The X1 has never been the most supple of cars, yet BMW has still ramped up the firmness for the X2. Three suspension set-ups are available: normal on SE models, lower and stiffer on M Sport and a switchable version of the M Sport set-up on the options list.
On the 19in wheels, low-profile tyres and M Sport suspension of our test car, rough road surfaces and sharp-edged bumps caused you to be jostled around in your seat uncomfortably, especially at low speeds. If you’re planning on having an X2 as an urban runaround, you’ll need to avoid potholes and the crumbliest of surfaces or be prepared to be jostled around.
At speed, the X2’s ride improves. You still get a noticeable amount of vertical movement, but it feels well controlled and sporty rather than uncomfortable. Adaptive suspension is optional, but even Comfort mode is firm. We’d definitely recommend sticking to the smaller wheels available.
BMW X2 handling
So far, we can only comment on the four-wheel-drive xDrive20d in M Sport and M Sport X guises, since they’re the only variants we’ve tried. We found them to have well-weighted steering that allows you to accurately place the nose of the X2 on the road. There’s no great sense of connection to the front wheels, but the system is confidence-inspiring enough to allow you to attack a B-road with gusto.
When you do corner enthusiastically, you’ll notice there’s a bit of initial body lean before the X2 wrestles back control and grips tenaciously. Traction out of corners is excellent, thanks to the four-wheel drive system, but this doesn’t mean it’s no fun.
The X2 certainly feels more agile than the Volvo XC40 and feels much less heavy than the Jaguar E-Pace. In fact, the X2’s low height and relatively low weight make it feel more like a junior hot hatchback than a chunky SUV.
BMW X2 refinement
While the diesel engine has plenty to like, it’s also rather vocal. Not only do you hear the clatter of the unit at idle and when accelerating, you feel it through the steering wheel and pedals, too. The engine does settle down at a cruise, though, smoothing out and fading into the background, unlike the E-Pace’s motor.
But it isn’t just the engine you’ll notice when you’re driving along. Like the X1, the X2 suffers from an awful lot of tyre roar, especially at speed. If you spend a fair bit of time on the motorway, expect to be cranking up the stereo regularly. Indeed, we found it to be one of the nosiest premium SUVs in its class.
We’ve only tried the eight-speed automatic gearbox so far and it’s a corker. There’s very little hesitation from a standstill and it changes gear cleanly. Should you want to take control manually, it’s snappy and obedient.
You might be surprised when you first slip behind the wheel of the X2. Despite being an SUV, you sit much lower than in the X2 than in many rivals. This might help cornering, but it robs you of the commanding view that many people look for.
Unfortunately, the windscreen pillars can cause issues for drivers who have to sit close to the wheel; the pillars’ size and position can block your view when pulling out of junctions.
The upsweeping window line, small rear window and thick rear pillars can also be problematic when reversing, although rear parking sensors are standard on all models. A reversing camera is optional, but only as part of an expensive pack. Also optional is a driving assistant pack that includes lane departure warning.
Although the overall layout of the dash is much the same as you’d find in an X1, BMW has made efforts to make it look and feel noticeably snazzier. Appealing trim pieces, contrast stitching on the seats and dash, along with reshaped and upholstered handles, make the interior feel of even higher quality than the X1’s – no mean feat because that’s one of the best-screwed-together family SUV interiors out there.
There’s no doubt that the X2 is well ahead of the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Jaguar E-Pace here. It just about beats our current class favourite, the Volvo XC40, but the margins are wafer-thin.
Para mim o grande problema do X2: Um GLA tem bastante desconto pela mercedes mas o X2 e vendido como premium:
BMW X2 running costs
Despite costing more than the equivalent X1 on a model-for-model basis, the X2 doesn’t get any additional equipment. That’s disappointing given that you miss out on a sliding rear bench and there isn’t as much space for people or luggage. Things are even worse when you compare it with the Volvo XC40, a larger car with much more standard equipment for similar money.
Editado pela última vez por Superfast; 16 March 2018, 15:07.
De facto, é um abuso. Até dentro da propria marca existem opçoes bem melhores, a todos os niveis. Acho que é mesmo um carro de nicho neste tipo de configurações.
Concerteza não. Mas pelo preço deste exposto mais abaixo já se traz um serie 5 bem equipado. Já para não falar que estamos a comparar um segmentoC com um segmento E.
Concerteza não. Mas pelo preço deste exposto mais abaixo já se traz um serie 5 bem equipado. Já para não falar que estamos a comparar um segmentoC com um segmento E.
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