BMW X2 sDrive 18i M Sport (2024) Review

The BMW X2 has recently enjoyed an overhaul, and this latest "Sports Activity Coupé" model is more aimed at families than its compact predecessor. While my colleagues drove the fast flagship M35i model, I had the opportunity to sample the base-spec sDrive 18i M Sport model, which is considerably more affordable if you want the glitzy image but can't make those mammoth monthly repayments.

So, what's the new X2 like as a daily driver? During the week it spent with us in Hermanus, we thoroughly examined its unique skillset.

Styling

White is usually my least favourite colour for any car, but it works perfectly to create more drama, especially up front, juxtaposed with the blacked-out, hexagonal grille with its criss-cross detailing and black front air dam. The grille would disappear completely if it weren't for the number plate. 

Now this is a front-end that's easy to get used to.

Viewed from the side, a high beltline and swooping fastback roofline create the ubiquitous coupé effect, but it's the back view that I find most attractive; the curvy yet angular wraparound taillights, with their dual-chevron light signature, cut a striking picture in low light.

The side profile is slightly boxier than before, but it creates more room inside.

The X2's tail-end is more interesting.

Space and Comfort

BMW's interior designers excel at crafting high-quality, driver-focused cabins. In the latest X2, they have also prioritised practicality, ensuring ample space for all the essentials you carry daily.

The double-tier centre console is an example of this. It serves a dual purpose of neatly stacking your stuff out of the way and rendering it nearly invisible to prying eyes. I could fit a medium-sized handbag down there, along with keys, remotes, etc.

A curved display is standard fare in the X2 and look at all that space beneath the armrest.

While the rear passengers felt a bit squashed in the first X2 models, the new X2 offers significantly more room in the back seats and better visibility for my two regular rear passengers, who are now 1.75 and 1.65m tall, respectively. The boot is also 90 litres bigger than before, and that is quite substantial when you have to pack for a weekend away.

The legroom is way better than in the first-gen X2.

The latest BMW models (like the 5 Series) all feature a similar dashboard layout, and for me, it works exceedingly well. The large touchscreen is at a perfect angle for the driver, and once you get the hang of making selections via the controller on the steering wheel, you have the new operating system 9 at your feet. The system also understood my voice commands quite well.

Changing settings becomes second nature after a short while.

The placement of the gear selector switch with surrounding buttons for the volume dial, driving modes, engine starter, and infotainment system is efficient for the driver and the front passenger, freeing up a lot of room. There's that familiar feeling of quality when operating the switchgear, even in the simplest non-tech operations like closing a cubby hole. The cabin has quite an array of designs and materials, but somehow, they work together beautifully.

Gone is that big controller dial; your control panel now resides in a chic armrest extension.

One of the highlights of our test model was the wireless charging tray—instead of laying your phone flat, you put your phone upright and secure it so it makes contact with the charging surface behind it for quick and efficient power top-ups.

There are two USB-A charging ports up front, two more for the rear passengers, and another set of air vents.

Those in the back pew can also keep their devices fully charged.

Performance

I hadn't sampled the latest rendition of BMW's 3-cylinder engine to date, and I wasn't expecting too much excitement, but I'm happy to report that it's sufficiently energetic. The outgoing 18i engine had 103kW, but the upgraded motor is rated at 115kW and 230Nm. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds. It's mated to a slick automated dual-clutch Steptronic gearbox that swaps cogs seamlessly. Steering-mounted 'flappy paddles' are supplied at no extra charge.

The Drive

Even though the (front-wheel-driven) sDrive 18i M Sport is considerably less powerful than its M-badged sibling, it's still very satisfying to drive in Sport mode, with all the correct sound effects, thanks to the uneven number of cylinders and a bit of fettling by the sound engineers for a more rorty soundtrack. If you don't look at the badge on the boot lid and stand next to this particular X2, you'll be forgiven for thinking it's a diesel. Fortunately, the Germans are sticklers for sound insulation, and you can be assured of a quiet cabin when you're driving in Comfort or Eco Pro mode, even at speed.

Those winding country roads are just the thing to clear the head, and the X2 is the right car for it!

We also took the X2 on a dirt road adventure, and it clung to the road surface like its life depended on it, instilling confidence in any driver. The optional 20-inch alloy wheels felt pliant enough in Comfort mode, but I would recommend sticking with the stock-standard 19-inch alloys for a slightly softer ride.

Related: The BMW X2 xDrive20d (2018) – an Acquired Taste

Fuel Consumption

The upside to the BMW X2's downsized engine is its fuel-efficiency.  I was pleasantly surprised by an average of 7.0-7.5 L/100 km on the combined cycle during our week with us. These are figures you'd expect from a turbodiesel powerplant.

The engine is mindful of your budget.

Safety

Standard safety features have not been skimped on and include the latest version of BMW's front collision warning system, Cruise Control with brake function, Speed Limit Info and Lane Departure Warning with lane return. The Parking Assistant including Reversing Assist Camera and Reversing Assistant are also standard across the board. The X2 gets a five-star safety rating fro EuroNCAP and seven airbags will protect occupants in a worst-case scenario.

BMW X2 accessories you didn't know you needed

Safety won't be a concern in a premium crossover like the X2.

Other standard safety nice-to-haves include high-beam assist, tyre pressure monitoring, intelligent emergency calling, and an automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror.

Price

Without options, you will be paying R879 738 for the BMW X2 sDrive 18i M Sport, while the mighty M35i costs a fair bit more at R1 223 936.

Top 5 similar cars to the BMW X2

The X2 is no budget-beater, but it's high on value.

Competitors

The segment is bristling with rivals, such as the Alfa Romeo Tonale, Audi Q3, Lexus UX, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Volvo XC40, but we like the X2 for its wonderful blend of style, the latest in modern tech, and last but not least, its practicality. This means you don't have to buy a more expensive X3 unless you really want a lot more room on board.

Related: Are BMW X2 models pricey to repair?

In a cut-throat segment, the X2 holds its own.

The Verdict

The X2 is a well-rounded package and you don't have to specify thousands of rands worth of extras to drive a car that you will love every day. The X2, in this trim, is good value, and nobody will ever guess that it's the 'poverty spec' model!

View the complete list of standard equipment for the 2024 South African-spec BMW X2 sDrive18i here.