RIDE-CT – Classic Cars Celebrating Classic Cars in Connecticut
EAST HADDAM, CT – The BMW X2 is described by the company as “a striking combination of SUV and coupe design.” To me, it’s a modern reincarnation of a Saab 9000 five-door hatchback.
It was some 25 years ago that BMW specifically concentrated on four-door sedans, while Saab focused on five-doors. In an attempt to remain competitive, the Swedish automaker made a U-turn and zigged toward sedans. Meanwhile, the German stalwart zagged and is now offering hatchbacks.
The end result of the role reversal is that BMW remains a luxury leader. Saab, on the other hand, is out of business.
So, imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but such adulation doesn’t pay the bills. Like an old Saab story, the X2 is a rather slow seller within BMW’s U.S. model range. It’s wedged in between the more SUV-ish, entry level X1 and the most popular X3. The X2 sells much better in Europe, however (four to five times as much).
Of course, a modern BMW is light years ahead of a vintage Saab. What they have in common was that they both are/were so much fun to drive. German ambition has resulted in overdelivering an industry benchmark that has continuously improved. Conservative Swedish logic constrained its product offering to being just good enough.
Now in its second generation, the updated 2024 compact BMW continues to play in the premium segment. The X2 is 7.6-inches longer that its predecessor and almost an inch wider. The company has leveraged these latest proportions to its advantage with more fluid styling and definitive design lines. Pronounced wheel openings and muscular shoulders convey a modern yet purposeful styling theme that’s bound to capture attention.
The company calls it an “extrovert.” And that it is.
Unfortunately, like all recent BMWs, what once was a delicate twin kidney signature grille has morphed into more of an in-your-face facsimile of its former self. What’s been long referred to as the “Hofmeister kink” trailing edge of the rear side window glass, however, remains. The aggressive slope of the rear hatchback combined with large rear headrests does hinder visibility out back.
When you drive a BMW, though, you’re routinely fixated on the road up front. The X2 is powered by a 2.0-liter, TwinPower four-cylinder Turbo with 241 horsepower and 295 ft-lb torque. The factory-published 0-60 mph time is 6.2 seconds and it averages 28 miles per gallon. A seven-speed automatic includes a built in limited-slip differential. Plus, xDrive all-wheel drive is part and parcel with the new sport activity contender.
The X2 chassis has been enhanced with frequency-selective damping to actively smooth out road irregularities. A lowered ride height, reduced roll tendency and improved sport steering with a crisper rack ratio result in what has long been appreciated as the Ultimate Driving Machine experience.
I can confirm that a stiffer body structure and suspension components further add to responsiveness as do the 19-inch wheels.
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The BMW’s Teutonic heritage is immediately obvious as soon as you open the door and sit inside the now enlarged interior. Quality workmanship and attention to detail are clearly evident. Perforated and quilted Veganza (made from recycled plant material) upholstery covered well-bolstered seating surfaces, which proved to be both capable and coddling. A thick, M-style steering wheel was confidence inspiring while a floating center console added to the practical cabin layout.
A horizontal, curved display screen conveyed a sense of spaciousness and offered utmost information, entertainment and connectivity. But in certain cases, it was a bit fiddly to actually operate. The tiny gas gauge graphics weren’t the easiest to read, either. Other than that, the interior was well accentuated with attractive trim, and was certainly driver-focused and consciously prepared to go the distance in comfort and style.
Like all BMWs, as an engineering-driven entry, the X2 naturally includes a responsible safety ethos. Its natural driving precision will help avoid over-the-road incidents in the first place. That dynamic advantage is supplemented by a Forward Collision Mitigation System, Active Blind Spot Detection, Steering Assistance, Lane Departure Warning, an abundance of Air Bags (Front, Side, Overhead and Knee) and more to ensure that occupants are actively and passively protected from the uncertainties of the intimidating world around them.
Pricing for the 2024 X2 starts at $42,000 and the optioned example that I tested listed for $52,745.
One final, familiar nit to pick: the BMW rear parcel shelf out back rattled on occasion – just like an old Saab hatchback. Automotive history has a habit of repeating itself.
(Photos courtesy of BMW unless otherwise noted.)
