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If you are looking for a taller and larger BMW, you now have the choice between a SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) and a SAC (Sports Activity Coupe). The new BMW X2 falls within the latter group, given that instead of the traditional SAV roofline, the X2 offers a more coupe-like sloping design. But does this encroach on the owner's experience or bolster it? Find out here.
Related: BMW X2 (2024) - First Drive Review
But before we get into the details of the new BMW X2 M35i, remember that if you need a deposit on your next vehicle, you can sell your car quickly and easily on our website here. You can also search for new or used BMW X2 models on AutoTrader here to get the best deals in your area.
Styling
Probably the most controversial aspect of the BMW X2 is the styling, not so much at the front but rather at the rear. But in the writer's opinion, this is one of the better-executed SACs. Also, the fact that the model shares a chassis and powertrains with the X1 range and yet still looks completely different is what really sets it apart from similar product concepts from other manufacturers. But the X2 is definitely a model to see in the metal, not only for the design to make sense with the dimensions, which come in at 4 567 mm long, 1 575 mm tall and 2 104 mm wide, on the M35i derivative, but also for the details that make it unique in this range.
Upfront, our test unit came fitted with the Iconic Glow package, which illuminates the M35i-specific kidney grille, which incorporates horizontal slats rather than a 3D mesh. Customers will also notice that on the M35i, traditionally chrome trim is now black as part of the standard Shadow Line package. On the sides are 21-inch M Sport alloy wheels, while at the rear, the M Sport rear spoiler and lower bumper treatment set it apart from the sDrive18i derivative.
While the BMW X2 is very distinctive in the BMW line-up, the prominent kidney grilles, "angry" headlamp design and muscular lines down the sides and along the bonnet let it blend beautifully into the German automaker's current design language while still remaining unrepeated. During our time with the model, it most certainly turned heads, and for good reason, it is very stylish and aggressive.
Related: BWM X2 trims head to head: Here's our winner
Space & Interior
One of the areas this writer was most impressed with was the interior design, trim, and fitment. Unlock the car with the keyless entry and start system and step inside, where you will find our test unit fitted with the optional M Sport seats, which incorporate the famed BMW M badge. This emblem will start to illuminate automatically once the vehicle detects the keyfob is close. Also quickly noticeable is the floating centre console that leads to the vertically oriented wireless charging pad for your smartphone. Look up, and you will find a fixed panoramic sunroof and dark Anthracite roof lining.
Our test unit was upholstered with SensaTec (leather alternative) Veganza perforated in Coral Red-Black shades. The contrasting tone and white contrast stitching around the cabin are complimented by textured trim pieces in the door cards, on the dashboard and facia. All this, as well as the girthy steering wheel, really conveys the premium nature of the vehicle. The standard Harman/kardon loudspeaker sound system doesn't hurt either.
Both front occupants have ample leg, shoulder and headroom, and the ergonomics is very good. The same is true for the rear occupants. While you might expect the sloping roofline to encroach on the headroom of rear occupants, most won't even notice sitting at the rear. In addition, the BMW X2 offers 560 litres of boot space with the rear seats in the upright position and up to 1 470 litres when the rear bench is folded flat.
Comfort & Convenience
The M35i also comes packed with a variety of comfort features. As alluded to earlier, there is a wireless charging pad for your smartphone, which works great considering that the model also offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These services can be accessed on a 10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system installed with the latest BMW iDrive 9 operating system, which is not just intuitive but very smooth.
In front of the driver, there is a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster which can be customised to display information the driver wants. The look of the displays and the ambient lighting also change depending on which of the different driving modes are selected by pressing a button on the centre console. These driving modes, thus, not only change the driving and performance characteristics of the vehicle but also set the mood inside the cabin.
Another item that we enjoyed was the optional head-up display. Depending on the driving mode, the graphics displayed will change, but ultimately, the driver will always know what their current speed is, which driving assistant system is active, the engine speed and a personal favourite, if you are too close to the vehicle ahead of you.
Performance
The BMW X2 is available in two derivatives: the sDrive 18i M Sport and the one we drove in this review, the M35i. While the sDrive 18i M Sport delivers 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque from its 1.5-litre, turbocharged, 3-cylinder petrol motor. The M35i produces a staggering 233 kW and 400 Nm from its, 2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine, more than double the power and nearly double the torque.
The M35i sends the power to all four wheels via a 7-speed, dual-clutch, automatic transmission. BMW claims that the X2 M35i will sprint from 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 250 km/h. After spending some time behind the wheel, we are confident that it could achieve those numbers, and if not, very close too it.
How is the BMW X2 performance?
Fuel Economy
BMW claims that the BMW X2 M35i should be able to return an average fuel consumption figure of around 7.8 L / 100 km. After a few days of driving but being cognisant to not accelerate too quickly, we achieved 8.2 L / 100 km. With the vehicle in Sport mode and with more aggressive throttle inputs, the M35i returned around 9.9 L / 100 km. Both figures are very respectable.
Is the BMW X2 a petrol or a diesel?
Safety
Being the flagship in the X2 range and also our test unit being generously specified, you can expect that the BMW M35i has a plethora of safety features. As standard, customers can expect no less than 7 airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brake distribution, traction and stability control as well as hill-start assist and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
While a blind-spot monitoring system is optional, the M35i does come standard with lane departure warning with lane keeping assist. A traffic sign recognition system also features standard as well as adaptive cruise control, which comes in very handy during the daily commute. As mentioned, our test unit came specified with the head-up display, but another item that impressed was the optional 360-degree parking camera view that will also transmit a 3D view of your surroundings so that you know exactly how much space you have for manoeuvering.
Our unit also had an automatic high-beam, which will automatically switch to the high beams if it's very dark, but the system will also automatically detect oncoming traffic and switch to dim automatically.
What are the standard safety features on a 2024 BMW X2?
Price
Included in the price of a new BMW X2 is a 2-year / unlimited-kilometre warranty as well as a 5-year / 100 000 km maintenance plan. Do note that the pricing listed below was correct at the time of writing this article, however, can change at any moment and without notice.
| Model | Price (incl. VAT) |
| BMW X2 sDrive18i M Sport | from R 879 738 |
| BMW X2 M35i | from R 1 223 936 |
Competitors
The BMW X2 M35i doesn't come without competitors. From Italy, you can look at the Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.0T Veloce Q4. While the Stelvio is slightly larger, it costs R 1 217 900 and delivers 206 kW and 400 Nm of torque with a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h.
Another good competitor to consider is the Audi RSQ3 quattro. Priced at R 1 309 500, it is slightly more dear. However, the 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine delivers 294 kW and 480 Nm of torque. This results in a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h or optionally 280 km/h.
BMW X2 vs Alfa Romeo Tonale vs Audi Q3 Sportback: Here's our winner
Verdict
The new BMW X2, especially in the M35i guise, is a solid and very well-specified SAC. From the time we spent in the car, there is very little to criticise, and like the X1 it is based on, it is just a very good all-rounder. The fact that that sloping roofline doesn't much encroach on the practicality and that BMW went as far as to give the X2 its own look is very appreciated.
If there is an area that the writer believes needs addressing, it is the engine noise outside of the sport mode. While, indeed, in Sport mode, the X2 M35i sounds do provide all the aural pleasure, when in Personal (standard) mode, it doesn't sound like a performance-oriented SAC.
In the end, if the price is not a deterrent and, like us, enjoy the styling, it is definitely a model we would recommend.
