The current state of the automotive industry is so abundant, there are subsets of market niches.
There is a vehicle designed to placate every want, need, or desire imaginable.
Take the 2024 BMW X2 xDrive 28i for example. The second-generation X2 is billed as a premium, compact, sports activity coupe. X2 features a coupe-like roofline and a bold, aggressive front end with BMW’s signature kidney grille. The overall design is aimed at attracting younger and more style-conscious buyers.
I don’t qualify, but it didn’t stop me from taking a shine to the X2 and its more distinctive, sportier attributes, tech-forward features, and German performance and quality. With significantly larger dimension, X2 seats five adults with a spacious trunk that impresses.
My tester was powered by a 2.0-liter, twin-power turbocharged, inline four-cylinder, 16-valve engine mated to a seven-speed, dual-clutch, automatic transmission. The engine is squeezes more efficiency from variable valve control and high-precision direct injection.
The engine now makes 241 horsepower between 4,500-6,500 rpm, and torque has increased to 295 lb-ft between 1,500-4,000 rpm – enough to propel the X2 xDrive28i from 0-60 miles per hour in 6.2 seconds. Better yet, it delivers 33 miles per gallon fuel economy down the highway.
Placating those who prefer a “driver’s car” experience, X2 came with a optional M Sport Package ($2,500). And for those that can’t sacrifice creature comforts, a Premium Package ($4,000) delivers the goods.
M Sport highlights include 19-inch, M double-spoke, bi-color wheels, adaptive M suspension and steering wheel, sport seats, and plenty of M badging inside and out. Premium features add a panorama sky roof, acoustic glass, Harmon Kardon premium audio system, parking assistant plus, wireless device charging, and more.
Standard amenities include heated front seats and steering wheel, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation with real-time traffic information, sport, efficient and personal driving modes, power folding mirrors, multi-zone climate control, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
The driving pleasure in the new BMW X2 is characterized by a raised seating position and a driver-focused cockpit design. The outstanding view over the road and the ergonomically optimized arrangement of the displays and controls, enable a sporty driving experience undisturbed by any situation.
The progressive style of the interior design continues with the center console. Alongside the newly-designed gear selector toggle, the control panel integrated into the center console houses buttons for various vehicle functions. These include the Start/Stop button, the volume control for the audio system, and the button for the hazard lights, as well as the parking brake, My Modes and Park Assist.
Competing the X2 magic is an optional Driving Assistance Pro Package ($1,700) available for the first time that offers new levels of comfort and safety on long-distance journeys. This camera- and radar-based system includes the steering assistant as well as distance control. Corrective steering inputs help the driver to keep the vehicle in the lane detected by the system.
Of course, an extensive safety suite is included as well. Bed rock features include front collision warning, active blind spot detection, lane departure warning, LED headlamps, rear view camera and parking/back-up assistant.
Base Price: $42,995
Price As Driven: $52,195
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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