BMW

X2

BMW’s latest X2 model may be small in size but its larger than life when it comes to style, technology and handling. The five-seater is powered by a choice of punchy petrol or diesel engines and in four richly-equipped trim levels. The dynamic performance capabilities perfectly match the great styling.

The good

Styling, driving dynamics and performance

The bad

Limited legroom in the back

Tech Specs

Price from

£30,040

Combined Fuel up to

62.8mpg

0-62 from

7.7 seconds

max speed up to

141mph

co2 from

119g/km

Test Drive

BMW X2 xDrive 20d M Sport

BMW’s mighty X range of vehicles has grown once again with the arrival of a compact SUV called the X2 which is very big on performance, style and appeal.

Despite being smaller in size than the X1, the latest model boasts striking good looks with sportier design cues than its siblings. The X2 has a low-slung appearance with coupe-like styling, narrow windows, a flowing roofline, rising waistline, twin tail pipes, a wider lower grille to accentuate width, sweeping headlight clusters and 19-inch alloys.

It is almost an inch shorter in length than the X1 and three inches lower which, once again, contributes to the vehicle’s athletic stance. And these dimensions also result in excellent driving and performance capabilities.

Our car was powered by a 2.0-litre 190hp diesel engine mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It could sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 7.7 seconds, maxed out at 137mph and, according to official figures, can deliver combined fuel economy of 58.9mpg with carbon emissions of 126g/km.

Customers can select from four generously-equipped trim levels called SE, Sport, M Sport and M Sport X – we chose the M Sport model costing £37,940, a price that increased quite steeply to £44,185 after a number of optional extras and packs were added.

The interior of the X2 is beautifully designed and boasts leather upholstery with neat blue contrast stitching, lots of soft-touch surfaces and carbon-effect inserts on the dashboard. Plus, there’s a wealth of on-board techno treats to explore, including an infotainment touchscreen, sat nav system, enhanced Bluetooth with wireless charging, a WiFi hotspot, a Harman Kardon sound system, head-up display and lots more besides.

Connecting a smartphone is a quick and simple process and navigating most of the car’s technology set-ups is achieved via BMW’s trademark rotary iDrive dial which is easy to operate on the move without taking your eyes off the road.

Space and comfort levels within the five-door X2 are good up front but taller passengers will find the legroom a little cramped in the back of the car. And those narrow windows that look so smart from the outside can be a little claustrophobic for rear seat passengers. That said though; a couple of adults could travel comfortably if the front seats are not pushed right back, or a trio of youngsters would have little to complain about.

When it comes to performance, the X2 certainly passes with flying colours. In busy town centres it is agile and easy to manoeuvre with the parking aids proving an added bonus. Then out on the faster country lanes, the car fires through the gears with rapid, smooth acceleration and a constant supply of power on tap. There are steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts if the driver fancies taking a little more control.

It is exceptionally well-balanced and the road-holding is ultra-grippy with precise, direct steering and ample driver feedback. Our car featured BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system which offers added assurance when driving in more severe weather conditions.

The driver can also select from various drive modes called Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport that alter the car’s responses with Sport really sharpening up the handling.

When it comes to refinement, barely a sound filters through into the cabin from the diesel powertrain even when pushed hard. There is a little road surface noise at higher speeds on motorways, but it is fairly minimal.

Our X2 was riding high on 19-inch wheels which meant we did feel the occasional bump or two on uneven surfaces, but generally the efficient suspension system irons out the majority of road creases.

Obviously, SUVs need to offer bundles of versatility and practicality and the X2 does well on that front. The powered boot is very handy when carrying lots of shopping and it is generously-sized too with a capacity of 470 litres which can be increased to 1,355 litres with the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat. Elsewhere there are practical door bins, cup holders, a glovebox, a central cubby and trays to store goodies away from view and the boot comes with a net to secure any luggage.

All in all, the BMW X2 is a very welcome and practical contender vying for sales in the ever-increasing SUV sector. It may not have the size and muscle of some of its siblings in the BMW X line-up, but it’s big on handling, charisma and character.