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2018 BMW X2 Review +VIDEO By Larry Nutson


2018 BMW X2 (select to view enlarged photo)

2018 BMW X2
Urban style and function

By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel

I was initially struck by BMW’s press release reference to the new X2 as a car. Upon seeing the X2 in person for the first time at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit I indeed saw its car-like character.

BMW’s X-series vehicles range, now from X1 to X6, uses odd number designations for utility and even numbers to designate sport.

The X2 rides on the same architecture as the X1 but is 3.2 inches shorter and 2.8 inches wider. The X2’s coupe-like proportions give it a sporty look and its overall dimensions make it very urban friendly. Inside there are seats for five and a “trunk” the holds 21.6 cu.ft. that increases to 50.1 cu.ft. when the rear seat is folded.


2018 BMW X2(select to view enlarged photo)

You may be wondering by now, is this X2 a 5-door hatchback, a small wagon or a crossover SUV? Call it what you like, as long as it fills your transportation needs.

On sale since spring, the X2 xDrive28i is priced at $38,400. In the usual BMW fashion a number of equipment packages are offered that drive the price up. An M Sport X Package is available for $4,650, or for $600 more with 20-inch wheels.

My Sunset Orange Metallic drive-evaluation X2 was equipped with the M Sport package as well as the $2,600 Premium Package plus a few other options that pushed the bottom line to $50,920, including the $995 destination charge.

The M Sport suspension was also fitted on this X2 which lowered it by 0.4 inches compared to the standard setup for better looks as well as even sportier handling.

Under the hood is a 228-horsepower turbo 2.0-liter I-4 engine coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission. XDrive is BMW’s all-wheel drive system and that was the only choice at launch. Now a front-wheel drive X2 sDrive28i is available priced $2,000 less at $36,400.

EPA test-cycle fuel economy ratings are 25 mpg combined with 21 city mpg and 31 highway mpg. The X2 has decent fuel economy and I felt the overall performance from the engine to be quite good and responsive. BMW says zero to 60 mph comes in 6.3 seconds, which should meet most everyone’s needs very adequately. Driving modes can be changed to sport, comfort or the efficient eco-pro.

Optional driver-assistance safety features include lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Parking Assistant helps the driver to find parallel parking spaces and park the vehicle.


2018 BMW X2 (select to view enlarged photo)

Interesting exterior design elements are the inverted BMW kidney-shaped grille and the BMW roundel located on the c-pillar.

The interior is very much BMW with good looks and high-quality materials. Centered on the dashboard is a 6.5 inch multimedia screen above the HVAC vents. This is upgraded to a 6.5-inch or 8.8-inch Touch Control Display if a navigation system is selected and BMW's iDrive controller is used for both. Seating positions are a bit elevated but not so much as in an SUV.


2018 BMW X2(select to view enlarged photo)


2018 BMW X2 (select to view enlarged photo)

I actually found the X2 very appealing. Both inside and out it’s attractive and nicely proportioned. I saw it easily becoming our household vehicle. We have only one car and we sometimes wonder if we really need that living in Chicago with lots of transportation options at our front door.

The X2 provides nice comfort for two and plenty of space for luggage on a weekend trip. And, the rear seat adequately allows for out-of-town guest transport or taking another couple along to a restaurant. The fold-down rear seat and opening rear hatch also come in handy for an occasional large item transport need.

The large moonroof, power-folding outside mirrors, and the Harmon/Kardon audio system all make for added driving joy.

To quote BMW, “The BMW X2 represents an expression of modern and extrovert vehicle dynamics,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “Its standalone vehicle concept brings a new, fresh and exciting facet of the BMW to the compact segment.”


2018 BMW X2 (select to view enlarged photo)

It will be interesting to watch how the X2 establishes itself in the market. Will other automakers follow suit? Will SUVs evolve to become more car like without giving up any functionality and convenience?

Check out more details and information on the 2018 BMW X2 here at www.bmwusa.com.

As we publish this review I’m about to drive the more utilitarian BMW X1.

Check back soon.

© 2018 Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy

Attached please find MORE; the technical Specifications of the new BMW X2, valid from 03/2018.

Article Offline Attachments.

MORE: The Most In-Depth Independent BMW Research - Anywhere!