Many moons ago BMW experimented with a front-wheel-drive derivative of a 2 Series. Dubbed the 2 Series Active Tourer, it was not very well-received by the public. When polled, many consumers thought that it strayed too far from BMW's architecture of rear-wheel drive, in-line mounted engines and drivetrains, leading to lost driver feedback.
The Active Tourer silently vanished from the market and in its place, we got the X2, a front-wheel-drive biased, xDrive reincarnation that bolstered BMW's growing SUV-styled line-up.
Chad Luckhoff initially tested an X2 during our first foray behind the wheel and was left somewhat inspired by the whole affair.
Related: REVIEW - The BMW X2 xDrive20d – an Acquired Taste
When we were given the opportunity to test a derivative at the top of the range, we literally jumped at the chance to see if a host of extras and a significant bump in power would change our perception of the X2.
Styling
To be perfectly honest not much has changed. The X2 is still very much a like-it-or-lump-it design, you either like it or you don't, and we're leaning towards the not-so-much side of things. The 20-inch wheels are a winner, as is the Black Sapphire metallic paintwork but that doesn't change the fact that the X2 still comes across as not quite knowing whether it's an SUV (SAV?) or a sedan.
It's not unappealing by any means, it just seems to tread too tight a line between the two. It may seem odd to say but this not-knowing-what-it-is-edniss, rubs off on consumers and that can be seen in the sales numbers thus far. Car buyers are just not seeing that same spark that attracts them to vehicles like the X1 and X3.
The Drive
This could be down to the fact the BMW has retained a front-wheel-drive biased power train, albeit AWD when needed, that employs a transversely mounted engine in lieu of the standard in-line arrangement. This doesn't make the drive bad, in fact, it's actually quite enjoyable, coming across very much like a VW GTi, it even has the characteristic DSG burp that folks seem to like so much. What it is though is less BMW and if you are spending this kind of money you want that BMW essence in your morning coffee.
What I did very much enjoy was just how comfortable this car is, despite those 20-inch wheels and low profile tyres. The seating position was very appealing with everything falling neatly to hand and little to no driver fatigue after 4 hours in rush hour traffic.
Performance
The engine in question is a 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder, turbo, petrol engine, producing 225kW and 450Nm, which is nothing to sneeze at. This actually makes the X2 something of a suburban rocket ship, 0-100km is reached in 4.9 seconds and will run to a limited top speed of 241 km/h. With 3 drive modes to choose from you have options here, Eco for saving petrol and the planet (boring!), Normal for everyday driving and Sport for when you want to really enjoy your morning commute.
The discernible difference between Eco and Normal is very difficult to feel but flipping that switch over to Sport evokes all kinds of GTi hatchback shenanigans with power travelling through BMW's 8-speed Steptronic transmission, much fun can be responsibly had.
Space and Comfort
The German individual over in Munich head office that came up with this colour combination was indeed very brave. Opening the driver's door you are greeted with an eye-popping Magma Red Dakota leather interior with grey highlights. Once you get over the colour combo, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the comfort offered by the interior and it is very comfortable, as stated before.
Due to the stretched out nature of the vehicle itself, rear legroom is actually quite ample and rear passengers are able to enjoy the climate control and two USB outlets. Large door pockets can accommodate 1-litre water bottles and all occupants can enjoy the Harman Kardon powered BMW Connected Drive audio system.
Safety
It is a BMW so of course it is positively laden with driver assistance devices of every conceivable alphabet soup. ABS, EBD, TSC, tyre pressure monitoring, lane departure warning, heads up display, ISOFIX restraint and LED lighting all around as well as 6 airbags.
It scores a very positive 5 stars in the Euro NCAP, meaning you and your passengers will be well taken care of.
Fuel Consumption
BMW claims consumption figures of 7.4l / 100km but I would hazard a guess that this would be done in Eco Mode, while driving with a tailwind, going downhill. The closest we could get to these numbers was a close 9.8l / 100km while our average hovered at roughly 13l / 100km.
In our defence, we did spend a disgraceful amount of time in gridlocked, stop/start freeway traffic. The Sport mode button did entice from the centre console but with the price of fuel being what it is, we did remain reserved and avoided GTI styled antics as far as possible.
Price
The base price for the X2 is just shy of R 810 000. Our test model with its host of features and options dinged the cash register at an eye-watering R 927 000 just shy of the million mark. As much as we enjoyed the drive and the left-field design choices, this was a very bitter pill to swallow.
BMW X2 M35i - R 809 100.00
Options. - R 111 000.00
O2 tax. - R 6072.00
The sales price does include the BMW On Call Motorplan of 5 years / 100 000km's and a 2 Year / Unlimited Km Warranty.
Verdict
The BMW X2 struggles with an identity crisis, it is trying very hard to fit into its X family but seems to be falling short. It is by no means a bad vehicle it is superbly comfortable, well-specced and creatively styled, it just lacks what makes an X range BMW and X range BMW. It is very much an acquired taste and you really have to want to own one before stepping up and laying out almost a million rand for what is for all intents and purposes, a very dapper looking VW GTI.
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