2018 BMW X2 Luxury Crossover Review: The Boyfriend Car
Scotty Reiss
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The Boyfriend Car – because it looks better on you than it does on him.
This closet staple that once earned is always owned: The boyfriend jean. Once you’re comfortable enough to snag your favorite pair of his jeans they’re in your every snap, dressed up with glittery sandals and statement jewelry, dressed down with a cozy chenille sweater, right at home in diners and supper clubs. They go everywhere.
Don’t set your sights on just his jeans. Look at this car, too: The BMW X2 crossover. The boyfriend car.
That sunroof! The BMW X2 adds a panoramic sunroof. Photo: Scotty Reiss
Who This Car is For
- Singles, couples or small families
- Buyers who want a small, sporty car
- Buyers who love a hatchback
- Entry level luxury buyers
- Buyers ready to trade up to a performance-quality car
- Buyers who want some of the advantages of an SUV but with a zippier, more agile drive experience
- Buyers who want the free-spirit feel of fun-to-drive hatchback but are ready to graduate to a more grown-up feeling car
Ready for larger, faster and more luxurious? Take a look at the BMW X4 M40i
The front cabin of the BMW X2. Photo: Scotty Reiss
What This Car Costs
- Front wheel drive: $36,400
- All wheel drive: $38,400
- M Sport design $43,050
- Add convenience including keyless entry, panoramic sun roof: $40,750
- Add premium package convenience package plus, head up display heated steering wheel nav with touchpad controller, $43,350
- Total for the model we drove, including destination charge: $44,345
This brand new car from BMW, introduced at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, is a car that might get his attention before it gets yours, but once it’s caught your eye it’s hard to look away. And once inside you’ll feel the soul of BMW framing your drive and you’ll be hooked.
We took an in-depth tour of the X2 on Periscope; take a look!
The badge hatch release on the rear of the BMW X2. Photo: Scotty Reiss
What’s in This Name: X2
Don’t let the X in this car’s name confuse you. It is NOT part of BMW’s premium SUV line up that includes the X1, X3 and X5. The X2 sprouts more from the brand’s performance sedan roots than its SUV lineup. It’s lower to the ground than the X1, and actually, a bit smaller. It feels more like a sedan on steroids than a full-fledged SUV.
BMW classifies it as a sports activity coupe, or SAC (this one might take time to catch on…). I think of it as a hatchback version of the brand’s fun to drive sedans, though with a bit of SUV tossed in for good measure.
It’s still higher off the ground than most sedans and it is available in all wheel drive, meaning it’ll be right at home in my driveway in winter. It’ll also be totally capable for reaching ski weekend getaways and not intimidated by steep, rocky hiking trail heads.
See if this luxury sedan is the right one for you: 2017 BMW 530i
The BMW X2, in Sunset Orange Metallic sports a badge on the back panel near the rear hatch. Photo: Scotty Reiss
It’s also a bit cheekier than the brand’s buttoned-up SUVs
The X2 was designed for fun.
You get the idea when you see the BMW roundel badge inlaid in the rear panel between the back window and the hatchback. So un-BMW! Then I stood behind the car and tried to find the hatch release to put my bag in the cargo space. Only there didn’t seem to be one. And then it hit me. I pressed the badge and voila, the hatch opened (I could have also used the key fob, but this is so novel!).
Paddle shifters are part of the BMW experience. Photo: Scotty Reiss
Truly A Luxury Crossover
Inside the X2 equipped with paddle shifters, sport drive mode and head up display. During my test drive I had the chance to drive it on a track where the 228 horsepower twin turbo engine kept up nicely, getting back up to speed after slowing for the curves. It’s not speed demon by any measure, but with some practice this car could be really fun on speed tracks. Though it’s probably better suited for an autocross course filled with sharp turns outlined by orange cones. This is where it agility would really shine.
The hidden floor compartment in the BMW X2 is great for storing things you need to hide from public view. Photo: Scotty Reiss
Small Car, Yes, but Clever Storage Spaces Aplenty
We have a love/hate relationship with small cars. We love how agile they are to drive and park, but try getting an antique chest home from the flea market and it’s nothing but frustration. Which is what we love about a hatchback with fold-down seats: you can say yes to a fabulous find.
Loads of extras
Add to this the hidden floor compartment under the cargo floor; the lack of a spare tire (the X2 comes equipped with run flat tires, another big YAY) leaves a space perfect for stowing a yoga mat, sneakers and best of all, my handbag when I want to leave it in the car during yoga class. Just flip up the floor, hide your stuff and go. Brilliant.
Thinking that performance driving isn’t for you? Think again!
Head up display in the BMW X2 is a nice addition for both luxury and driving dynamics. Photo: Scotty Reiss
Fun, but Grown Up When It Needs to Be, Too
But then, there’s Monday. That’s when I need to return to my grown-up self and the commitment to career-ladder climbing, the thrill of brilliant work and proving why I deserve that next promotion.
Getting into your car after a long day, or heading to an important meeting, should be a reminder of your accomplishments, and the BMW X2 does this, too. It’s filled with all the luxuries you expect in a reward car: Heated leather seats, wood and brushed aluminum trim, Harman Kardon premium sound, head up display, Apple Car play, a wireless phone charger (that sadly was too small for my iPhone 6+ in its case) and a panoramic sun roof. While the fun drive experience may give the feeling of a younger, edgier car, the interior of the X2 is all luxe.
Perfectly suited for those grown up Prada heels, but right at home in my Ahnu boots, too. Just like my boyfriend jeans.
What We Listened to in the BMW X2
From lazy weekends and road trips and the work week routine, here’s what we loved listening to in this cute little crossover.
Legroom is ample in back seat of the BMW X2. Photo: Scotty Reiss
Disclosure: I was BMW’s guest for this test drive; travel and accommodations were provided but all opinions are my own.