The X-Rated 2019 BMW X2

One of the most interesting cars we have come across is the little BMW X2 – an intriguing breed of a compact car.

Anything born outside of the box is winner in my eyes and the X2 is such a car. It was love at first sight from the moment I laid eyes on it in the parking lot at Pupkewitz BMW, Windhoek. It speaks of uniqueness, creativity and a rather bold approach.

BMW’s story dates back to 7 March 1916 when mechanical engineer, Karl Rapp, established an aircraft engine manufacturing business called Rapp Motoren Werke. After a year of operations it was renamed Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) and became famous for the BMW IIIa aircraft engine which was renowned for good fuel economy and high altitude performance.

This explains the blue propeller label of BMW which is very much a part of our lives today, even donned on our featuring BMW X2.

The BMW X2 is a sub-compact luxury SUV produced by BMW since October 2017 and was first unveiled to the public at the Paris Motor Show 2016.

The X2 is based on the same architecture as the X1 and is also assembled alongside the X1 in Regensburg, Germany. Although classified as an SUV, the X2 is actually a crossover between hatchback and an SUV. The Cambridge dictionary describes crossover as a process or result of changing from one activity or style to another; and that’s what the X2 is all about a crossover – it has one foot in both the SUV and hatchback worlds.

The term doesn’t apply to this type of car only as it is a very broad word in design circles from vans to buses to motorbikes, crossovers are everywhere and in all classes of car and they are more predominant than ever before.

At first sight the X2 is a chunky and unique car, far from what it looks like in pictures, in the flesh it’s taller and bigger than I envisioned. BMW say it’s a concept car with almost nothing done to make it fit in with production cars – it’s bold and radical.

In its family the X2 is significantly different from the other X series BMWs as it has design features unique to its kind, while sharing headlamps with the X1. Its grille and headlamps are different – the kidney grille is wider at the base and smaller at the top so it doesn’t have the horizontal side vents but rather a rectangular centre vent. Overall the X2 is a unique design falling into the same description as other family uniques such as i8, i3 and 850i.

The interior is identical to that of the X1 and it doesn’t come as a surprise as they are close siblings. As any modern BMW it has a horizontal orientation on the dashboard and door panels with few buttons in sight. Features include Dakota leather, gloss black surfaces, an ambient lighting package which is optional and a panoramic roof to name a few.

Interior features include climate control, keyless ignition, multi function steering wheel, leather upholstery. A whole world of trims and options follows as you go up the range or opt for sportier versions, this includes heated seats and steering, dual zone aircon, a comfort pack, ambient lighting and the list is endless.

For infotainment the 1-Series comes with BMW’s iDrive. Its clear menus, layout and control knob make it seem more user friendly than any other interface. Features include: a 6,5-inch multimedia iDrive controller display, Sat-Nav, DAB radio, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Bluetooth, USB, Aux in and Apple CarPlay.

Our test drive X2 20d SAV is driven by a 1995cc engine with an output of140kw giving a torque of 400Nm which allows it to go from 0-100km/h in 7,8 seconds and climbs to a top speed of 219km/h. The X2 feels agile and is thrilling to drive about.

Safety wise the X2 has the maximum rating of 5 stars under NCAP thanks to standard features like pedestrian detection and lane departure warning, Dynamic Traction Control with Brake Control, automatic lights and wipers, LED lights and fog lamps. It also has a host of safety equipment that is optional such as adaptive cruise control, adaptive LED head lights that guide the beam according along with your steering.

The X2 etches towards autonomous driving with optional features like Driver Assistant pack, this includes features like attentiveness assistant, low speed autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and preventative pedestrian protection.

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