2018 BMW X2 Review

2018 BMW X2 - Sporty X2 lives up to BMW name, which is both good and bad.

By: Mark Bilek

The BMW X2 is an entry-level subcompact crossover. The 5-passenger X2 is only available as a 4-door wagon and comes with front- or all-wheel drive. It shares underpinnings with the BMW X1 and MINI Countryman. Though it is very similar in size to the X1, the X2 is slightly lower and shorter, offers more aggressive styling, has slightly less interior space, includes more standard equipment and is more expensive. Competitors include the Audi Q3. Buick Encore, Infiniti QX30, Land Rover Range Rover Evoque and Mercedes-Benz GLA.

sDrive28i and xDrive28i models are offered with the main difference being the sDrive comes with front-wheel drive and the xDrive comes with all-wheel drive. Both are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 228 horsepower. Some transmission is an 8-speed automatic.

Base price for the sDrive is $36,400 and the xDrive starts at $38,400. Available on either is a M Sport X package that adds 19-inch wheels and tires, a sport suspension and custom interior and exterior trim. Other options include panoramic sunroof, head-up display, navigation system with real-time traffic information and a heated steering wheel.

The BMW X2's turbocharged 2.0-liter engine provides solid acceleration at all speeds. From a stop, the X2 can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in about 6.5 seconds -- class average, perhaps a little better. The engine is smooth and makes an aggressive growl in hard acceleration. It mates well to the crisp-shifting 8-speed transmission. Though only an automatic is offered, there are steering-wheel-mounted paddles for manual operation of the transmission. Towing is not recommended.

Sharing underpinnings with the MINI Countryman and BMW X1 means the X2 has a transverse front-engine layout that's mostly biased toward front-wheel drive. However, the X2 does offer an all-wheel drive version as well. The AWD system is not designed for extreme off-road use but is well suited for on-road driving and provides that extra measure of security when traversing wet- or snow-covered roads. It is important to note that the M Sport X package comes with summer tires that should be replaced every fall with winter tires.

xDrive models have an EPA rating of 21 MPG city and 31 MPG highway and a combined rating of 25 MPG overall. These numbers compare favorably with direct competitors -- especially the highway number. In real-world suburban commuting, the X2 will likely yield about 25 MPG overall and inch close to 30 MPG if you throw in a healthy mix of highway driving. The largish 16-gallon fuel tank gives the X2 more than 400 miles of range between fill-ups. It is important to note that premium-grade fuel is recommended for best performance. This is the norm in the luxury class, but a few competitors run fine on regular-grade fuel.

Engineers tried very hard to give the X2 a traditional BMW "feel" from behind the wheel and for the most part they succeeded. The X2 is perhaps the most athletic subcompact crossover on the market, though the Infiniti QX30 gives it a run for the money. The steering is firm with good road feel, brakes have an easy-to-modulate pedal and plenty of stopping power and body lean is kept well in check in quick transitions. Step up to the M Sport X package with its 19-inch wheels and firmer suspension, and the X2 is transformed into a sports coupe. Turn in is much crisper and there's nary a hint of body lean on extra-twisty roads.

Unfortunately, the precision of the X Sport M package comes with a serious impact on ride quality. While the standard X2 rides firm over bumps, it offers good absorption and little impact harshness. The X2 with the M Sport X package rides with the subtleness of a bull in a china shop, amplifying road impacts rather than softening them. It also adds a fair amount of tire roar to what is otherwise a very quiet cabin. All told, the X2 can deliver the type of driver enjoyment most have come to expect from BMW. There are those who will opt for the M Sport X package and appreciate the extra precision it delivers all the while accepting the penalty in overall ride quality.

Inside, the X2 has a decidedly business-like interior with just a few flashes of chrome. Materials are price and class appropriate. Drivers face a twin-dial IP with a small trip computer in-between. Gauges are instantly legible and the available head-up display is a great plus. The center stack boasts a large infotainment screen with traditional controls located below for audio and climate. The screen is controlled by a jog dial on the center console that runs BMW's iDrive system. iDrive has been refined over the years and is certainly more intuitive to use than in the past, but it lags behind touch-screen systems in overall usability and sometimes requires an extra step to make simple changes. Though Apple Car Play compatibility is available as a $300 option, there is no support for Android Auto.

It is strange that BMW chose to make forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning optional and blind-spot alert is not offered. In this class, many vehicles make these features standard.

Keep in mind that the X2 is a subcompact crossover, that means interior room is at a premium. Thankfully front-seats go well back and head room is reasonable. The rear seats have acceptable space for average-size adults but extra-large folk will want more head and leg room than is available. Sitting three across is more of a notion than it is a reality. Seats are firm and have lots of lumbar and rump support. In addition, there's extra thigh support for those with long legs. Getting in and out is easier than in a traditional sedan thanks to the slightly higher build. Outward visibility forward is great thanks to that additional ride height and large windows. The smallish back window and high belt line can make parking somewhat difficult, though.

With the rear seats in use, the X2 offers 21 cubic feet of cargo space. That's on par with sedans in the class and a touch less than the BMW X1 and most subcompact crossover competitors. Fold the rear seats and cargo space grows to 50 cubic feet. The hatch opens wide, but the opening is a bit small and the load floor is not level. Interior storage is tight with just a few open and covered bins throughout.

Some claim that because the X2 is based on a front-drive MINI, it's doesn't have BMW pedigree. That's certainly not the case when optioned with the M Sport X package. That said, even the base front-drive model is fun to drive and is among the most athletic in the class. While interior and cargo room are down compared to the more formal X1, the X2 delivers on its fun-to-drive promise. Base prices are quite reasonable, but the bottom line quickly grows when you add some necessary options. Shop wisely and make sure to drive all of the vehicles in this crowded class and find the one that best suits your needs.

Mark Bilek

Mark Bilek is the Senior Director of Communications and Technology for the Chicago Auto Trade Association and the General Manager for DriveChicago.com. He is also responsible for developing and maintaining the Chicago Auto Show Web site.

Mark has been reviewing vehicles for more than two decades. Previously, he was associate publisher at Consumer Guide, where he oversaw publication of Consumer Guide Car & Truck Test, Consumer Guide's Used Car Book, and ConsumerGuide.com. He was also responsible for publication of "Collectible Automobile" and various hardcover automotive titles. In 2001 and 2002 he served as president of a Midwest Automotive Media Association. Mark has appeared on NBC TV, ABC TV, Fox News, WGN and MotorTrend TV as an automotive consultant. He hosts the Drive Chicago radio show on WLS 890 AM and was a regular guest on WGN Radio's Steve & Johnnie show. Mark lives in the northwest suburbs with his wife and three sons.

2018 BMW X2 Review

2018 BMW X2 - Sporty X2 lives up to BMW name, which is both good and bad.

Mark Bilek

Find Used Cars in Chicago or Chicago Car Dealers at DriveChicago.com

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