Make way for the first-ever BMW X2

If there’s one thing that you have to know about BMW, then that would be the German carmaker’s long history of producing luxuriously handsome and highly functional cars. At its currently concluded BMW Joyfest 2018, the brand did not disappoint Metro Manila’s car connoisseurs in re-learning that – with the privilege of getting up close to the first-ever BMW X2.

Thanks to the initiative of its official distributor, the SMC Asia Car Distributors Corporation, the BMW Philippines officially launches the newest addition to its X family. Despite being compared to its brothers X1, X3, X4, X5 and X6, the latest premium crossover stands out as a unique character that’s evident further in one of its best variants brought to the Philippines: the BMW X2 xDrive20d M Sport X.

At a glance, one would notice the signature BMW details such as wheel arches with a squared-off look to match the standard 19-inch M Light Alloy wheels, striking exhaust tailpipes and accentuated side skirts, not to mention an elegant roofline, slick lines, and slim window graphic. It also features full LED lighting at the front and at the back, which is complemented by full mesh lower grille that’s outlined by the marque’s signature Frozen Gray design that continues up to the back.

But more than these, there are particular design features that catch attention: (1) BMW twisted its signature trapezoidal kidney grille for the first time, making it wider than the bottom than at the top, thus giving the BMW X2 its sportier edge; (2) This premium crossover gets the BMW roundel on its C-pillars which is a well-loved detail present only in classic Bavarian coupes such as the 2000 CS and 3.0 CSL; and (3) The BMW X2 gets bolder hues with the introduction of two new colors, the Misano Blue and Galvanic Gold.

Moving the eye to its interior, the M Sport X model boasts its new trim “Aluminum Hexagon Anthracite” that features prominently on the dashboard and interior door panels. The seats, to appear sporty, are bathed with Micro Hexagon fabric and Alcantara Anthracite combination, trimmed with contrast stitching. The BMW standard lighting package would allow X2 owners the option to style the interior lights from six colors: orange, lilac, mint, bronze, blue and white.

The BMW X2 is not all good looks though. Perfect for daily trips and lengthy adventures, the BMW X2 owns the BMW TwinPower Turbo diesel engine and sophisticated powertrain that produces an output of 190 hp and a maximum torque of 400 Nm. It also comes with the xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive and the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission to enhance handling and responsive gear shifting.

While it has yet to be tried and tested, the BMW X2 is said to provide outstanding traction and tracking stability, enabling drivers to take even the tightest corners like they are on rails. Also, it is said that coupled with the car’s refined chassis, its components make for class-beating handling qualities, exceptional agility and superb feedback.

Also present in the vehicle are technologies that make life the driver’s life easier. Its Parking Assistant feature allows for automatic identification of suitable parking spaces, and, if desired, it can also take over steering duties while parking. The BMW X2 also offers the standard Comfort Access System, which remotely senses the unique BMW key, wherever the driver happens to be carrying it – in the jacket pocket, handbag or briefcase – unlocks the vehicle with a simple touch on the door handle.

Though a real drive will pay for a more candid and thorough advice, our first look at the first-ever BMW X2 shows that this crossover seems to arrive with the right elements that make it into the helm of the highly coveted range of BMW’s luxuriously handsome and functional cars. 

The BMW X2 xDrive20d M Sport X is available in the Philippine market at P4,390,000.