BMW's X2 returns bigger, better and brimming with special features

Industry

Published: 17 Apr. 2024, 16:02 Updated: 17 Apr. 2024, 18:28

BMW's X2 returns bigger, better and brimming with special features

The latest X2, the first fully revamped version in six years [BMW KOREA]

TEST DRIVE

PAJU, Gyeonggi — A family-friendly size. All-wheel drive. High ground clearance and ride height.

The BMW X2 has all the features Koreans love, but don’t you dare call it an SUV — it's an “SAC,” a sports activity coupe, say BMW insiders.

Befittingly, the German automaker upsized the entry-level sporty car, adding power, performance and some exclusive features only for Korea.

The front of the latest X2 [SARAH CHEA]

BMW introduced the latest X2 in Korea earlier this month, the first fully revamped version in six years, to tap into the country's recent craze for big cars.

The Korea JoongAng Daily recently took a chance to get behind the wheel of a red X2 on a 200-kilometer (124-mile) round-trip between Seoul and Paju, Gyeonggi.

No physical key was needed at all. Instead, a BMW smartphone app allows drivers to unlock the car and even start the engine. Five people can share the digital key, according to the automaker.

The interior of the X2 [BMW KOREA]

Looking at the exterior, it was immediately apparent that the newest X2 is much bigger than the predecessor. Legroom increased slightly with a longer wheelbase, the distance between the front and back wheels, which extended by 20 millimeters (0.8 inches).

The second row, however, looked bit tight for tall adults.

The overall outlook has become sharper than the pre-facelift model as the rounded body was ditched. The “BMW Iconic Glow,” a light applied to the rim of the signature kidney grille, has been equipped to the hexagonal front air intake for the first time on a compact segment model.

An open compartment is located under the center console armrest, providing a good space to put handbags and pouches. [SARAH CHEA]

Inside, an open compartment is located under the center console armrest, which could be a plus particularly for female drivers, providing a place to put their handbags and pouches.

But the most appealing factor was the newly developed Korea-only navigation service, a collaboration between BMW and TMAP, a favored navigation application among Koreans.

The X2 is the first vehicle to have the latest navigation system. Until now, BMW’s in-car system was highly criticized by the public for features deemed counterintuitive and inaccurate for Korea’s crowded roads.

“It’s just the same as the TMAP service, but we developed it to work best with BMW’s infotainment system,” said a spokesperson of the car brand. “BMW’s other models will later have the service as well.”

Ther X2 comes with the newly developed Korea-only navigation service, a collaboration between BMW and TMAP, a favored navigation application in the country. [SARAH CHEA]

Driving was smooth and handling was soft and easy. The “adaptive cruise control” system was surprisingly useful in that driving with it on provides automatic control of the speed while keeping a safe distance from the car in the front.

When this reporter set the speed to 100 kilometers per hour on the highway, the SUV never exceeded the limit, but it did automatically slow down to keep a safe distance when there was another car in front.

The rear of the X2 [SARAH CHEA]

The system was just so comfortable; when changing lanes, all this reporter had to do was flick the turn signal and it automatically changed.

Simple tasks such as checking text messages are available with cruise control on, but a warning signal reminded this reporter to hold the steering wheel when both hands were off the wheel for a few seconds.

A parking assist system was also useful as the car itself finds an empty spot and parks while avoiding nearby obstacles.

The trunk was spacious enough that this reporter of five-feet-four-inches tall could lie in it without any difficulty. The trunk capacity stands at 560 liters (19.77 cubic feet) but increases to 1,470 liters when folding down the second row of seats.

The trunk capacity stands at 560 liters but expands to 1,470 liters when folding down the second row of seats. [SARAH CHEA]

The trunk features an extra compartment for storage. [SARAH CHEA]

Powered by a four-cylinder gasoline engine, the X2 generates up to 204 horsepower and 30.6 kilogram-meters (221.3 pound-feet) of torque.

Fuel economy was recorded at 13.4 kilometers per liter, far better than its official claim of 10.8 kilometers per liter. It was a satisfying number as many features including the air conditioner and music streaming services were fully turned on for the entire test drive.

With such useful add-ons, it's back with heftier price tag. The sticker price starts from 68.3 million won ($49,300), up 16 percent from its predecessor.

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]