MOTORS.
THE X FACTOR
Mondeo Man is dead. The practicality and style of the SUV killed off the traditional saloon years ago and it looks like our love for a high driving position and allusions to a sporty, active lifestyle is killing off the coupe and hatchback market too, as more and more manufacturers raise their ride height, widen their track and bolt on a shiny undertray to these urban offroaders. The latest of the crop is the BMW X2 which is said to break new ground for BMW thanks to it’s xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system that is designed to deliver the ideal balance between sporting dynamics and efficiency.
The kidney grille has always been an identifying feature of a BMW. On the X2, however, its outline is wider at its base than at its top. The X2 is the first modern BMW to feature this design cue, and it gives the new car a broader, more distinctive and sportier appearance. Below the grille, the hexagonal surface treatment in the bumper further reinforces this impression.
models get a bespoke diffuser insert in the contrast colour Frozen Grey.
BMW are old masters at the urban offroader. Next to its bigger brothers, the BMW X4 and X6, the BMW X2 makes a distinctive impression thanks to its exterior design that combines the lowslung proportions of a coupé with the robust core of an offroader.
Full-LED headlights come as standard on Sport, M Sport and M Sport X models. The bi-LED light for low beam and high beam is highly effective at illuminating the road, while also accentuating the BMW X2’s sporty character. The M Sport and M Sport X models are available with wheels in sizes up to 20-inch, side skirts contribute to its rugged good looks and protective body cladding, black on the SE and Sport models and Frozen Grey on the M Sport X, are a chunky, purposeful addition.
Eye-catching highlights can be added by opting for the new perforated Dakota leather in Magma Red or the Micro Hexagon fabric Anthracite/Alcantara combination upholstery with yellow contrast stitching.
The BMW X2 is two centimetres shorter and more than seven centimetres lower than the BMW X1, yet has the same wheelbase. Featuring short overhangs, it also has a stretched, coupé-style roofline and slim window graphic.
At the rear, a spoiler provides a flourish to round off the BMW X2’s roofline and contributes to the BMW X2’s drag co-efficient of just 0.28. M Sport models feature a diffuser-look cladding inlay in Dark Shadow metallic whilst M Sport X
The cabin is driver-focused, with the design of features such as the instrument panel binnacle directed at the road ahead. All controls are positioned to allow the driver to assimilate their information with a single glance and
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Inside the class quality of the BMW X2 and its levels of equipment, even in the SE model, are both instantly apparent. The instrument panel has contrast stitching as standard, while the centre console features materials including Sensatec also with contrast stitching.
It’s practical too with the boot having a capacity of 470 litres, meaning it can handle leisure activities, from shopping sprees to a skiing weekend or mountainbike tour. Large storage pockets in the doors add to interior useability.