What is it?
A hatchback? An SUV? Depending on the angle you look at the new BMW X2 from, there are easily identifiable signs of both very much present in its design. Whatever your thoughts on its appearance are, though, you have to acknowledge that BMW has a bit of an uncanny knack when it comes to sniffing out space for an entirely new model niche within its ever-expanding line-up.
This isn’t the first time we’ve had a go in the X2 here on UK roads. Earlier this year, we tried one out in four-wheel-drive, diesel-powered xDrive20d guise and were impressed with its poise, pace and handling dynamism. Now, we’re getting behind the wheel of the sDrive20i model, which loses a driven axle and ditches its oil-burning engine in favour of a (marginally) more powerful four-cylinder petrol.
That powerplant displaces 1998cc, and develops 189bhp from 5000rpm, while its 207lb ft is available from as low down the rev band as 1350rpm. This is all sent exclusively to the front wheels (optional 20in alloys wrapped in 225/40 Pirelli P Zero rubber on our M Sport test car) via a seven-speed twin-clutch auto ’box. Stiffened and lowered M Sport suspension is also thrown in the mix for good measure.
What's it like?
Actually really rather enjoyable. The X2 may not quite display hot-hatch levels of agility or body control but, given its shape and size, the level of dynamism on offer here is to be commended.
I don’t think you’ll really feel as though you’re missing out on anything for being a driven axle down compared with the diesel X2, as there are still impressive levels of grip to be found here. You can can certainly lean on the BMW’s front end much more than you can in other crossover-type vehicles, and you’ll have to be travelling at a noticeably quicker pace before the tyres give up the ghost and wash into understeer. Even when this point arrives, the manner in which traction is broken is gentle and easily manageable; a lift of the throttle will not only drag the X2’s rather pointy-looking nose back in towards the apex, but you can feel the rear of the car gently rotate in a corrective fashion too.
It then adds into this mix steering that’s best described as athletically weighted and, at 2.6 turns lock-to-lock, reasonably quick; impressively controlled lateral roll; and a transmission that responds reasonably keenly to your inputs when controlled via the paddles. It’s a tidy little package, this.
Join the debate
Add your comment
The X2 SDrive 2.0i is a versatile car with driver appeal
After 18 months of owning one I can say it is nicer to drive than my previous Jaguar cars and far better built. 12000 miles so far wth no faults and no rattles. Like Jaguars though it is reassuringly expensive.
The 2 litre petrol engine with the 7 speed DCT is an excellent responsive drivetrain and converse to some uninformed persons comments, far better than a Jaguar Ingenium petrol and technically superior too. It is easy to average 40mpg on a long run and 35 on urban trips and when you want to let the performance and handling show, it can easily match warm hatchbacks.
Yes, it has faults. The rides a bit firm and the runflat tyres are a bit noisy. The boot is not that big unless you put the seats down and the roofline restricts access for bigger items, but the E-Pace is worse. Rear seats are just OK for two adults but not great. Visibility out front and sides is really good but not that good at the rear, making it easy to place on the road but you need the camera option for parking. The standard sound system is good and while the main screen is probably a bit odd to use at first, it all works unlike most Jaguars, and can be used without the touchscreen on the move with the idrive controller.
At last!
. At last, an independent unbiased opinion on the two litre petrol, ours was due this month, but I guess it could be another two before we see it, your piece told me everything I needed to know, thanks.
Lots to see!!!
Was sitting in A Public Library the other day looking out big plate Glass Windows which looked down onto a roundabout, to pass the time I counted cars, all the usual suspects went round, to many to write here, but the most common brand that went round were.....BMW's, mostly three series and Diesel powered, how come?, well,I think not many actually buy there cars, it's so easy to just lay it up, and when it comes time to change you just swap cars and carry on....
New car
Interesting article! I work as a executive resume writer my job is a few kilometers away from me. And I want to buy a new car. BMW pretty good car for food in the city.
ps: BMW pretty good car for
ps: BMW pretty good car for city driving!