BMW launches X2 from $55,900 BOCs

BMW Australia will debut in March its first-ever X2 ‘Sports Activity Coupe’ crossover from $55,900 before on-roads in two-wheel-drive petrol sDrive20i guise with diesel-engined options expected to follow shortly thereafter.

From launch, the X2 SUV will be powered by a 141kW/280Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder engine propelling the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Sharing the same UKL2 platform, the X2 will carry a $2300 price premium over the equivalent X1 small SUV model, but also wears coupe-like styling and a “uniquely low and wide body style that accentuates its sporty intentions”, according to BMW.

While BMW Australia has yet to reveal fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures, the X2 sDrive20i will accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.

For reference, the X1 sDrive20i – which shares the same drivetrain – returns a fuel economy figure of 6.1 litres per 100km, emits 139 grams of CO2 per kilometre and can hit the landmark triple digits 0.1s quicker at 7.6s.

With two all-wheel-drive diesel powertrains also announced alongside the sDrive20i during the X2’s reveal in October last year, BMW Australia product communications manager Adam Davis told GoAuto to anticipate more X2 engine options to be confirmed in the next fortnight.

“At this stage, we are bringing sDrive20i as the initial offering,” he said.

“As you’ve seen with 5 Series and X3 recently, we are looking at what we think fits well for the market initially, then taking the opportunity to add further variants in the months that follow.

“For X2, there are several options we are considering and we expect to confirm additional drivetrains in the next two weeks.”

The additional engines include a 140kW/400Nm xDrive20d and 170kW/450Nm xDrive25d which both send power to all four corners via an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.

An oil-burning engine would give BMW a competitor against Audi’s $49,100 2.0-litre TDI quattro Q2, but given the X2’s opening $55,900 price, expect to see the Bavarian brand’s diesel option positioned more upstream.

Buyers of the sDrive20i will be given a choice between the M Sport X or M Sport exterior styling package – the former making its debut on the X2 and both bearing no additional cost.

The M Sport X option adds a contrasting Froze Grey lower front apron and lower side panels, 19-inch ‘722 M’ Orbit Grey alloy wheels, and yellow highlight stitching throughout the cloth and Alcantara interior.

On the other hand, the M Sport pack contains an M Aerodynamics bodykit, 19-inch ‘715 M’ Orbit Grey alloys, Dark Shadow Exterior inserts and blue interior contrast stitching.

Mr Davis said the M Sport X pack will likely remain exclusively for the X2 model line for now, but left the option open for the styling option to proliferate across BMW’s SUV line-up.

“In terms of M Sport X, it’s being debuted on X2 but my understanding is that it will not be made available to existing models lines,” he said.

“This may change when all-new models are being rolled out, however there’s nothing set in stone at this stage.”

Measuring 4360mm long, 1824mm wide and 1526mm high, the X2 is 79mm shorter, 3mm wider, 72mm lower than the X1. Both share an identical 2670mm wheelbase.

With the second-row seats in place, the X2 can swallow 470 litres of storage, expanding to 1355L with the 40:20:40 split-fold pews stowed.

The X2 sDrive20i will also wear a subtle roof-mounted M rear spoiler, LED head-, fog- and tail-lights, M Sport suspension and a power-operated tailgate.

Inside, the X2 sports an M leather steering wheel, six-way configurable interior lighting package, front sports seats and 5.7-inch TFT instrumentation display.

BMW’s iDrive6 infotainment system is also included, sporting a 6.5-inch colour touchscreen as standard with an 8.8-inch unit as an option, both with smartphone integration, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite navigation and real-time traffic information.

Safety features include reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, forward collision warning and speed limit information.

Options on the X2 include the $2600 Innovations Package, $2700 Comfort Package and $3300 Style Plus Package.