By Otsile Kadiege

BMW’s second-generation X2 has officially been revealed. The new Sports Activity Coupé has grown in size and spots BMW’s latest design philosophy. It also gets a host of new tech, premium interior appointments and a range of petrol and diesel powertrains as well as the fully-electric iX2.

Polarising exterior design

Outside, the new X2 boasts a rather polarising design which will definitely cause an up-roar on the internet. Exterior highlights include a front-end with striking chevron-like LED headlights (optional Adaptive LED Headlights with non-dazzling matrix high beam) and an almost hexagonal BMW kidney grille, which – in a first for the premium compact segment – can be specified as an option with BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting.

The roofline, which flows along an unbroken path into the rear end, creates a slim, coupé-shaped silhouette and proportions in the signature style of an SAC from BMW. Wheel sizes range from 17- to 21-inches. The rear is by far the most polarising angle of the new X2. Highlights include an integrated rear spoiler in contrasting gloss black, chevron-like LED taillights and a prominent rear-diffuser also in contrasting gloss black.

Customers can choose from two solid and eleven metallic paint finishes for the exterior of their new BMW X2, including the new Fire Red metallic variant. Two Frozen shades from BMW Individual and a broad spectrum of BMW Individual special paint finishes are also available.

The new BMW X2 has grown by 194 millimetres in length over its predecessor to 4,554 millimetres, by 21 millimetres in width to 1,845 millimetres and by 64 millimetres in height to 1,590 millimetres.

Premium interior

The interior of the new BMW X2 looks identical to the new X1 . It has a modern premium ambience with sporting touches. The slender instrument panel, housing the BMW Curved Display that’s running on BMW’s Operating System 9, is joined in the cabin by a “floating” armrest with integral control panel. In the front section of the centre console are two cup holders and a smartphone tray with indirect illumination and wireless charging.

The newly developed seats are also offered in the Veganza perforated variant and Vernasca leather with attractive quilting as alternatives to the standard cloth upholstery. Customers can also specify sport seats, electric seat adjustment with memory function, lumbar support and a massage function. Further improvements have been made to both acoustic comfort and occupant protection. Standard equipment now includes an interaction airbag between the driver’s seat and front passenger seat.

Its increased wheelbase and wider tracks benefit space in both the five seats and the boot. The new X2 has a maximum load capacity of 560 – 1,470 litres, depending on the model variant. The BMW iX2 offers between 525 and 1,400 litres.

Performance

As mentioned above, the new X2 range will be available in both petrol and diesel engines as well as an all-electric iX2. Powering the X2 sDrive20i is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine delivering 115kW and and extra 14kW thanks to the 48-volt mild hybrid system.

The four-cylinder diesel engine in the new BMW X2 sDrive18d produces a maximum output of 110kW. All of the combustion engines available for the new BMW X2 link up as standard with a seven-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch.

The fully-electric iX2 xDrive30 is powered by two highly integrated drive units – one at the front axle and one at the rear. Together these electric motors generate a system output of 230 kW (including temporary boost) and system torque of 494 Nm. BMW claims the iX2 xDrive30 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds on the way to a top speed of 180 km/h. A combination of the high-voltage battery’s 64.8 kWh of usable energy and the high efficiency of the drive system enable a range of 417 – 449 kilometres in the WLTP cycle.

Availability

The new BMW X2 and new BMW iX2 will be produced flexibly on a single assembly line at BMW Group Plant Regensburg. The high-voltage batteries for the fully electric model variant are also made at the Regensburg site. The worldwide market launch will get underway in March 2024. BMW South Africa is yet to announce local availability.