All-new BMW X2 unveiled – here’s what to expect
BMW has revealed its facelifted second-generation BMW X2, which is slated to go on sale across the world in March 2024.
The X2 has a redesigned angular shell, a sloping roofline, a new interior similar to its pricier siblings, and a range of turbocharged engines, depending on the market.
“Now, an even more distinctive, even sportier and even more forward-looking second generation is taking to the stage. Significantly larger dimensions and a pronounced coupé silhouette clearly showcase in its exterior design the development leap taken by the new BMW X2,” said the carmaker.
For the first time ever, BMW has also produced an all-electric iX2, however, this model “will not be offered in South Africa,” noted BMW.
Features
The new X2 is very different from the traditional X1. Its front end has an upright, model-specific design featuring a hexagonal kidney grille, unique two-part LED headlights and a pronounced beltline.
The elongated roof gives it a slimmer, coupe-shaped silhouette. At the back, the blocky proportions continue with a new rear apron, a Gurney-style spoiler, more muscular wheel arches and horizontal LED light clusters.
In South Africa, the petrol-powered sDrive18i and M35i will come in an M Sport trim, giving them sportier bumpers and wheels than the base xLine package.
The range-topping M35i will stand out with two pairs of exhausts. The entry-level derivatives come with 18-inch light-alloy wheels as standard, while the M35i comes with 20-inch rims.
The second-gen X2 is larger than the previous model. It has grown by 194mm in length to 4,554mm, 21mm in width to 1,845mm, and 64mm in height to 1,590mm.
The larger size provides increased passenger space and a higher maximum load capacity of 560-1,470 litres, depending on the variant.
The X2 has a more premium passenger cell than the previous version. The sporty highlights of the coupe body style are now more pronounced. The instrument panel has been designed to be slender and features the BMW Curved Display.
This display incorporates a digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The new seats are wrapped in cloth but are available in Veganza or Vernasca leather, and a “floating” armrest with an integral control panel is placed between them. Additionally, the standard kit has been substantially enhanced compared to the outgoing X2.
All models now also come with:
- A leather steering wheel;
- Two-zone automatic climate control;
- Cruise control with a brake function;
- Automatic tailgate operation;
- BMW Maps navigation; and
- A host of digital services through the latest iDrive Operating System 9.
In addition to the existing safety and assistance programs, the new model comes with a range of new features at no extra cost. These include a front-collision warning system, park assist with a reverse camera, a reversing assistant, speed-limit information, and lane-departure warning with lane return.
The car also allows existing capabilities to be upgraded via over-the-air software updates and the BMW ConnectedDrive app store, which means that new functionality can be added even after the purchase date.
Buyers can choose from a range of options:
- Electric and heated seats;
- Adaptive LED headlights;
- Steering and lane-control assistant;
- Active cruise control with stop & go;
- Active navigation;
- The exit warning function;
- A heads-up display;
- The surround-view camera system;
- A drive recorder and a remote theft recorder;
- The Iconic Glow backlighting for the grille;
- The M Sport Pro package; and
- New equipment packages that allow for more targeted individualization.
Performance
BMW’s new X2 is available with three internal combustion engines and one electric setup. In South Africa, engines similar to the current generation are expected to be offered.
The entry-level engines are a 1.5-litre, turbo-petrol unit with 48V mild-hybrid technology (badged the sDrive20i) and a 2.0-litre, turbo-diesel (called the sDrive20d), both of which drive the front wheels through a seven-speed automatic gearbox.
The flagship M35i, on the other hand, comes with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol block paired with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, adaptive M suspension, and an M-specific chassis for enhanced agility and comfort.
Though the domestic market won’t have access to the electric iX2, other countries can expect the model to come with two electric motors and a 64.7 kWh battery that provides a driving range of up to 449 km.
The battery can be recharged from 10-80% in approximately 29 minutes at a 130 kW DC plug.
The particulars of the X2’s various drivelines are detailed in the following table, as outlined by TopAuto:
| Model | Power | 0-100km/h | Top speed | Consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X2 sDrive18d | 110kW/360Nm | 8.9 seconds | 210km/h | 5.1-5.5l/100km |
| X2 sDrive20i | 125kW/280Nm | 8.3 seconds | 213km/h | 6.0-6.5l/100km |
| X2 M35i xDrive | 221kW/400Nm | 5.4 seconds | 250km/h | 7.7-8.0l/100km |
| iX2 xDrive30 | 230kW/494Nm | 5.6 seconds | 180km/h | 16.3-17.7kWh/100km |
BMW X2 M35i
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