Summarize

The BMW X2 is unashamedly spun off the X1, albeit more style oriented toward what we used to call the yuppie. But the yuppies are past it, so let’s just say that X2 will satisfy the yuppies’ kids –  the born frees, millennials and a lesser-defined lot who want more from their kit. 

Shorter in height than its average rival crossovers, X2 however remains honest to its genre its slighter in stature, lower to the ground and closer to a car as it perhaps squeezes bits of CSL into something that will never really be a CSL. Still it’s pretty good looking for a Beemer and quite different too. 

Hop inside and X2 is very much a BMW – they tell us that this one steps out the box, which it may do very subtly, but rest assured, it carries only the best of its brand forward. X2 however lacks niceties like power seats and a few other tricks its rivals have, but overall its stylish and suave in there – superbly rendered and beautifully finished.

X2 runs, feels and rides much like an X1, which is good. It has a solid feeling on the road with a hushed if solid ride. Delivering 140 kilowatts from a 2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel at 4000rpm, that turns a trad BMW 8-speed autobox and driving all four wheels and weighs in at a spry 1675kg to deliver a repertoire quick and grunty enough for anyone’s tastes. 

X2 performs impressively at the pumps too – and that’s pretty important these days.

So, X2 may be trying hard to be something it’s not, but it offers a most compelling overall package. Yes, there are some sharper honed tools on those price lists, but those latest generation double kidneys may well just make it all worth the while… -

QUICK TEST: BMW X2 xDrive 20d M Sport

Engine:    140kW 400Nm 1995cc turbo diesel I4

Drive: 8-speed automatic AWD

TESTED: 

0-100km/h: 7.63 sec

0-160km/h: 19.94 sec 

400m: 15.4 sec @ 142km/h

80-120km/h: 5.71sec 

120-160km/h: 9.93 sec

CLAIMED:       

VMax: 221km/h

Fuel: 5.0 l/100km

CO2: 131 g/km

Warranty/Service 2y unl/5y 100Kkm

LIST PRICE: R700K

RATED:    79%