The German car manufacturer’s compact premium sports utility vehicle, the sporty X2, makes its debut in South Africa.
BMW’s X-models have been given an identity that differentiates them from others in the German car manufacturer’s stable. This individual positioning of X-models by BMW has, in effect, created a sub-brand, and the X2, a premium compact SUV-cum-crossover that has just arrived in the country, is an excellent example of this new breed.
The sporty crossover’s unique, coupélike personality is due to the fact that some of its siblings’ characteristics have been blended in. Much of the platform suggests an X1. The low-slung seating and sporty drive hint at the BMW 1 series with a dash of Mini. Then, too, the coupé-esque sloping roofline, rounded off with a rear spoiler, is reminiscent of the X4 and X6.
Perhaps a better description of the X2 is that it creates the impression of a sportier version of the X1.
Two variants are available locally; a front-wheel-drive (FWD) 2-litre turbo petrol variant or an all-wheel-drive (AWD) 2-litre turbo diesel, both available with an M Sport or M Sport X package. Come May, the offering will be expanded to include an entry-level FWD 1.5-litre petrol variant.
finweek tested out the xDrive20d M Sport version of the new X2.
Unique exterior
The somewhat unconventional BMW X2 has retained many of the elements we saw in the concept phase. Its low-slung and coupé-esque exterior gives this compact premium sports activity vehicle (BMWspeak for an SUV) a distinctive appearance.
Design lines that include coupé language and proportions give the impression of motion and athleticism.
Although the X2 looks robust, with large air intakes on the nose, black side skirts, rugged wheel-arch trim, 19-inch alloy wheels and dual exhausts, it still manages to signal, with its sloping side profile and dipping roofline, that it is much sleeker and sportier.
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