all other model variants.
Also on the options list is the M Sport package Pro, which adds extended M high-gloss shadowline exterior trim, M lights shadowline, an M rear spoiler and an M Sport braking system with red-painted callipers.
Colour choice is wide with two solid and 11 metallic paint finishes, including the new Fire Red metallic variant.
The interior is ultra-modern with a selection of sporting touches. The slender instrument panel, housing the BMW curved display, is joined by a ‘floating’ armrest with integral control panel. In the front section of the centre console are two cup holders and a smartphone tray with indirect illumination and wireless charging.
Newly developed seats are also offered in the Veganza perforated variant and Vernasca leather with attractive quilting as alternatives to the standard cloth upholstery. And if you want to further up the ante, then help yourself to sport seats, electric seat adjustment with memory function and lumbar support (with a massage thrown in).
But so much of what you get with the new BMW X2 falls under ‘standard’, including two-zone automatic climate control, the navigation system BMW Maps and a sport leather steering wheel, automatic tailgate operation, four USB-C ports and a 12V power socket in both the centre console and the boot.
Highlights among the tempting options are steering wheel heating, Harman Kardon sound system and panoramic glass sunroof with dark-tinted glass extending to the windscreen and the roof frame on either side.
Light alloy wheels of up to 21 inches provide an optimum blend of agility and ride comfort, and everyday safety is well covered with the latest version of front collision warning system, cruise control with brake function, speed limit info and lane departure warning. The parking assistant including reversing assist camera and reversing assistant, also forms part of the standard equipment roster.
BMW ‘Digital Premium’ means you can enjoy in-car use of all the apps available for music streaming, video streaming, news or gaming, on a subscription basis. Digital interfaces – incorporating a stylish dashboard and 10.7 inch central display – fluently combine to present all the information you need and the driver-oriented display can be controlled via touch/voice.
Basically, you want for nothing and, even better news, it is here right now and available for test drive* and purchase.
Driving the BMW X2 is a pleasure, the perfect balance of luxury, performance and versatility. It looks great and is crammed with high-quality equipment, cutting-edge technology and ergonomic comfort.
Truly a stand-out car on any catwalk.
* Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.
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