Second generation X2 range, initially, will consist of only two derivatives. Image: BMW
Confirmed for South Africa at the same time of its global reveal in October last year, pricing has been unearthed for the all-new second generation BMW X2.
Styled as a dramatic departure from the original in that it receives an elongated sloping roof complete with a large rear overhang, the X2, which Munich describes a “pure-bred Sports Activity Coupe”, measures both longer and wider than its predecessor, while offering more boot space at 560-litres or 1 535-litres.
ALSO READ: Dramatic all-new South Africa-bound BMW X2 revealed
In contrast to its exterior, the interior carries over almost unchanged from the model on which it is based, the X1, by featuring the floating centre console, new steering wheel and the Curved Display made-up of the 10.25-inch instrument cluster and 9.0 operating system enabled 10.7-inch iDrive infotainment display.
The latter relaying solely on the screen as interface now that the rotary dial has been dropped, the change in centre console design also sees the gear lever making way for a toggle switch operated selector and not a steering column setup as previously reported.
While indicated at the time of its unveiling as heading to South Africa with both petrol and diesel engines, the pricing reveal by specialist vehicle information website, duaporta.com, shows only two petrol variants; the sDrive 18i, equipped as standard with the M Sport package, and performance flagship M35i.
Although the official reference by BMW doesn’t provide any details as to the mentioned oil-burner or the all-electric iX2, expectations are both could added at some stage before the end of the year.
As in Europe, the sDrive 18i prevails as the base X2 in South Africa with the same 115kW/240Nm outputs from its 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, though seemingly without the 48-volt mild-hybrid system that adds an additional 14kW/55Nm for shorts spells.
Paired to the seven-speed dual-clutch Steptronic gearbox with drive going to the front wheels only, the X2 sDrive 18i will get from 0-100 km/h in nine seconds and reach a top speed of 213 km/h.
Besides the mentioned tech features, the fitting of the M Sport pack adds sportier bumpers and door sills, M brake calipers, the Adaptive M suspension, an Alcantara covered instrument panel, the M seatbelts and steering wheel, M seats trimmed in Vernasca leather or imitation Veganza leather, and, as an alternative to the standard six-speaker sound system, a 205-watt, 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio.
Atop the X2 range, the M35i keeps hold of the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, which produces the same 233kW/400Nm as on the Old Continent.
Up on the previous model’s 221 kW, the mill drives all four wheels through the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, via a recalibrated version of the dual-clutch Steptronic ‘box.
In terms of performance, the X2 M35i will sprint from 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and hit the electronic top speed buffers at 250 km/h.
On the specification front, the same M Sport seats as on the sDrive 18i can be had as option, though as standard, the M35i gets a mechanical limited-slip differential, M graphics and readouts within the Curved Display, option of a Head-Up Display and panoramic sunroof, plus the M Compound brakes made-up of a four-piston caliper setup at the front and single at the rear with disc sizes of 385 mm and 330 mm.
Going on-sale this month, both the X2 sDrive 18i and M35i’s sticker prices include a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
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