It is 1975. Η last BMW 3.0 CSL passes the production line. A great chapter in the history of the Bavarian company Closes. Fast forward to 2019. What relationship can a SUV, the compact X2, which we try 44 years later, with the legendary 3.0 CSL; None? You're going to plan miserably wrong, dear reader.
X2 is the first model, after the 3.0 CSL, in which BMW puts its logo on the rear pillar. Not coincidentally, as X2, may follow the trend of the time and be a modern, compact SUVbut it has something of the legacy of the Bavarian brand. Visually, after all, if you look at it, you will see that it is not simply beautifulbut... winds up.
Our test version is the X2 sDrive 18i, the (second most) basic. It wears the 1.5 litre three-cylinder engine, Performance 140 hp (there is also a smaller version with the same engine and 115 hp). The X2 is based on the BMW's front-wheel drive platform, which means that the three-cylinder is not a "retreat", since in it we can see mounted as a four-cylinder motors. Our test version is front-wheel drive, while the versions with larger engines, also available with all-wheel drive.
X2 has grace... bigger than the name of. Actually... shorter, since the dimensions of it is smaller from her "sister" Χ1. While the width and wheelbase (2,67 metres) is the same in both models, the X2 is shorter at 4.360 mm. compared to 4.439 mm of the X1 and lower, at 1,526 mm. compared to 1,598 mm of the X1. Not everything is compact in the X2, of course. For example, you'd be surprised to learn that the exhaust tips have larger diameter even than those of of the beastly X6M!
But enough with the frills and perfumes. Let's see what it's like on the road X2. Its design and the attempt to show a little bit as coupe- SUV gives her the an excellent aerodynamic coefficient of 0,28 (xDrive 20d), which means a lot in practice: Less consumption than it could, or should have, easier trip and fewer, few as zero aerodynamic noise at higher speeds. This last is also a big disadvantage of SUVs, which X2 eliminates, combining the good of other vehicle categories with those of leisure vehicles.
Of course, to achieve this, it has become very good work on sound insulation of the cabin, as in the selection of materials. Every what different for a BMW would be a (unpleasant) shock, so the top quality materials in the cabin, was something we expected: The well-designed dashboard with the plenty of pockets on the central pillar and the doors, with the excellent soft plastics, the details in piano black, him legible instrument panel with the three-wheel steering wheel and the comfortable leather seats with very good lateral support and dozens of settings. So, with the "good morning", you're in a familiar for BMW location driving, comfortable, convenient and sporty.
Before we start talking about the basics, i.e. the engine, rolling quality and road behaviour, there is one point on which we should dwell. The reason for the infotainment system. The X2 is available with 8.8-inch touch screen of the multimedia system which dominates the centre of the dashboard (6.5" in the smaller versions), combined with the now sixth generation of the iDrive controller.
And, if in the past there may have been some objections on how easy it is to get used to handling the menu, in the today's generationwe can say with certainty that the Combination of piezo rotary switch with the touch screen, ο separation of the menu, η placement them and the function their is not just full and excellent: It is today the best multimedia system available in the multimedia market in general, as you can do whatever you think, without being distracted from your job, which is only one job. The road.
All this makes a safety and comfort environment for driver and passengers who will have no problem getting comfortable, since both front and rear there is a satisfactory space for the head and feet, as well as for the luggage with 470 litres the luggage compartment. The "hidden" space under the cover of the floor of the trunk, where the spare tire is absent, is also convenient, while it is worth noting that the luggage space reaches 1.355 litres with folding of the three parts of the back of the seats.
On the road now, X2 is true revelation. Ο 1.5 litre three-cylinder turbo and of 140 hp is willing to move the heavy body (about 1,600 kg) in any case, in cooperation with the stunning seven-speed serial dual-clutch Steptronic transmission. In every situation, the box is there to choose the most suitable one. right relationship so you can stay "in the torque" and does not "hang you" ever, while the changes happen so smoothly that the passengers don't understand. And in manual operation (there are also paddles behind the wheel) the changes are made very quickly and without "kicks", while the box allows you to uploads, or downloads relationships across the entire range of revs, only intervening where if it leaves you, you'll... cry.
With the help of the box 140 horses are exploited and 220 Nm of engine torque and achieve decent performance (0-100 h.a.o. in 9.6 seconds and Final 205 h.a.h.) which are the same as the manual version, which makes you wonder why you would choose the manual gearbox. The engine, although a three-cylinder, does not pass vibrations and noises inside, not disturbing the premium setting prevailing. Only at high revs and intense acceleration is there a slight rumbling sound. rattling, which satisfies those who have sports... acoustic concerns.
The X2 has three drivers (Sport, Comfort, Eco) in which the setup and the engine response. In any case, the rolling quality is excellent, as one would expect from a BMWeither you're moving to the motorway, or in the cityor in some tight mountain route -in which, mind you, you will never run out of torque, or power. For appearance's sake, our test X2 wears beautiful 18s with tyres 225/50 which, as is logical, means a slight retreat in comfort and consumption, which, in our test, moved (on mixed routes) at around 9,5 lt/100 km.
Η post, however, it strikes an ideal balance between the comfort and sporty handling you want from a BMW, travelling comfortably and quietly, turning with confidence (when you push it too hard it will show a tendency to lighten its tail which will curl up before you know it from the intervening electronic aids) and without inclinations and being as comfortable as you need in the city. The only "complaint" is the relatively limited rear visibility, due to the narrow windows and the thick rear pillar, which was "saved" by using the radar in parking, although in any case I would have preferred a camera.
In conclusion, the X2 has everything you need for premium daily commuting at reasonable price (from EUR 33 730- can be acquired with the BMW ALLINCLUSIVE financing programme from BMW Financial Services, which provides 5 years of free servicing and vehicle insurance with a value guarantee for the entire duration of the programme), with elegance, comfort and diversity. What else can one ask from a car - life companion?
