1450-4500RPM. Power is managed through a transversely-mounted eight-speed automatic transmission, (supplied by Aisin), and sent to all four wheels via front-biased application of BMW’s xDrive. Being based on the BMW UKL (literally “lower class” in German) platform that the X1 and various Mini platforms share, means it shouldn’t be much of a surprise to see similar power units under the hood. Leaving the BMW brand (but not the family) would lead me towards my personal favourite: the MINI Clubman S ALL4. If value matters to you, crunching the numbers may muddy the field, and if I were in these shoes, I think the more practical choices would lead me elsewhere. None of this really matters if the BMW X2 fits your sense of style; in this case, BMW has something for you in its diverse and wide-ranging lineup. This feels more like a Mini-style driving position, rather than a BMW in the traditional sense.
It’s a vehicle that makes a lot more sense at just over $40,000, so put yours on an options diet. I don’t often need to utilize the adjustable thigh supports, but the seat bottoms in the X2 are so uncharacteristically “short”, it’s almost a requirement to have them extended, full-time. The BMW X2 is a surprisingly good car that I think a lot of enthusiasts will need to drive to believe and that customers are going to love. There is also a decent amount of trunk space for such a small car. Up front, there is plenty of room for the driver and passenger, and out back the X2 offers excellent ingress and egress for rear-seat passengers, thanks to the very square upper rear corner of the doors -- some other models in this segment have skimped on such versatility. On this trip, there were several cars available to test, including the BMW M5 (review to come), the X2, 6 Series GT and more.
In the driver’s seat of the X2, that overall “MINI” feel of agility carries over from the X1. Inside, the overall interior design isn’t quite as extroverted as what you see on the outside. BMW of Palm Springs proudly offers this beautiful 2020 BMW X2 xDrive28i in Dark Olive Metallic over an Oyster/Black interior with 12 miles. But its dark bits are deeper and more plentiful, and most of its lights shine no brighter than the others’. What that means is that the X1 and X2 are both built on what is essentially the MINI Countryman platform. You get BMW’s latest instrument cluster, which mixes some physical analog elements with a majority-digital interface, and this particular X2 is also equipped with a heads-up display - and not the same kind of Mini heads-up display that projects onto a small piece of clear plexiglass. The X2 launched as a 2019 model and, this being only its sophomore year, BMW hasn't changed much for 2020. Last year's standard 6.5-inch infotainment display has been ditched in favor of the formerly optional 8.8-inch unit; navigation is now also standard across the X2 lineup. For all the angry lines of the front fascia trying their best to look mean the X2 seems to know its limits when it comes to off-roading, and its standard ride height makes the X1 look like a Baja truck or a United Nations ceasefire monitor's armored SUV by comparison.
It is quite large and is in stark contrast to the bright Galvanic Gold paint, but BMW says that its placement recreates a detail from classic BMW coupes (look up the BMW 3.0 CS). This particular tester was fully loaded, and also was equipped with premium Harman/Kardon audio, leather seating surfaces, wireless phone charging, “M Sport” steering, and Galvanic Gold paint. By checking the checkbox and clicking submit, I confirm that I am the current owner/subscriber of the mobile number provided or that the current owner/subscribed of this mobile phone number authorized me to provide this number to the dealer. Like the BMW X4, the X2 features, in BMW’s words, more “extroverted” styling. One of the most controversial styling decisions comes down to the placement of the BMW roundel on the C-pillar of the hatchback. We recently had the opportunity to drive the new BMW X2 in Palm Springs, California, both on and outside the brand’s Performance Driving School at the Thermal Club. If you like this vehicle and have questions, simply call, email, or drop by our location at 3737 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264. We invite you to Activate Your Ownership with us today! Historically, people have been willing to pay extra for something that is more stylish and unique, and that premium over the X1 represents a margin that is more lucrative for any automaker.
