We met the youngest member of BMW’s rapidly growing lineup, the BMW X2. This is the second-generation model, first introduced at the end of 2017. I recall test driving it the following year in Lisbon, Portugal. The trapezoidal grille, the sturdy C-pillar, and while it’s labeled a coupe, the silhouette felt more like a regular SUV. The BMW emblem on the robust C-pillar stood out distinctly in my memory. The morning fog of Lisbon, as the X2 ran alongside trams, remains a romantic recollection.
Now, we meet the second-generation model again, this time in Seoul. In the blink of an eye, six years have passed. The second-generation X2 has grown. It’s like a rapidly growing middle school student, having increased in length by a whopping 195mm. Not 19.5mm, but 195mm. Its height has increased by 65mm, and the wheelbase has grown by 20mm. With dimensions of 4,555 × 1,830 × 1,590, and a wheelbase of 2,690mm, it feels too large to be called a compact SUV. One might wonder what meaning there is in segment classifications anymore.
The radiator grille now features ‘Iconic Glow’ lighting, providing a strong presence in dark environments. The C-pillar and rear wheelhouse area have been sculpted for a more voluptuous, sexy rear. The BMW emblem on the C-pillar has been removed; it simply felt out of place. I believe there was insufficient rationale for it to be there on the X2.
The rear spoiler has been positioned below the rear glass. Air passing over the coupe-style roof and down the rear window is pressed down by the spoiler, effectively detaching from the body. This process generates downforce, playing a significant role in maintaining stability at high speeds. It’s a beautiful view, which may be secondary; perhaps the aesthetics are more crucial since driving at such speeds may not happen often.
The roof slopes down towards the back, clearly showcasing the coupe style. In BMW’s lineup, even-numbered models represent coupes and convertibles. With the X2 following the lineage of the X6 and X4, it has been distinctly differentiated from the X1, which uses the same powertrain.
With its bigger body, the interior is noticeably spacious. You can feel the enlarged space in the rear seats, with ample room for knees and heads, plus the center tunnel isn’t too high, allowing for less restriction in space. If the kids are elementary school aged, it’s a suitable size to be used as a family car.
The test model is the new X2 xDrive 20i M Sport package. The powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline twin-turbo engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, generating a maximum output of 204 horsepower.
Software has become an increasingly important aspect of automobiles. The operating system coordinating and managing the numerous hardware components has been upgraded to OS9. Functions are easily performed via touchscreen, similar to using a smartphone.
During lunch, a wireless software upgrade was also conducted. It takes about 20 minutes, during which the car becomes unresponsive. It cannot move or even start. This underlines the necessity to perform upgrades in a safe location.
The infotainment system has evolved further, adding a variety of features. Games can be downloaded for enjoyment, along with access to online magazines and video services. Spending time in the car has become much more enjoyable; it’s not unusual to stay in the car just to play games. Importantly, various apps can now be downloaded and utilized, including third-party apps like SBS Gorilla within the infotainment system. There’s a need to highlight the potential for countless apps to be available in the future.
What will surely amuse drivers in Korea is the navigation system. BMW has adopted T-map, implementing a T-map-based Korean navigation system as standard. This system receives maps and real-time traffic information via online streaming to guide the optimal route. This development addresses the inconvenience faced by many imported car owners who ignored the built-in navigation in favor of smartphone navigation. It marks a victory for T-map.
The driving assistance system has evolved into ‘Professional’. The Driving Assistant Professional now supports lane changes. However, the operating conditions are quite stringent, making it still feel more like a cautious novice driver. In situations requiring an actual lane change, it might feel safer to take control directly.
If lane changes are at a novice level, then parking is at a veteran driver level. After scanning for parking spaces, pressing a button for reverse parking allows the car to seamlessly complete the process. It handles forward and backward movements and steering all on its own, leaving the driver only to be on standby in case of emergencies. It’s impressive to see how swiftly it can park along the recorded path without hesitation or repeat actions.
The manufacturer claims a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 7.4 seconds, which is an impressive achievement for a compact SUV. During my tests equipped with a GPS measuring device, the fastest recorded time was 7.99 seconds, covering the shortest acceleration distance of 119.48 meters.
With a solid suspension and all-wheel-drive system, the X2 maintains a stable posture at high speeds. The rear spoiler provides downforce, and the tires, sized 245/45R19, fulfill their respective duties excellently. At mid to low speeds, the cabin remained quiet, making it ideal for enjoying the beautiful passing scenery.
The certified combined fuel efficiency stands at 10.8 km/L. The average fuel consumption recorded for a 70 km journey from Gungpyeong Port to Seoul over 1 hour and 30 minutes was 17.3 km/L. That’s a remarkable performance of 6.5 km per liter better than rated.
The selling price is 68.3 million KRW, and it is available only as the X2 xDrive 20i M sport package. The lineup is expected to gradually expand. On the day I tested the X2, news broke of the iX2’s domestic launch, which will add an electric version of the X2. A high-performance model, the X2 M35i, is set to make its debut in the latter half of this year.
Direct Opinion from Oh Jong-hoon
The driving mode options offer plenty of choices, yet ultimately, you will mostly use primarily Sport and Efficient modes. When you select a driving mode via the touchscreen, the navigation screen disappears, and the driving mode graphics take over the screen. You then have to select the navigation again. The process is complicated.
While simplifying by eliminating buttons is commendable, functionality should not be compromised. Removing buttons should not be the end goal. It would be more logical for the driving mode selection process to be completed with a single action. Using buttons would be far more convenient.
Oh Jong-hoon yes@autodiary.kr
