BMW X2 Review New Zealand
Daredevils are by nature thrill-seeking, exhibitionists. They are non-conformists, societies rules and views don’t apply, and they tend to push the boundaries to near breaking point wherever possible. So why did this spring to mind when I took to the wheel of BMW’s new small, premium SUV? Well, I’m glad you asked, please let me explain.
I guess first and foremost, the fact that the New Zealand launch was shrouded with X2Dare2 social hashtags, was a bit of a giveaway. BMW has positioned the X2 as an extroverted protagonist big words for an SUV, but in its Misano Blue metallic and Galvanic Gold launch colours, it certainly made a statement!
After the mandatory introduction and tech speak, we got to drive a large looping circuit that not only tested the all-new X2’s town and country prowess, but also how it handled Auckland’s temperate weather conditions. Aside from it being a stand-alone model in the BMW’s impressive SUV line-up (this is not just a re-shaped, coupe X1), its quirky nod to the CSL model of the 70’s (with its C-Pillar badging) and its overall wide road stance, the thing that stood out to me during the ride was the X2’s steering and traction. Normally when you put (in the case of the sDrive20i) 141kW and 280Nm to a front wheel drive vehicle you’d expect, at best, plenty of wheelspin, or at worst uncontrolled torque steer (engine controlling the vehicle direction) and this to be amplified even more-so in the wet. However, the X2 showed very little sign of either – this needed further investigation.
For my follow-up drive, I was given the BMW X2 sDrive20i M Sport in Misano Blue metallic with black ‘Dakota’ leather upholstery, Aluminium Hexagon trim, colour coded stitching and funky Blue highlights. As I said before, the X2 has a wide stance that is complemented by large side curtain air inlets under its nose, sporty frozen grey wheel arches and side skirts, a shadowing rear spoiler and 20″ M light double-spoke alloy wheels.
The interior is very premium BMW, and my example came with all the standard trimmings (Active Cruise control, Driving Assistant Plus etc) but also M Sport package (M Leather steering wheel, M Sport suspension, Parking Assistant the list goes on) and topped off with BMW ConnectedDrive (Concierge Services, ConnectedDrive Services, Real-Time Traffic Information and Remote Services), yes I did feel special. The 2L engine combined with a 7-speed auto transmission will reportedly get you to from 0-100kph in 7.7seconds, has a fuel efficiency of 5.9L/100k’s and CO2 emissions of 134g/km.
Away from the prying eyes of launch day, gave me a chance to stretch the BMW X2’s legs so to speak. Despite being heralded as a vehicle that breaks with routine, I wanted to know how it fitted into everyday urban life, (of which it does very well) and I was also keen to test out that traction again. Taking to the quiet outer regions of asphalted roads, I spent more than my fair share of time pushing the X2’s traction capabilities, and apart from spotting the little yellow light on the instrument cluster letting me know that the system was working, the small SUV barely batted an eyelid – it’s pretty impressive.
BMW have positioned the all-new X2 as a unique and exceptional performance vehicle, with dynamic and agile capabilities and that’s all well and good, but I have to say that the SUV’s most excellent steering and traction control certainly dared to bring out the devil in me.
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