It is not often that one gets to drive something so new, so new that it has never existed before. I have just gotten back from doing just that. I attended the National Media launch of the BMW X2, the first ever X2. The hashtag of the event was #TotallyUngovernable. So, is the BMW X2 Totally Ungovernable? Let’s find out.
Design:
The BMW X2 is like no other BMW that I have seen before. While the X2 may be the younger sibling of the X4 and X6, the BMW X2 is bold and distinctive and stands out from the crowd. The X2 gets its design from the mixture of a coupe and an X model.
You will notice how the famous BMW Kidney grille which is popular in the X family has been redesigned. On the X2, the kidney grille is wider at its base than the top. This is the first of it’s kind on any modern BMW. This new kidney grille design gives the X2 a broader, more distinctive and sportier appearance. Below the grille, on certain models you will find a hexagonal element, reinforcing this appearance.
The headlights on the X2 are similar to what we have seen on other vehicles in the X family, but the X2’s headlights design is more striking and sporty looking. You will see the familiar twin circular elements, LED daytime driving lights, fog lights and chrome inserts which add a sporty touch.
Rims on the X2 are large and striking and give the X2 the stance it deserves. As standard all models in SA will come with 19 inch rims but 20 inches are available.
The BMW X2 comes in a choice of six colours for the M Sport and eight colours for the M Sport X, including the new Galvanic Gold metallic finish and Misano Blue metallic paint.
The X2 features side skirts that you won’t find on any other X model. Depending on the spec, the side skirts can either give the appearance of more ground clearance or the appearance of the car being closer to the ground.
The roof line and window design gives the X2 the impression that it is about to leap forward. This reminds one again that the X2 is a mix of a coupe and a SUV.
Those who know the legendary BMW coupe models such as the 2000 CS and 3.0 CSL will know that they have the BMW logo on the C-pillars. I was really impressed to see that the BMW X2 sports the BMW Logo on the C-pillars, just like the legends. Once again reminding one the inspiration for the design: an SUV and a coupe.
At the rear of the X2, you will find horizontal design lines which really makes the rear defined. These lines emphasize the width and sporty character. The rear spoiler finishes off the roof line and emphasizes the sportiness while the wide rear bumper creates an extremely powerful rear view. The design lines make their way to the bumper which is flush on the rear, giving the X2 a broad and planted stance on the road. The back lights are a combo of the T-shape lighting found in the X family and L shape lights found in BMW coupes. This dynamic lighting is finished off with an LED light strip so the BMW will be identifiable, in any lighting condition.
The X2 comes with either a single or twin tailpipe but in South Africa all models will have the twin arrangement. The twin tailpipes remind those behind the power of the turbo engines!
The BMW X2 comes standard with key-less entry and a start button. The key is simple and too the point.
Interior:
The interior of the X2 is as bold and defined as the exterior. The softly foamed instrument panel is pleasant to the touch and gains further visual appeal with contrast stitching and decorative stitching. The M Sport and M Sport X models come with Micro Hexagon fabric/Alcantara Anthracite combination upholstery with M piping and blue or yellow contrast stitching on the instrument panel and the centre console as standard.
Further sophisticated upholstery variants are available as options, including as many as five Dakota leather variants with part-perforation and coordinated contrast stitching. The choice of trim finishers, including High-gloss Black, Aluminium and matt Oak Grain variants, further underlines the high-quality credentials of the BMW X2.
The steering wheel with silver detailing is soft to the touch and has all essential controls such as volume, call and cruise control buttons, for quick access!
The instrument panel is positioned in line of sight as focus is on the driver. The heads up display also ensures that you can keep your eyes on the road. All controls are ergonomically positioned to allow the driver to get their information with a single glance and operate the controls with supreme ease.
When it comes to space, the X2 does not lack. With 470 litres of space in the boot, you can bring all your gear for those fun weekend adventures. There is also plenty of space to place small items in the doors and in the dashboard compartment.
The X2 can seat 5 comfortably. Depending on the model, seats can be adjust electronically. The driver and passengers are seated in an elevated position in typical BMW X-model fashion. This results in an excellent all-round view and places the driver in complete control of the driving situation. Both the driver and passengers seem to be looking down on the instrument panel, which reinforces the impression of an optimum view over the road – combined with flawless operability.
Interior lighting, which is an option, allows one to set the mood with a choice of different colours of LED lighting.
As standard, the X2 features Black panel technology behind the instrument cluster and information display. With this technology, the instrument panel is matte black when the ignition is turned off, with only a few items such as the scale markings on the dials visible. When the car is started only the instruments selected by the driver or relevant to their current needs appear.
The Panoramic roof, which is available as an option, gives the X2 more light and the appearance of more space. The front section of the panoramic roof tilts and slides open, just like a conventional sunroof.
Tech:
When it comes to tech and being connected while you drive, with BMW ConnectedDrive, your focus is on the road and not on the tech in the car. With the BMW X2, there are three different ways to interact with the car. You can either use the iDrive controller, use the touch screen (Only passenger whilst driving) or by voice. These three ways of interacting with the tech in the X2 ensures that your eyes can stay on the road and not trying to use complicated dials and buttons.
As standard, the BMW X2 comes with a 6.5 inch freestanding control display. This can either be upgraded to a 6.5 navigation option or an 8.8 inch touch screen. The display provides the driver with the most important information. The infotainment system allows the driver to easily change music, make calls, use the navigation or modify the settings of the car.
For even greater safety and convenience in the BMW X2, there is the option of the full-colour BMW Head-Up Display, which projects all important driving information and navigation/assistance system readouts onto the windscreen and therefore into the driver’s field of view – in high resolution. This is one of the best features to keep your eyes on the road.
With BMW Connected+ the smartphone and the X2 become one. Need to plan a route or schedule? Do it on your phone and sync it to the ConnectedDrive system for an easy drive. You can even share your live trip status with family or friends so they know when you are arriving.
One of the best features in my opinion is the wireless charging. If you have a compatible phone, you can charge your phone wirelessly by placing it in the wireless charger located between the two front seats.
There is loads of tech in the X2 to ensure that you are safe on the road. The optional Driving Assist includes Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, High Beam Assistant, Collision Warning and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function. In addition to these functions, the Driving Assist Plus line-up also features the Active Cruise Control system with Stop & Go function – which maintains both a desired speed between 30 and 140 km/h entered by the driver and the safety distance to vehicles travelling ahead.
Parking is also a breeze thanks to the parking distance control and rear view camera. With optional parking assist, the BMW X2 can parallel park for you!
Engine + Performance:
The BMW X2 will be launched in South Africa with a choice of 2 engine derivatives, with the third a few months later. You have the choice of either a sDrive18i, sDrive20i and a xDrive20d, all in M Sport and M Sport X models. The basic model will not be available in SA.
At the top of the range you have the xDrive20d which gives a whopping 140kW with 400 Nm. You can get from 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds with a top speed of 219km/h. This model has four wheel drive and an eight speed automatic gearbox.
Next up you get the sDrive20i which gives 141kW with 280Nm. Here you get from 0 – 100km/h in 7.7 seconds with a top seed of 227km/h. You get front wheel drive and a seven-speed double-clutch transmission.
The lowest in the range, the sDrive18i produces 103kW with 220Nm. This model goes from 0 to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 227km/h. This model will come with either a 6 speed manual gearbox or a 7 speed double clutch transmission.
The Drive:
At the launch, I drove the XDrive20D M Sport model and boy is it quick. You can choose to drive in Eco, Comfort or sports mode. In sports mode you feel more of the bumps in the road than when driving in comfort mode. Most of the time I drove in sports mode which really opens up the engine and the twin turbo engine really kicks in. The X2 is steady on the road, it handles corners really well and performance is on par with performance BMWs. We managed to get an average of 6.6L per 100km which is really good fuel efficiency. I also liked the paddle shifts to manually change gears but 99% of the time I drove using the automatic gearbox.
Pricing in South Africa is as follows:
BMW X2 sDrive18i Manual (M Sport) – R570,500
BMW X2 sDrive18i Automatic (M Sport X) – R600,200
BMW X2 sDrive20i Manual (M Sport) – R642,200
BMW X2 sDrive20i Automatic (M Sport X) – R671,900
BMW X2 xDrive20d Manual (M Sport) – R692,900
BMW X2 xDrive20d Automatic (M Sport X) – R722,600
The BMW X2 range is sold with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year /100 000 km maintenance plan.
My Opinion
The BMW X2 is suited for the young driver or the young driver at heart. It is a sporty vehicle that is really fun to drive and it certainly does not lack when it comes to performance. I loved the bold and dynamic looks of the exterior and the all the tech in the sporty interior.
So, is the BMW X2 Totally Ungovernable? I Googled “Ungovernable” which means “impossible to control or govern”. From a driving perspective, I would say no the X2 is not ungovernable as it was really easy to control. From a design perspective, BMW have not been governed by the norm. The X2 is new, distinctive and is something that I have never seen before from BMW. The X2 pushes back boundaries, puts a firework under old habits and brings previously uncharted levels of driving pleasure to this vehicle segment.
