2018 BMW X2 Long-Term Update 1: Fair Trade
Staff photographer Robin Trajano and I have agreed to
swap long-term cars. From here on out, Robin will drive the
BMW X3 M40i
and I will oversee the BMW X2. Robin
wanted more size, power and aggressive noise, and I wanted a
smaller footprint, quieter exhaust and better fuel economy.
Horse-trading sorted, my first order of business is to try to
better comprehend what sort of vehicle the X2 really is, and more
so, does it serve its purpose of intended function. I’ve been
behind the wheel for a few weeks, and still continue contemplating
if this is simply BMW’s direct response
to the Mercedes GLA
or something more? Maybe it’s BMW’s interpretation of Volkswagen’s
much-loved GTI? Or perhaps it is a remixed version of BMW’s own
rear-drive 1 Series, a hatch that is still in production, but not
sold here. Possibly this is just BMW offering a sportier variation
of their X1 SUV, one with sharper styling, better driving dynamics,
and more curb appeal. I’ll continue contemplating knowing that
more time spent with the X2 is certain to reveal the answer.
The second order of business is adapting to the reality of a
front-drive BMW, one that shares a platform with various Mini
products. That fact aside, it’s apparent that the brand has done
a good job at impregnating X2 with BMW DNA inside and out.
Exterior styling is unmistakably BMW (the roundel on the C-pillar
is a wink to BMW’s ‘70’s era CS coupe), and the interior
switchgear, instrument panel dials, and dash layout all look
similar to what you’d find in any modern BMW. But, the budget
platform origins of the X2 occasionally shine through in the form
of small seats that look out of place in a BMW, and a lack of
adjustable seatbelt height. Furthermore, the chicken-leg-like,
mechanical shifter is strikingly different than the electronic
shifter found in most other BMW SUVs and sedans. Though the
mechanical stick works just fine, it lacks the luxo-tech premium
feel experienced in other BMWs. Also noticeable is the lack of
detents in the HVAC system. Temperature selections can only be had
in increments of two, something that Mini owners can relate to, but
that ultimately is perplexing and annoying when one setting is too
warm and the other too cold. On the plus side, anyone familiar with
BMWs will be delighted at the seat bottom extenders and the thick,
beefy steering wheel, both signature BMW accouterments that help
make this this hatch feel like a genuine BMW
merchandise.
Read more about our long-term 2018 BMW X2:
The radio preset buttons display
their programmed channel when you hover a finger on them.
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