BMW chose Portugal to present the new BMW X2 to the world press. A compact crossover, a first for BMW's X range, which introduces a new design language that is more irreverent than what BMW has become accustomed to.
Pressured by rivals Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and Audi, the Munich brand decided to launch a compact crossover which, although using practically the same technical and dynamic solutions as the well-known X1 — which is BMW's best-selling SUV worldwide — it has a very different look: more striking and sporty, clearly aimed at a younger audience, which also intends to assert itself through its difference.
Spacious and sporty interior
Outwardly, it is marked by muscular lines, from which the possibility of betting on contrasting colors stands out. The front grille with the typical double kidney appears here in an inverted position; the headlights are more torn and the unusual placement of the brand's emblem on the “C” pillar stands out — recalling an identical solution on the beautiful 3.0 CS (E9) from 1968.
Against X1, X2 is shorter (-4.9 cm) and also shorter (6.9 cm). Keeping, however, the same wheelbase — almost 2.7 m.
Interior identical to the X1
With the dashboard more sculpted and the front seats in a lower position, we feel that we are more integrated with the car. The quality of the materials deserves a positive note, as well as the overall ergonomics of the model. Solutions, moreover, better achieved than rear visibility, heavily conditioned by a tiny rear window.
what a big trunk
Rear seat passengers have enough space, with the exception of the center seat occupant — if you are more than 1.75 m, you will have a less comfortable ride. Compared to the X1, despite its smaller dimensions, we were surprised by the suitcase: 470 liters of capacity . For those heights where even more space is needed, there is the possibility to fold down the backrests of the 40/20/40 seats, practically horizontally, to guarantee a maximum load of 1355 litres.
driving in good plan
Observing the differences compared to the already known X1, the time has come to hit the road, with the only engine available in this presentation in Lisbon: an X2 xDrive20d with 190 hp and 400 Nm of torque, which, together with the automatic transmission Eight-speed steptronic promised interesting rhythms. Promised and fulfilled. We always have an engine, in any regime and relation. Sensations, moreover, confirmed by the technical data sheet: 7.2 seconds from 0-100 km/h.
On degraded floors you can see what is the focus of this model... let's go to the curves?
Equipped with an all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring — capable of sending up to 100% of the power to just one of the axles — combined with the already traditional driving modes (Comfort, Sport and Eco Pro), the BMW X2's handling is thrilling.
The suspension is pleasantly informative and handles mass transfers well. The steering, in addition to the right weight, also shows enough feedback and precision to help put the wheels where we want them. Far from being uncomfortable, it is noted that the BMW X2's most serious bet was in the dynamic chapter.
Prices in line with the X1… plus 1500 euros
Finally, a final word on the engines and prices with which this BMW X2 will arrive in Portugal, as early as next March.
The offer starts with the petrol sDrive18i, with manual transmission (41 050 euros) and automatic Steptronic (43 020 euros). In Diesels, the sDrive18d with manual transmission (45 500 euros) and automatic (47 480 euros), the xDrive18d with only automatic transmission (49 000 euros) and, finally, the aforementioned xDrive20d also with automatic transmission (54 250 euros).
Basically, an increase of 1500 euros compared to the price of the corresponding X1 version.