First-Ever BMW X2

In the crowded crossover market the BMW X2 is a standout for both its design and capability. Low and sleek in profile the X2 is a brand new model for BMW. With it nimble handling, driving on the cobblestone streets of the NYC’s meatpacking district and though the narrow tree line streets of Bushwick and Greenpoint in Brooklyn was refreshingly easy. On the Long Island Expressway the famed BMW performance propelled us forward in enviable style.

The BMW X2 subcompact luxury/sport SUV was first seen as a concept at the 2016 Paris Motor Show and the demand for a stylish crossover in this segment was instantly understood by BMW. The BMW X2 is designed to push back boundaries and its sporty look, while utilitarian at the core, is distinct and stunning on the roadways. Driving the The lane departure warning and active cruise control aided our comfort and when driving the X2 on the highway its performance handling was pure BMW.

The X2 retains much of the concept car’s 2016 design including the swept-back lights, slim hatchback glass and the BMW badge inset into the C-pillar. While the car’s exterior design is quite different to every other car in the X line-up, the interior is familiar in both layout and upscale quality. Recognizable with a fabulous centre panel, the use of high quality materials and a digitalized instrument panel the X2 still boldly expresses its unique personality.

“The BMW X2 represents an expression of modern and extrovert vehicle dynamics,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design, in describing the first-ever BMW X2. “Its standalone vehicle concept brings a new, fresh and exciting facet of the BMW to the compact segment. On the road, the BMW X2 has the poise of an athlete in peak condition. This is true for the basic version and even more so for M Sport X models. The BMW X2 M Sport X package combines design elements from BMW M and the BMW X family.”

The first-ever BMW X2 combines all of this with everything needed for that everyday life. The trunk has a capacity of 50.1 cubic feet, meaning it can effortlessly handle luggage and sporting accoutrements. This high level of functionality manifests itself in the passenger compartment too, thanks to features such as a door design with large pockets and additional storage compartments. The cabin of the BMW X2 is focused on the driver, with design that features the instrument panel binnacle clearly directed at the road ahead. All controls are ergonomically positioned to allow the driver to assimilate their information with a single glance and operate them with ease.

‘Your car is anything but basic” we were told by a passer-by in Brooklyn while we were shooting the car and we completely agree. Added features including the rearview camera and LED headlights with cornering lights give clear sight of both what’s ahead and what’s behind you and the power tailgate and 6 color ambient lighting bring a tradition of luxury to an otherwise untraditional BMW while elevating this crossover far beyond basic utility.

Our 2018 BMW X2 xDrive 28i, in a new Galvanic Gold metallic finish, with All-wheel drive, 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder garnered great attention and, needless to say, admiration towards BMW for its technical and design innovations in creating this bold statement of design and performance. The First-Ever X2

Story: Josh Lewis, Photography: David Lewis Taylor.