BMW X2
Other offerings appeal more, so where does that leave the Mk2 X2?
No, it wasn’t love at first sight. But the new X2 is at least less disturbing than its chunky predecessor. However, some of the attention paid to styling might better have been diverted to dynamics.
A substantial 194mm longer than the X1, the second-gen compact crossover – priced from £40,515 – also has an extended wheelbase, a loftier roofline for more headroom and a wider track supported by extra-cost 19in to 21in wheels. The boot volume increases to 560 and 1470 litres, an increase of 90 and 115 litres respectively.
Like the electric iX2, the 296bhp M35i features all-wheel drive; but while the range-topping petrol version powers the rear wheels via a classic propshaft, the EV boasts a motor on each axle.
Since the base X2 shares its front-wheeldrive architecture with the X1, the biggest available powerplant is the turbocharged 2.0-litre four redlined at a busy 6800rpm. Mated to a seven-speed DCT, it sees off 0-62mph in 5.4sec.
The X2 M35i xDrive is equipped with the lowered adaptive M suspension, quicker sports steering and beefier sports brakes, but it lacks the dynamic genes that make the RWD 3-series and the X3 shine.
Even the sportiest X2 is more about strong grip and premium creature comfort than ultra-sharp handling and exceptional performance. Extra money buys M compound brakes and Cup tyres but the basic stopping apparatus does a good enough job, and the midsize 19-inch footwear offers plenty of grip.
The proportion-defining elements of the new X2 are the more steeply raked windscreen and the sloping C-posts, which look butch and sporty but create a prominent blind spot. The wider, largerdiameter wheels and the standard M Sports pack contribute to the broadershouldered, more self-conscious stance.
Inside, the prominent curved display features a large touchscreen above the centre stack, and the speedo and rev counter in a second panel behind the three-spoke steering-wheel. We still hope the Bavarian design gods will have mercy on us and replace the psychedelic squarebracket instruments with old-school round dials. Analogue may be the devil’s work in the eyes of digital natives, but those vague touchsliders aren’t the ergonomic holy grail either.
