2024 BMW X2 xDrive28i - Review by David Colman

The performance sleeper of the year

David Colman

Photos and Story by David Colman
Special Correspondent
THE AUTO CHANNEL

When a vehicle's mundane appearance masks its true performance potential, enthusiasts call it a "sleeper." That term perfectly describes BMW's somnolent looking X2. This fastback version of BMW's compact X1 SUV will win no styling awards. It sits awkwardly high on its suspension, its sloping roofline failing to synch with slab sided panels inherited from the taller and blockier X1. Be that as it may, you won't buy the X2 because it's gorgeous. You'll buy it because it's an absolute blast to drive over real world bumpy, twisty back roads. In those circumstances, the X2 proves itself a decathlete, with all the moves needed to go apex bashing. Those characteristics make the X2 xDrive28 the sleeper of BMW's model line. And best of all it's relatively affordable, with a base price of $42,000.

Of course, base price remains an unfamiliar and nebulous concept in BMW world. That would explain why our test Bimmer ended up with a bottom line of $52,745. Leading off the sticker price hit parade was a $1,200 debit for "Storm Bay Metallic" paint, a reticent shade that didn't do much for the X2's looks, especially since I photographed it overlooking a bay on a stormy day. In that setting, the X2 all but disappeared from sight. The second upgrade added $1,700 to the tally. While it's called the "Driving Assistance Pro Package" it does not put a Skip Barber instructor in your passenger seat. Rather it contributes "Active Driving Assistance," "Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go," "Active Lane Assistance with Side Collision Avoidance," and "Traffic Jam Assistant." If I were special ordering my own X2, I would probably pass on this option, since my inclination would be to turn off as many of these nannies as possible.

However, I would gladly pay the extra $2,500 to order the M Sport Package since it upgrades the X2's handling with special alloy wheels, high-performance rubber, adaptive suspension, killer sport seats, and plump M steering wheel. The M Sport Package also improves the X2's appearance with "Shadowline exterior trim," as well as an assortment of M Sport exterior and interior design elements. Aluminum Hexa -Trim panels add zest to the door panels and dashboard, while an anthracite headliner makes the roof seem to disappear.

But the big M Sport takeaways here are the race track-ready wheels and tires, the infinitely adaptable suspension control system, and the absolutely superb front bucket seats. Michelin contributes a super grippy set of 245/45R19 Pilot Sport 4S rubber (TW 300) to all four corners. Since "xDrive" means all four wheels are powered, this little coupe-bodied SUV grips the road with the kind of tenacity you would expect from a 2-seat sports car. The M Sport Package was supposed to include large M Sport brake discs, but since these parts were not available on early X2 builds, BMW deducted $500 for an "M Sport Brakes Credit." Fear not, however, as the X2's standard issue brakes managed to stop it from 70mph in just 156feet.

Our test Bimmer's base price was also augmented by a $4,000 surcharge for the "Premium Package," which contributed the kind of comfort and convenience items most Korean and Japanese manufacturers provide free of charge: power folding mirrors, keyless entry, panorama sky roof, auto dimming rear view mirror, parking assistant plus, and wireless device charging. On top of the Premium Package, the bean counters at BMW insisted on charging an extra $550 for heated front seats and steering wheel. On the other hand, none of the Oriental car manufacturers can claim their products are made in Germany. While BMW manufactures a number of model lines in the USA, your X2 is built in Regensburg, Germany of 35% German manufactured parts. Keep that in mind when you're price shopping SUVs.

The X2 28's tubocharged inline 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine produces 241hp and 295lb.-ft. of torque, which is enough to propel this chopped top SUV from 0-60mph in just 5.6 seconds from a standing start. If your need for speed exceeds that quotient, you can opt for the M35 X2, an upgraded M Sport model that retunes the 2.0 liter straight 4 to produce 312hp. This will cost you a bit more, though, as the base price jumps $10,395 to $52,395 for the M35. But the M35 kit puts the X2 in a significantly faster class, capable of cranking out 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds, and traversing the standing start quarter mile in 13.5 seconds at 105mph.

While we were initially somewhat put off by the awkward exterior appearance of the X2, by the end of our first drive over a favorite stretch of mountain road, we were sold on the preternatural proclivity of this BMW to stick to the road without fuss. At the conclusion of our second drive over the same piece of road we were sold on this petite Bimmer as the performance sleeper of the year.

2024 BMW X2 xDrive28i

• ENGINE: 2.0 Liter inline-4 TwinPower Turbo, 16-valve DOHC with variable Valve Control
• HORSEPOWER: 241hp@6500rpm
• TORQUE: 295lb.-ft.@1500rpm
• FUEL CONSUMPTION: 24MPG City/33MPG Highway
• PRICE AS TESTED: $52,745

HYPES: Best Seats, Most Rewarding to Drive

GRIPES: Subdued Appearance, Poor Rear Vision

STAR RATING: 9.5 Stars out of 10

©2024 David E Colman