Auto news on Youtube Apr 9 2018

Like hieroglyphics, it's possible to decipher BMWs alphanumeric naming

convention. M means fast, X means SUV Odd numbers indicate four doors and even

numbers are reserved for coupes and coupe-like vehicles. This is the X2. That even

number two means, that's right, it's a coupe-like vehicle.

No, the X2 is clearly not a proper coupe but it is comparatively sporty versus

the X1 SUV on which it's based. Sharing the X1's wheelbase the X2 is

lower and less lengthy. That condensed form factor you might think interior

space would suffer and it does, but as a 5 foot 10 inch dude I'm still able to

sit behind my preferred front seating position without my knees touching the

seat back, thanks in part to this cutout design. The front seat also sits up a

little bit high so I can slide my feet underneath for a little extra space. The

seat backs recline a little bit which is more comfortable, and my head clears the

headliner. Not bad. I wouldn't want to sit in the middle spot for an extended trip, but

otherwise the X2's back seats are more than endurable provided you don't mind

ducking to clear the dipping roofline. The same holds true when you peek behind

the standard power tailgate. You do have to clear this high lip, but if you

conquer that you've got a sizable square space to work with supported by a super

deep underfloor storage area. My backpack almost fits under there. Almost.

It sure would be nice if the rear seats could be lowered from the cargo area instead of

having to walk around to the side, and I wish the steering wheel lowered a bit

further, but overall the X2 feels like a real BMW with pleasing materials, a

stylish layout, nice faux-leather upholstery, and a standard 10-way power

driver's seat with adjustable side bolsters. For fancier

taste the cabin can be up-fitted with real leather, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon

audio system, a $500 wireless charging nook, an 8.8-inch navigation system

replacing the standard 6.5 inch display and Apple CarPlay for $300, which might

seem offensive since it's usually free, but in the BMW X2 it's wireless.

Look, my CarPlay is connected and there's no wires. When you combine that

with the wireless phone charging, oh it's like I'm living in the future.

Veering to superficial concerns, the BMW X2's prime directive is to look cool. So, what do you think?

There is a historical basis for it but we'd be tempted to remove the BMW

badge on the c-pillar if doing so was easy. Nonetheless the X2 has a squat

athletic vibe that we like.

That athleticism carries through to the X2's driving demeanor. If you want to

carry serious speed around your favorite corner x-ray deuce will oblige.

That is an unfortunate nickname I came up with. At higher speeds the steering feels a

little imprecise on center and a touchy brake pedal demands finesse from the

driver, but generally speaking the X2 is a pleasure to drive. Provided your head

is aimed that direction. If you turn over your shoulder maybe when you're changing

lanes or parking, the stylish roofline reveals itself through a massive blindspot.

A standard backup camera and optional parking sensors help, but given

the visibility issues it's baffling that the X2 cannot be equipped with blindspot

warning. On a happier, note BMW does offer a $700 driver assistance package

featuring lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and city collision

mitigation braking. With the $4,600 M Sport X package's 19-inch wheels and

0.4-inch lower sports suspension, ride quality skews to the firm side of

the spectrum. If ride comfort is your top priority either stick with the base X2,

or for $600 add the dynamic handling package with its adjustable dampers.

And, for those who love customizing their car's steering and powertrain behavior,

comfort, sport, and efficiency enhancing Eco Pro modes come standard. Front-wheel

drive is also standard but for slippery environs or dainty off-roading all wheel

drive is offered for $2000. Go have an adventure, won't you?

Another handy option is dynamic cruise control with stop and go abilities. If

you're a lazy surly driver who doesn't feel like maintaining the pace of the

vehicle ahead of you it will do that automatically. If it is equipped with

that technology and this one it's not. So, I'm going to crash into the back of that

Honda Pilot.

Like its X1 kin, the X2 comes with a single engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged

four-cylinder matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission that's controlled

by a blessedly simple mechanical shift lever instead of the comparatively

tricky electronic shifter found on most BMWs. On a related note, the automatic

engine start/stop system helps save fuel when the vehicle is stopped, but if you

find its operation intrusive, the off switch is conveniently placed right next

to the start button. In action the 2.0-liter eight-speed automatic combination

delivers refined operation, brisk acceleration with a 0-60 time

about 6.5 seconds just by some off-the-line turbo lag and good

fuel economy. Keep in mind BMW recommends premium fuel, but if

you've got X2 money that shouldn't be a problem. On that note, the X2 ain't cheap.

A base-front drive X2 S Drive 28i starts around $37,500

including destination charges. Stretch your budget to the low to mid

40s if you'd like a nicely equipped X2 with all-wheel-drive. Among the X2's

less expensive small luxury SUV competitors are the Audi Q3

Mercedes-Benz GLA, Lincoln MKC and Lexus NX. Ignore them along with personal

restraint and you can spec a loaded all-wheel-drive M Sport X X2 that cost

$53,000 or so. At that price you could buy the much faster,

much more powerful Mercedes AMG GLA45 or a decently equipped BMW X3 come to

think of it. So, wield that option sheet responsibly. Better yet, explore KBB.com

to design the X2 of your dreams. Plug.

Among an increasing number of small luxury SUVs there are more practical and

cheaper choices, but if swapping a little practicality to up your style game seems

like a reasonable trade-off the BMW X2 is waiting.

you