Review

BMW X2 sDrive20i 2018 review

Front view of BMW X2 parked in front of a lake

Liam McPhan

Posted March 15, 2018

Liam McPhan tests the 2018 BMW X2.

Talking points

  • Based on the foundations of the X1, the X2 is a sportier, more compact SUV.
  • Available in two distinctive styling options.
  • Fitted with the latest iDrive6 infotainment system, although Apple CarPlay must be optioned.

SUVs account for 55 per cent of BMW sales in Australia, again underscoring such vehicles’ importance in our market.

Now there’s another BMW offering, the X2. Based on the architecture of the X1, the all-new X2 sits slightly lower and a little wider, with a more sporty physique.

Two distinctive styles

The X2 comes in two outfits, M Sport and M Sport X. As standard, the X2 is sold fitted with the M Sport X package, but that can be swapped for the M Sport package at no change to cost. 

Visually the two are easily distinguished, with the M Sport X displaying a slightly rugged design and the M Sport giving off a sportier vibe. Both feature 19-inch alloy wheels as standard along with a leather-covered steering wheel and sports contouring on the cloth front seats.

 

Latest infotainment system

The interior is similar to the X1 and has the latest iDrive 6 infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touch-screen. Rear seats are surprisingly spacious given the X2’s size, and while boot space isn’t the biggest in the class, a 40/20/40 split-fold helps add enough functionality to cover the majority of everyday needs.

Mechanically the packages are nearly the same, with M Sport Suspension fitted to both, however the M Sport’s steering is tuned to be slightly more direct.

Yet the M Sport X version still felt tight and nimble, which seems appropriate given BMW refers to X2 as a SAC – sports activity coupe – rather than using the common SUV (sports utility vehicle) descriptor.

At launch the X2 is available in one engine and drivetrain specification, the sDrive20i. Through a seven-speed automatic, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine delivers 141kW and 280Nm to the front wheels.

 

Pricing

Pricing before customisation starts at $55,900 plus on-road costs. BMW plans to add the sDrive18i and xDrive20d engine specifications to the range later this year, with pricing to be announced closer to release. 

Inherited from the X1, the Innovations Package ($2600) and Comfort Package ($2700) can be added. There’s also a Style Plus Package for $3300, which adds 20-inch light alloy wheels, metallic paintwork and a panoramic glass sunroof. Features such as Apple CarPlay and wireless phone charging are also extra-cost options at $479 and $154 respectively.

Two more models will be available from mid-year: the sDrive18i ($49,900) with a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine, and the all-wheel-drive xDrive20d ($59,900) with a 140kW, 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine.

 

BMW X2 sDRIVE20i

Price range

$55,900 plus on-road costs. Model range: $49,900 to $59,900.

Metallic paint: $1190.

Standard safety

Six airbags. Lane departure warning. Forward collision warning. Brake wear sensors. Parking assistant. Reversing camera. Front and rear parking sensors. Automatic headlights and wipers. ISOFIX child seat fittings. Five-star ANCAP rating. 

Connectivity

6.5-inch touch screen. Satellite navigation. Real-time traffic information. Digital radio. USB input. Smartphone connectivity.

Features

Dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning. LED headlights and fog lights. Sports seats, cloth upholstery. Keyless start. Leather-trimmed steering wheel.

Individual options

Leather seats $1950. Roof rails $450. Panoramic glass sunroof $1790. Active cruise control with stop/go function $700. Apple CarPlay $479. Wireless phone charging $154. Tyre pressure indicator $423.

Option packages

Innovations (Driving Assistant Plus, Navigation Plus, head-up display, Connected Drive Freedom) $2600. Comfort (Electric front seats with memory, heated seats, lumbar support, anti-dazzle driver-side mirror) $2700. Style Plus (20-inch alloys, metallic paint, panoramic glass sunroof) $3300.

Towing

1800kg limit (braked trailer).

Warranty

3 years/unlimited km.

Fuel consumption (government figure)

6.0L/100km. 91 RON petrol. 51-litre tank. 138g/km CO2.