Introduction
The BMW X2 is designed to appeal to style-conscious customers who don’t mind sacrificing some interior space and outward visibility in the name of an engaging driving experience. Based on the X1 compact SUV, it has a curvier body and a lower, more car-like feel. Those drivers looking for the typical commanding SUV view might be disappointed, because the X2 feels more like a sporty hatchback.
Once it gets past a slight initial delay, the X2 accelerates briskly and feels snappy. Its 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine gives a satisfying growl when pushed. The eight-speed automatic transmission delivers near-instant kick-downs at just a touch of the accelerator, and the shifts are smooth. Fuel economy is decent-for-the-class at 25 mpg overall on premium.
Despite being considered an SUV, the X2 drives more like a sports car when navigating curvy roads. The quick steering delivers decent feedback to the driver. The car takes turns without hesitation, making it enjoyable to drive.
The ride, however, skews toward the stiff side; occupants will feel the car’s quick, choppy pitches. It’s not hard to imagine some buyers wishing for a little more calm and a quieter cabin from this entry-level luxury SUV. Drivers will also hear elevated levels of tire noise when rolling over coarse surfaces, detracting from the upscale experience. The engine, on the other hand, produces an invigorating, daresay happy sound.
As with other BMWs, the X2’s interior has a high-quality vibe. There are enough knobs and buttons for common tasks and even going through the iDrive display screen and rotary controller isn’t too complicated. Plus, steering wheel controls offer easy shortcuts.
The faux-leather front seats are comfortable and supportive. Because the X2 sits low to the ground, drivers might feel like they’re sitting in a car rather than an SUV. In the rear, the seats are snug and the cargo volume is several cubic feet smaller than the space in the more upright X1.
A sloping roofline and thick back pillars create significant blind spots at the rear quarters. The side windows are small, too, and the rear window is little more than a sliver. Yet blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems aren’t available to help drivers feel more secure.
BMW’s optional Driving Assistance package includes advanced safety features such as forward-collision warning (FCW), city-speed automatic emergency braking (AEB), and lane-departure warning--but CR believes that FCW and AEB should be standard on all cars.
Paying well into the $40,000 range for such a small vehicle may be a bit of a head-scratcher. Then again, the X2 offers the versatility of a hatchback and available all-wheel drive, wrapped in a small footprint with a sporty demeanor.