2018 BMW X2 SUV Crossover Review & Ratings

Performance

The brand new 2018 BMW X2 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque distributed via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive28i has a front-wheel-drive system while the xDrive28i comes in all-wheel drive. The four-cylinder engine of the 2018 X2 delivers a linear acceleration that has a minimal hint of turbo lag. It has no problem in overtaking, and launching the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph takes a little over six seconds. The transmission shifts smoothly and at the right time. Opting for the all-wheel-drive puts down the power better to the wheels. With the all-wheel-drive model, the handling shows composure through the turn. Body roll is very little and there is a good sense of balance in whatever direction it goes. The steering contributes to the feeling of agility with its accuracy and decent weight. However, at higher speeds, the on-center feel sways a little and may lose a bit of precision. The braking prowess of the X2 is evident because it only needs 111 feet to get to a complete halt from 60 mph. The bite of the calipers is robust but it isn’t the smoothest in its delivery. Fortunately, there is a firm pedal to modulate the braking force with confidence.

Technology

The sDrive28i and xDrive28i trims come standard with LED headlights and fog lights, rain-activated wipers, power liftgate, push-to-start button, power-adjustable front seats, driver seat memory settings, automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, Bluetooth, HD radio, USB port, and an infotainment system with a CD player, 6.5-inch touchscreen and a seven-speaker sound system. The Convenience package adds keyless entry, satellite radio, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, and power-adjustable lumbar support for the front seats. Meanwhile, the Premium package includes a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, a heads-up display, navigation, and a bigger 8.8-inch touchscreen display. Next, the M Sport X package adds a sports steering wheel with paddle shifters and several performance parts upgrades. The Dynamic Handling package then includes adaptive dampers. Lastly, the Driving Assistance package includes several advanced safety and driver aids. The standalone options for all trims include Apple CarPlay, a wireless charging pad, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

Safety

The 2018 model has not gone undergone testing from popular organizations such as the NHTSA or the IIHS. The only standard advanced safety feature in the X2 is a rearview camera. The advanced safety and driver aids are add-ons for all trims. These include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and mitigation, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors. BMW’s proprietary telematics system is also included. It enables remote access via a dedicated smartphone app. The BMW Assist comes with an emergency request (SOS button) and enhanced automatic collision warning.

Appearance

The 2018 model has a 172.2-inch length, 71.8-inch width, 60.1-inch height, and a 112.8-inch wheelbase. The X2 is a brand new model for BMW. The even-numbered X SUV of BMW represents a sportier vehicle with bolder styling. It is based on the X1 SUV but it has a lower stance, a lower roofline, and a more compact stature that contributes to its more athletic appeal. The X2 has two body styles, which are the Standard and M Sport X designs. The Standard design is essentially the base styling while the M Sport X design has sportier body panels. The two trims have options for 18-inch and 19-inch wheels. Going for the M Sport X package opens up the option for 20-inch wheels.

Comfort

Being the smallest SUV in the X range of BMW, entering the vehicle is more akin to stepping inside rather than a step up. Both the front and rear doors have decent openings but may require ducking for tall passengers. The front row has more legroom and headroom than the backseats where it can be tight for large persons. There is space for five people on the two rows of seats inside, and comfort is not compromised even on longer trips. The customizable lumbar and thigh support is flexible for the majority of passengers. Leather upholstery is an option but the vinyl trim did not feel cheap in any way. The common trade-off of sporty handling characteristics is a firm ride that can be unsettling at times, and that is evident here. While on smoother surfaces it does very little to interrupt the stability, bumps and cracks are transmitted without much dampening. Tire noise is also on the louder side when heard from the inside, especially at freeway speeds.

Cargo

A 21.6 cu. ft. of space is available behind the second row of seats, and that expands to 50.1 cu. ft. when the second row of seats is folded down.