New X2 could be the most stylish BMW crossover yet

This compact 'Sport Activity Coupe' is aimed squarely at Millennials

David Booth

Jan 14, 2018 • November 13, 2020 • 2 minute read • Join the conversation

2019 BMW X2

What is it? A elongated, slimmed down, sportier version of BMW’s X1 baby ute. The 2018 X2, hardly surprisingly, is to the X1 what the X4 is to the X3 and the X6 to the X5, albeit more four-door shooting brake, which is a bit of an oxymoron since a shooting brake is really just a two-door station wagon. But that should tell you how complicated the crossover segment has become. For the record, BMW officially states that the X2 is the Sport Activity Coupe that marries “fast-moving body language and the low-slung proportions of a coupe with the robust construction of a BMW X model.” Yup, that solved the mystery for me too.

Why does it matter? Well, it does, says BMW, feature the first iteration of what might become a new variation on its trademark kidney-shaped grille and, indeed, said grille is a little more oval, a little broader in the beam. But the X2 really matters because all the German makes are competing fiercely for the hearts of the millennial with money, and if they are to be wooed into a luxury vehicle it will be crossover shaped and have a badge that impresses.

When will Canada get it? Spring 2018, and will start at $42,250.

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2019 BMW X2
2019 BMW X2
2019 BMW X2
2019 BMW X2
2019 BMW X2
2019 BMW X2
2019 BMW X2
2019 BMW X2

Should you buy it? Well, the X2 probably is the most attractive crossover-cum-SUV-station wagon the company has designed in quite some time. Sleek where BMW’s other Xs are chunky, it truly is a feast for the eyes. Indeed, throw in the M Sport X package’s 20-inch wheels and the X2 might have been one of the hottest things at this year’s North American International Auto Show and the first compact crossover that can challenge Range Rover’s Evoque on looks. Very cute.

The rest of the xDrive28i package that debuted here is pretty much standard BMW. The engine is the company’s now tried-and-true BMW TwinPower Turbo 2.0-litre four, sporting 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque that BMW says is good enough to scoot the X2 to 100 kilometres an hour in a creditable 6.5 seconds. BMW’s all-wheel xDrive marries an electro-hydraulically controlled centre coupling that can react to misappropriation of torque in less than a quarter second to divert power to the rear wheels (yes, the X2, like so many sport cutes, is essentially a front-driver with occasional AWD capabilities).

Chassis wise, the X2 is built on BMW’s UKL2 platform, which underpins the X1 and the larger Minis. Indeed, those looking to pigeonhole the X2 might best think of it as a Mini Countryman that went to Sport Activity school to butch up its crossing over bona fides. That may still not be an adequate description of what BMW is trying for with this latest SAV, oops SAC, but whatever you call it, the X2 is going to sell like hotcakes because it really is tasty.