2018 BMW X2 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　

What's new

The X2 is an all-new vehicleIt's based on BMW's X1

　　When the BMW X6 first launched for the 2008 model year, we were quick to scoff at a high-riding four-door SUV that the Bavarian automaker had the nerve to call a coupe. Who would want a vehicle that was, after all, a less practical and more expensive version of the venerable X5? Time has proven us (kind of) wrong. While the X6 was never a major hit, it's been successful enough that it's still around and has spawned spinoffs: the X4 (based on the X3) and now the new 2018 BMW X2.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 BMW X2 sDrive28i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$175/mo  for X2 sDrive28i

　　X2 sDrive28i

　　sDrive28i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $36,400 MSRPxDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $38,400 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　Like all of its even-numbered siblings, the X2 shares its underpinnings with an existing SUV; in this case, it's the X1 subcompact crossover SUV. A slight reduction in overall height and length makes the X2 look like a tall hatchback, in contrast to the X1's traditional crossover profile. The X2 also has less headroom and cargo capacity than the X1, and it costs significantly more.

　　As such, our advice is similar to what we've said about those other stylized BMWs: There's little rational reason for buying an X2. The X1 and rivals such as the Audi Q3, the Jaguar E-Pace and the Volvo XC40 are all more practical and still plenty stylish.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　Like it did with its X6 and X4, BMW has created the all-new X2 crossover SUV by taking an existing crossover SUV — in this case, the BMW X1 — and made it less practical by reducing the cargo area in the name of style. We just don't see the point.

　　

Trim tested

　　zzdcar has not yet driven any version of this vehicle, though we have driven the mechanically similar BMW X1. Based on our experience with the X1, the following is our first take on what's significant about the X2 and what you can expect.

　　

Driving

　　The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder provides ample power for a vehicle of this size. The steering wheel requires a bit more effort to turn than others in the class, but it's still easy to drive at low speeds. The all-wheel-drive system makes this small crossover feel agile around corners.

　　

Comfort

　　The seats are narrow and hard, the ride is firm, and the cabin lets in noticeable amounts of road and tire noise. That said, these issues are common among bargain-price luxury SUVs.

　　

Interior

　　A wide range of adjustments for front-seat passengers makes it easy to set up a comfortable driving position. We also like the X2's high-quality interior materials. The rear headroom is good in the X1, but the X2's sloping roofline reduces that by a few inches.

　　

Utility

　　The cargo space is inferior to that in the X1: 21.6 cubic feet in the X2 compared to the X1's 27.1 cubes. Maximum cargo capacity decreases from 58.7 cubic feet in the X1 to 50.1 cubes in the X2. Child seat anchors are easily accessible behind plastic covers on the seat bottom.

　　

Which X2 does zzdcar recommend?

　　There's only one trim available, so the choice comes down to picking either the front-wheel-drive sDrive28i or the all-wheel-drive xDrive28i. From there, we recommend adding the Convenience package for features that a modern luxury car should be equipped with, including keyless entry, auto-dimming mirrors and satellite radio. We like the Premium package, but tech-savvy drivers can save money and approximate its features by adding the stand-alone Apple CarPlay and the optional heated steering wheel and heated front seats.

　　

2018 BMW X2 models

　　The 2018 BMW X2 is a subcompact luxury crossover with seating for five. It comes in two versions: the front-wheel-drive sDrive28i and the all-wheel-drive xDrive28i. Both are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (228 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Most optional extras are grouped into packages, which include additional safety, luxury and performance features. A number of stand-alone add-ons include leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

　　Both trims share the same level of standard features, including 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and foglights, automatic wipers, a rearview camera, a power liftgate, push-button ignition, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, driver-seat memory settings, power-adjustable front seats (with adjustable bolsters and thigh extension), a 40/20/40-split rear seat, simulated leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, Bluetooth, BMW's ConnectedDrive services, the iDrive infotainment interface, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, and a seven-speaker audio system with HD radio, a CD player and a USB port.

　　A number of packages are available, centering on additional luxury, performance and safety features. Those who enjoy the finer things will want to consider the Convenience and Premium packages. The Convenience package adds power-folding mirrors, keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming exterior and interior mirrors, satellite radio and adjustable lumbar support for the front seats. The Premium package includes a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, a head-up display, an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a navigation system.

　　The comprehensive M SportX package starts with the Convenience package and adds sporty upgrades, including 19-inch wheels, aerodynamic enhancements, a sport-tuned automatic transmission, and an M Sport steering wheel with wheel-mounted shift paddles. A sport-tuned suspension is optional. The Dynamic Handling package further adds adaptive dampers.

　　On the safety front, the Driving Assistance package includes additional driver aids, such as automatic high-beam control, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning with low-speed automatic emergency braking.

　　Stand-alone options include 19- and 20-inch wheels, different interior appliques, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, leather upholstery, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, Apple CarPlay integration, a wireless charging pad and a rear spoiler.

　　

2018 X2 Highlights

Trim: sDrive28ixDrive28isDrive28i

　　

Base MSRP	$36,400
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$175/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	21.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles