Urban dwellers who lead active lifestyles… it’s the same old line as BMW reveals the new X2 ahead of its on-sale next year (2018).
THE COMPACT SUV segment is looking like becoming the next new car battleground as brands release a flurry of new metal, including this, the new BMW X2. BMW claims it puts a firework under old habits, whatever that means… it’s based on the same platform as a bunch of Minis, the X1 and 2 Series Gran Tourer meaning it’s available in both front-drive and all-wheel drive layout. There’ll also be an M-variant, although not quite a ‘proper M’, if you know what I mean, as well as the ‘world rally championship’ inspired X2 M X variant.
Like its siblings, the X4 and X6, the X2 is intended to be more a of style setting machine than something truly practical, that’s left to the odd-numbered X models. Sharing its wheelbase with the X1, the X2 sits seven centimetres lower and is shorter than the higher-riding X1. There are some key styling breaks from tradition with the X2, like the kidney grille which has been turned upside down and now widens from top to bottom; this hints at a new design direction for next-generation X models going forward.
When it launches in March next year, the X2 will lob with just three engines to choose from which will eventually expand to four petrol and five diesel engines. The mix of petrol and diesel ranges from 103kW to 170kW in output; petrol engines will be mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission while diesel variants will run an eight-speed automatic. All variants will be offered initially with all-wheel drive only with front-drive variants joining the line-up as the engine range expands.
More than just its looks and driving, the X2, says BMW, is all about ‘connectivity’. To that end, the driver (and passenger) are offered three different ways of interacting with the thing, via the iDrive controller, cost optional voice control or cost optional touchscreen Control Display (fingers crossed touchscreen will be standard in Australia). The screen ranges in size from 6.5 to 8.0-inches depending on the package you’ve selected and Apple CarPlay connectivity is an option; a feature we’d expect to be standard when this thing arrives in Australia next year.
Dull as dishwater.
But the dishwater costs the same as Moet-Chandon.