Buyers of utility vehicles seeking the BMW lifestyle will soon have a new option to consider when the X2 makes an appearance in the second quarter of 2018.
Currently, the X1 is the starting point both in price and carrying capacity. That won鈥檛 change with the X2鈥檚 arrival, but from front to rear it鈥檚 a whole new ballgame.
Of the two models, the X2 is clearly the looker. As with the X4 and X6, this one places more emphasis on a slinky shape than carrying capacity, which is probably why BMW refers to the X2 as a 鈥淪port Activity Coupe.鈥� Mind you, the X1 is no ugly duckling, but if you鈥檙e looking to stand apart from the crowd, the X2 demands that you yield some passenger and cargo room.
Just how much space must you surrender to the styling gods? Well, the X2鈥檚 lower roofline means a slight reduction in headroom, but the loss of volume is more acutely noticeable behind the front seats. Although the distance between the X1 and X2鈥檚 front and rear wheels is identical, the X2 is about 7.5 centimetres shorter overall. That contributes to about 25 per cent less stowage space with the rear seat folded flat, or roughly 15 per cent with the rear bench left upright.
Ultimately, it might be hard to resist the X2鈥檚 less conservative sheetmetal that looks almost 鈥� dare it be said 鈥� Italian in execution. It also straddles the line between the X1 (and the similar-looking, but larger X3 and X5) and the X4 and X6 hatches. If 鈥� or when 鈥� BMW introduces a utility convertible, it will have all the bases covered.
If you鈥檙e expecting a unique take in interior design, you鈥檒l probably be disappointed. Here, the X2 and X1 are virtually identical, right down to the gauge and assorted controls, tablet-style touchscreen and angular-shaped centre armrest.
Ditto for the X2 and X1 mechanicals. Both models use the same front-wheel-drive platform that was originally introduced in various Mini models (BMW owns Mini). But the all-wheel-drive system that鈥檚 optional for some Minis 鈥� plus the X1 鈥� is standard in the X2 xDrive28i, which happens to be the X2鈥檚 singular model, at least for now.
That means a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder is your sole engine choice. It delivers 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of maximum torque (between 1,500-4,500 rpm) to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. But BMW being, well, BMW, you can likely expect a higher-performing powertrain to become available in the near future.
Meanwhile, the automaker is touting a zero-to-100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds, which is about the same as the X1鈥檚 time.
Official fuel-economy numbers have not yet been revealed, but using the X1 as a benchmark, a rating of 10.7 l/100 km in the city and 7.4 on the highway should be close.
All X2s come with BMW鈥檚 Driving Dynamics Control that defaults to Comfort mode, but can be switched to Eco Pro mode to maximize fuel economy. Sport mode delivers sharper throttle and steering responses. An available Dynamic Damper Control setting lowers the ride height by about a centimetre and firms up the suspension.
Final pricing has not been released, but a best guesstimate would be in the $44,500 range (about $3,000 more than an X1). Of course that鈥檚 before any of a lengthy list of options have been tacked on. They include a panoramic sunroof, navigation system and an M Sport X package that comes with a sport-tuned suspension, unique rear spoiler and other enhancements.
Ultimately, the niche-filling X2 will be a spot-on choice for buyers who prefer its made-to-fit cut to the X1鈥檚 off-the-rack silhouette.
THE SPEC SHEET
Type: Four-door, all-wheel-drive compact utility vehicle
Engine (h.p.): 2.0-litre DOHC I-4, turbocharged (228)
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Market position: BMW has done an excellent job at exploiting the utility-vehicle market with a wide assortment of shapes, sizes and prices. Sportier models like the X2 are becoming more the norm with buyers who prefer style over space.
Active safety: Blind-spot warning with cross-traffic backup alert (opt.); active cruise control (opt.); emergency braking (opt.); lane-departure warning (opt.)
Fuel economy, L/100 km (city/hwy) 10.7/7.4 (est.)
Base price (incl. destination) $44,500 (est.).
