Bled, Slovenia. Team of mobile.bg from the venue.
BMW's design team has received a lot of criticism lately, from the massive kidney grilles to the Lego-like curves in the bodies of some models. While we're fans of many of the brand's new designs, some have us puzzling as well. Whether this also applies to the second generation of X2, we tell you now.
Exterior
Back in 2017, the first X2 looked odd with its rounded edges and simply looked dated as it rolled off the assembly line. This feeling was also helped by a rather frugal interior.
Now, our team traveled to Slovenia for the launch of the second-generation X2, and already at first glance, the improvement in all areas compared to the outgoing model is evident. From the outside, the car impresses with an overall more elegant look, while at the same time the car is sportier and even has a slightly aggressive stance.
Interior
On the inside, the new X2 is also light years ahead of its predecessor. The cabin is typical of most modern BMWs, with the large curved screen dominating the dashboard. While the previous generation left us with mixed feelings, the new model is a true BMW with quality materials used throughout.
This curved display is home to BMW's latest OS 9, which is highly customizable and lightning fast. While many, including us, bemoan the disappearance of physical buttons for air conditioning and other functions, the system shortcuts and voice commands are a really good alternative and work brilliantly on their own.
In terms of cabin space, the X2 enjoys slightly more legroom than the previous generation, and the boot is decent at 560 liters (525 liters for the iX2). The cargo space can be increased to 1,400 liters if the rear seats are folded down. In other words, the salon is comfortable and functional, and the quality of the materials and the assembly itself are excellent.
Engine and driving characteristics
In Slovenia, the representatives of the Bavarian brand provided us with two modifications of the new X couple: the top version X2 M35i xDrive and the fully electric iX2 xDrive30 M Sport. We went first with the M35i, which was presented in an eye-catching blue color (pictured).
The company has stated that there will be no X2M model in production, so this car gets many exterior features normally reserved for M-rated race cars, including M-style winged mirror caps and an M badge on the black grille with horizontal slits.
The sound of the M35i is impressive, visually complemented by the four tailpipes. There is a fake diffuser around the tailpipes that looks very nice but serves no real aerodynamic purpose. (Exhaust rest of the modifications are hidden from view.).
Inside, you get smooth carbon paddle shifters from the steering wheel, M sports seats and a center marker on the steering wheel. Our test model's seats were a combination of Vegenza, Alcantara and smooth contrasting blue upholstery.
This version has a four-cylinder two-liter engine under the hood, pumping out a respectable 300 hp. power. the motor is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox with launch control, a limited-slip differential and BMW's brilliant XDrive system. So far so good…
Our test route was a good spread of motorway, mountain roads and rural routes with poor pavement. The first surprise of the drive was the sound. We all get used to the silence in electric cars, but here things are as they should be. In sport mode, this car is almost as loud as the M3 and M4.
The car feels fast without being scary to drive. Shifts are quick with almost no lag when shifting up or down. Our test car was equipped with 20-inch wheels, and the ride was stable but firmer. The car's adaptive suspension handled most scenarios reasonably well.
Slovenian roads on our route had a habit of turning from smooth pool table to rough moonscape mid-bend, but the car never felt restless and the xDrive and suspension did a great job of maintaining the trajectory. Cornering roll is also minimal for this type of car.
The infotainment head-up display fitted to both test models was crystal clear and easily customizable to show information on the main systems, speed limits, navigation and tachometer. This really helps on unfamiliar roads as your gaze doesn't stray from the road environment.
Switch the M35i into Comfort or Eco mode and things calm down considerably as throttle response and sound (and fuel consumption) 'relax', all with the added bonus of reduced danger to your driving. booklet.
Moving from the M35i to the iX2 wasn't to our taste at first, and the test car's Brooklyn Gray color was like PVC pipe (although it's been considered trendy for a few years now). Overall, this car looked like a relief to the eyes after the bright blue of the M35i. In addition, the solid kidney grille and the ventilation holes of the "electric" contrast and also soothe compared to the M35i's horizontal slits and deep indentations at the front end.
This far less aggressive look extends inside the more comfort-focused cabin. While the same curved display screen is the focal point, the Veganza seats, soft materials and overall design lend a more refined vibe than the M35i. Surprisingly or not, on the road, however, the all-electric version also feels pretty quick. With an almost instantaneous 313 hp. in your leg, the iX2 can keep you on your toes.
If we were to certify this car for Bulgarian roads, we would probably stick to the standard 19-inch wheels, because here, as with the petrol version, the ride is definitely firm. It is true that the optional 21-inch ones look the most beautiful, but given the state of the native road network, the smaller sizes are highly recommended, even if it means greater distances between the wheels and the arches.
But let's get back to the electric car. In mode "B" the adaptive regeneration does a good job of slowing the car down on descents and you can get away with single pedal driving in most scenarios until you start pushing it of course.
BMW claims a range of up to 431 km for our xDrive30 test model from its 64.8 kWh battery. That seems a little ambitious based on the test we did, but to be fair, there was a reasonable amount of spirited acceleration on our test drive. In other words, the electric version is good, but considering the brand, we remain fans of the internal combustion engine, which gave us the real joy of driving.
Conclusion and prices
The price of the X2 M35i starts from BGN 122,250, while that of the iX2 xDrive30 M Sport - from BGN 108,850. The base price for the X2 sDrive20i is BGN 90,100, and that of the cheapest electric version iX2 eDrive20 - BGN 92,850. There is also a diesel variant X2 sDrive18d, which starts at BGN 89,750. The more powerful diesel X2 xDrive20d costs BGN 98,850 . The money is not small, but remember that we are talking about a premium brand, although the car is a subcompact coupe-shaped crossover.
What is striking is that the base prices of both the petrol, diesel and electric versions are roughly the same. But whichever option is chosen, we can unhesitatingly confirm, after our test, that the new generation X2 is far ahead of the previous model, with improvements in terms of style, comfort, practicality and technology.
