X2 a Driver’s Delight

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CHATHAM, Mass. – BMW calls its new-for-2024 X2 a Sports Activity Coupe (SAC), but the average American consumer would consider the five-door vehicle a subcompact sport-utility vehicle (SUV). I did not dwell on titles; I just enjoyed my recent week of aggressively driving the X2 xDrive28i — which lived up to the “Sports” label — throughout the Northeast.

The days of boring, cookie-cutter, truck-like SUVs are long over. Today, every manufacturer scrambles to produce something matching its brand profile. The second-generation BMW X2 fits that description, providing a high-tech filled, refined machine engineered to be an example of the company’s iconic slogan, The Ultimate Driving Machine®.

Performance starts with the powertrain

A reengineered two-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower and 295 pounds-feet of torque provides the heart of the X2 xDrive28i. It works with a seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch automatic transmission coupled to a standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system dubbed xDrive by BMW.

This combination results in a small potent SUV, one which can get from 0 to 60 miles per hour, according to Motor Trend, in less than 6 seconds (5.8), which is quicker than even BMW claims (6.2 seconds).

This performance comes with excellent fuel economy. The federal Environmental Protection Agency rates the 2024 BMW X2 xDrive28i at 28 miles per gallon overall (24 urban, 33 highway); I saw somewhere around 30,31 mpg in everyday driving (I had to estimate the number because I could not access the vehicle’s comprehensive data system; it needed ownership registration for that funciton).

Regardless of the specific number I attained, the X2 provides a terrific balance between performance and efficiency.

Platform puts power to work

The suspension system components closely resembled the first generation X2 – single-joint spring strut axle up front and three-link setup in the rear – but was reengineered for major improvements in steering feel, ride comfort and stability.

The review vehicle came with the M Sport Package ($2,500 option) which included adaptive M Sport suspension for further enhancing driving capabilities with unique shock absorbers and system settings.

Als included in the optional package are M Sport brakes featuring four-piston, fixed calipers at the front wheels, single-piston, floating calipers at the rear. The four rotors are ventilated all around and the calipers a distinctive blue color.

The 19-inch M Sport double-spoke bi-color wheels are shod with 245/45 R19 all-season non-runflat tires.

(Other pieces of the M Sport package include styling enhancements, an M steering wheel and aerodynamic package.)

The sum of the chassis/platform pieces are a vehicle worthy of the BMW name. I was able to spend a bit more time in the X2 than other test vehicles, driving between Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Twisting Pocono Mountain roads, long interstate stretches and even congested metropolitan New York byways all provided challenges which were met – and defeated in comfort, control and enjoyment – by the refined SAC.

Technology brings extensive driver assistance

The X2 xDrive28i standard advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) include frontal-collision warning with city-collision mitigation; lane-departure warning and active-park-distance control.

The review model added the optional ($1,700) Driving Assistance Professional Package with extended traffic-jam assistant for limited-access highways; active cruise control with stop&go; active lane-keeping assistant with side-collision avoidance; evasion aid, and front cross-traffic alert.

Amenities, conveniences and technology fill cabin

BMW vehicles sit at the high-end of the automotive world which means they come with a wide variety of technology and convenience features.

Automatic climate control; power adjustments for the front seats and an infotainment system with navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capabilities lead the list of features found on the inside of the X2.

The comprehensive optional ($4,000) Premium Package on the review X2 brought Harman/Kardon Premium Sound System; power folding mirrors; comfort access keyless entry with UWB technology for digital key; panoramic moonroof; auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors; wireless mobile-device charging; parking-assistant plus; head-up display; Live Cockpit Professional; surround-view monitor with 3D view; universal garage door opener, and interior camera.

Additional optional pieces enhancing comfort include heated front seats and steering wheel ($550) and remote start capability ($300).

BMW attributes in a competitive segment

The luxury subcompact SUV segment is highly competitive with examples from domestic, Asian and European brands fighting it out. BMW, one of the most established of the European marques, continues to set standards with the emphasis on driving qualities.

The 2024 BMW X2 xDrive28i, as reviewed provides a fitting example of the Bavarian company’s approach to engineering a motor vehicle and, like other top-end, technologically advanced vehicles, offers their owners tremendous driving pleasure.

For a price.

The first price, to get maximum enjoyment from an X2 like this one, is investing the time to learn how to operate the various systems and features. There are numerous driving enhancements, but many are not intuitive. The effort to learn the systems are worth it.

The other price is the one of entry. The basic X2 xDrive28i carries a list price of $42,000. The options outlined above, along with a few others (like Storm Bay Metallic [blue] paint for $1,200) and $995 destination charge, brought the total to $52,745. Not an insignificant figure, but excellent value considering the X2’s efficiency, performance and BMW pedigree.

SUV or SAC, irrelevant. The 2024 BMW X2 xDrive28i provides a superb driving experience regardless of the label.

Next week TBR Drives the 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 43 SUV.