BMW recently introduced its new X2 range locally, and it is quite the departure from its predecessor based on the styling alone. At the time of writing this article, the X2 range consisted of two derivatives, namely the X2 sDrive18i M Sport and the X2 M35i. But other than the engine, what else is different between the two variants?
Before we get into the details of the new BMW X2, remember that you can sell your car quickly and easily on our website here to get a deposit ready for when you search for new or used BMW X2 models on AutoTrader here.
Related: BMW X2 (2024) - First Drive Review
BMW X2 variants
To know which of the two BMW X2 variants will best suit your requirements, it is best to understand what the main differences are. Below, we will dive into a little more detail on each. *Note that all pricing and figures listed in this article were correct at the time of writing; however, they can change at any moment and without notice.
BMW X2 sDrive18i M Sport
Price: from R 879 738
The entry point to the X2 range is the sDrive18i M Sport derivative. One of the main differences upfront is the 3D mesh in the kidney grille, while at the rear, customers will quickly notice a different spoiler and rear bumper design when compared to the M35i. In the corners, the sDrive18i M Sport derivative comes fitted with 19-inch wheels with 20- and 21-inch configurations available optionally.
Under the bonnet the sDrive18i M Sport feature a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder, turbocharged, petrol engine coupled to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels only. This power unit produces 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque and has a manufacturer-claimed average fuel consumption return of 6.7 L / 100 km.
The powertrain should be able to sprint the X2 sDrive18i M Sport from 0-100 km/h in 9.0 seconds and on to a top speed of 213 km/h. While safety and tech are very similar between the two variants, items such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and a head-up display are optional equipment on the sDrive18i M Sport.
BMW X2 M35i
Price: from R 1 223 936
As alluded to above, both the sDrive18i M Sport and M35i variants are similarly specified on the interior; however, the M35i do get adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist and traffic sign recognition as standard equipment. On the exterior, the kidney grille comes with a performance-inspired horizontal mesh, and in the corners, 21-inch, variant-specific, alloy wheels feature as standard.
At the rear, customers will also quickly notice the sportier rear spoiler on the tailgate, while lower down, the bumper is also different and offers space for the two pairs of exhaust tailpipes integrated into the rear apron. But the biggest change has to be the powertrain configuration.
Under the bonnet of the M35i, customers can expect a 2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol engine coupled to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. BMW insists that this engine will produce 233 kW and 400 Nm of torque, which is sent to all four wheels. This is claimed to return an average fuel consumption figure of 7.8 L / 100 km, a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 5.4 seconds, and a top speed of 250 km/.
Verdict
The BMW X2 M35i most certainly ticks all the right boxes should you be a performance enthusiast, however, if going fast is not all that important to you, then the sDrive18i M Sport is more than ample. In fact, with similar interior specifications, a more frugal powertrain and a base price that is nearly R 345 000 less than the M35i, we would choose the BMW X2 sDrive18i M Sport as our winner.
