Test drive BMW X2
Now the X family has formed into an integral arithmetic progression. X2 entered the market - the most compact coupe-crossover brand
In the presentation video of the new X2, BMW chief designer Josef Kaban walks around the lean crossover. He talks about the most important nuances in appearance, pointing out the bright details of the exterior and interior of the novelty.
However, there is a little slyness in this one-man theater. The eminent Czech, who gave the world a complex Bugatti Veyron and an ingeniously simple Skoda Octavia, began to be responsible for the style of the Bavarian brand quite recently - less than six months ago.
The appearance of the new X2 is the work of a group of designers led by Pole Thomas Sich. A very extraordinary person. Here he is, sitting next to us at dinner after the first day of the test drive and making fun of Italian journalists and the girl next to them.
In the modern world, in which, it seems, one can only joke about a white, sexually mature man, the poles' witticisms are perceived not just as an informal conversation, but as a kind of rebellion. And that is exactly what he captivates. Damn it, only such a person could create such a bright and cool car.
No one disputes that the X2 is a well-defined marketing product. However, there is in his appearance some kind of expression and unbridledness, which, alas, has not been observed for a long time in the appearance of Bavarian cars. The car is especially good in the specially created golden color scheme and the M Sport X styling package.
To some, a car in this design may seem overly provocative and even vulgar, but it certainly turned out to be bright and memorable. And this, it seems, is the main goal that modern designers are trying to achieve when creating a new model. And in this sense, the creators of X2 did their job perfectly well.
Perhaps it is for this reason that the interior of the crossover is perceived as too ordinary. The simplicity of forms and strict lines against the background of a bright appearance do not seem very appropriate. On the other hand, the traditional solutions allowed not to deprive the interior of the convenience and verified ergonomics typical for all BMWs.
The decoration, on the other hand, leaves a pleasant impression. The entire upper part of the cabin above the waistline is trimmed with not the most expensive, but soft plastic with a pleasant tarpaulin texture. Gloss on the center console is a minimum, and all chrome is solid, matte. Plus, do not forget that the machine is optionally available with a wide use of leather.
The interior of our version with the M Sport X package also features sports seats with pronounced lateral support and a three-spoke emoticon steering wheel covered with leather. And if there are no complaints about the first, then the "steering wheel" seems too plump and uncomfortable to grip in the position of fifteen to three.
The steering wheel is uncomfortable not only in the grip, but also because of the overweight reactive action. You can feel it even at low speed when leaving the parking lot. And with increasing speed, the tight effort on the steering wheel only increases, becoming completely unnatural.
With this kind of reactive force, the steering wheel itself remains sharp and responsive. The machine reacts to all actions with it instantly, precisely following a given trajectory. However, Bavarian engineers say the tightened steering wheel is a feature of the M Sport package. The standard X2 versions have the same electric power steering settings as the X1 platform.
The Germans also explain the excessive rigidity of the suspensions by the presence of a sports package. The springs and dampers are sporty here, which is why such a car may not be as comfortable as the base one. Although I must admit that the coupe-crossover swallows all the small road trifles even on huge 20-inch wheels with low-profile tires very quietly. And you can also order adaptive shock absorbers with variable travel characteristics in this set.
But don't expect the overall chassis balance of the base X2 to be the same as the soplatform X1. Despite the similarity of the architecture of the pendants, their design has been revised. Since the body of the X2 is smaller and stiffer, the chassis parts have different attachment points to it. In addition, the angle of the castor is overwhelmed here more, the stroke of the dampers is denser, and the anti-roll bar is thicker and stiffer, therefore it resists the load better.
As a result, pitching is minimized and body roll is noticeably less. In general, the X2 is more focused on the go, and the driving experience feels more like a nimble hot hatch than a crossover. A well-knocked down car drives not only soundly and tightly, but even playfully and recklessly.
This even suggests a motor more powerful than what we have - a junior diesel modification with 190 hp. And not to say that with it the X2 goes somehow quite sluggishly, but this engine does not fully reveal the potential of the chassis. Acceleration from a standstill is given to the car easily and even briskly, and on high-speed highways the stock of traction is always enough with a margin. Moreover, it is assisted by a very clever 8-speed "automatic" from Aisin, already familiar from the X1.
However, on winding paths, you want to turn the engine a little longer, and, unfortunately, it turns sour pretty quickly as soon as the revs exceed the 3500-3800 mark. In general, driving with such a motor is comfortable and safe, but not very fun.
The X2 also has a petrol version, but so far only one. This modification is equipped with a two-liter supercharged engine that produces 192 hp. Together with this engine, a seven-speed "robot" with two clutches is working - the first BMW preselective gearbox installed on civilian models of the brand.
Despite the formal title of coupe-crossover, the X2 enters the extremely competitive environment of compact B- and C-class SUVs. And here, in addition to the ability to be beautiful, it is necessary to offer a high level of practicality. According to him, the Bavarian is unlikely to break into the leaders, but he will not remain among the outsiders either.
The back row does not shine with space - neither in the legs, nor even more so above the head. Tall people will definitely rest their heads against a low ceiling. But looking back at the past generation X1 with the classic layout, the rear row of the X2 seems far more welcoming. The trunk also does not set records - 470 liters, although by the standards of modern city dwellers, its volume easily makes it possible to claim the title of the only car of a young family.
| A type | Crossover |
| Dimensions (length / width / height), mm | 4360/1824/1526 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2670 |
| Ground clearance, mm | 182 |
| Cargo space, l | 470 |
| Curb weight, kg | 1675 |
| Gross vehicle weight, kg | 2190 |
| engine's type | Diesel R4, turbocharged |
| Working volume, cubic meters cm | 1995 |
| Max. power, h.p. (at rpm) | 190 |
| Max. cool. moment, Nm (at rpm) | 400 at 1750-2500 |
| Drive type, transmission | Full, AKP8 |
| Max. speed km / h | 221 |
| Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h, s | 7,7 |
| Fuel consumption, l / 100 km | 5,4/4,5/4,8 |
| Price from, USD | 29 000 |
