For automakers of all stripes, it's a Hungry Hungry Hippos kind of world; everyone is voraciously trying to gobble up every sale they can get. For BMW, that means expanding its portfolio of roundel-wearing crossovers, most recently with the all-new X2. Available spring 2018, this newest addition to the BMW lineup promises to provide a chic and upscale urban look while also being a practical and efficient runabout. Millennials, take heed: your car is ready.
What's New for 2018
The BMW X2 is an all-new model for 2018.
Choosing Your BMW X2
In the words of Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW's Senior VP of Design, "The BMW X2 represents an expression of modern and extrovert vehicle dynamics." While this may sound like a bunch of marketing gobbledygook, it can't be denied that compared to the also-diminutive BMW X1, the X2 comes replete with more aggressive and low-slung bodywork that skews further towards sporting hatchback than upright crossover. This stylistic gulf between the two littlest X vehicles stems from the fact that the X2 has a lower overall height and shorter length, yet rides on the same wheelbase as the X1. The result is a crossover that, when compared to its stablemate, looks taut and athletic.
Despite the sporting proportions, the dapper bodywork doesn't sacrifice practicality: the trunk has 50.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which is only down a few grocery bags from the X1's 58.7 cubic feet.
All X2's are powered by a typical-for-the-segment 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder putting out 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic handles the shifting duties, and BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system is standard fare. The dash to 60 miles per hour takes 6.3 seconds, which is decidedly quicker than the Audi Q3 or Lexus NX but doesn't quite match the Mercedes GLA250's 5.8-second 0-60 run (let alone the angrier GLA45 AMG).
Buyers have a choice of nine different exterior hues, including the distinctive Galvanic Gold that the show cars were draped in. Inside, buyers can pick from black or white leatherette, or from five shades of Dakota leather. These premium hides cost an additional $1,450.
Buyers can further outfit their X2 with the $700 Driver Assistance Package, which couples the active driving assistant and active cruise control. It also mandates the $950 navigation, so the true total cost for this package comes out to $1,650. The other available package is the $600 Dynamic Handling Package, which attempts to channel a smidgen of the old BMW spirit via more precise M Sports steering and active adjustable dampers. Both packages are available for all trim levels.
For $39,395 (including destination charge), buyers net themselves an unadorned X2. Standard features include 18-inch wheels, leatherette, a 6.5-inch non-touchscreen display, ambient lighting, LED lights, rearview camera and power tailgate.
Standalone options consist of a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging and wifi hotspot, navigation, heated front seats and steering wheel, Apple CarPlay and a 12-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system. Optional safety features include active cruise control with limited autonomous braking functionality, park distance control that offers audible warnings when approaching an object or obstruction while parking, and a space-saver spare tire.
The $2,350 Convenience Tier adds a bunch of, um, convenient features. Highlights include auto-dimming mirrors, a universal garage door opener, proximity entry, lumbar support, power folding mirrors, panoramic moonroof, and SiriusXM radio with a one year subscription.
The $4,950 Premium Tier includes all the features of the Convenience Tier, plus doodads like remote services, a head-up display, real-time traffic information, navigation, and heated front seats and steering wheel. It's a well-rounded package that we'd have a hard time ignoring.
But the most distinctive version of X comes by the way of BMW M in the $4,650 M Sport X Package. This version of the X2 boasts a number of unique features, including the bumpers, 19-inch wheels, and the bodyside accents painted in Frozen Grey. Extra options unique to the M Sport include 20-inch wheels, an M rear spoiler, and a firmer M sport suspension.
The M Sport X offers the same content as an xDrive28i Convenience Tier, but you can pair it with the Premium Tier for $2,600 on top of the M Sport X equipment. The options available on the regular M Sport X are again available here, with the only notable difference being that the M sport suspension has been made standard.
There are a lot of flavors to choose from when it comes to the X2, but your best bet would be to get a Convenience or Premium Tier and take advantage of the a la cart options. We’d recommend splurging on the genuine leather, navigation and Dynamic Handling Package. Check off the boxes for these goodies, and you’ll end up with an X that offers a premium interior, a proper touchscreen infotainment unit, and a better driving experience.