BMW offers its new offering, the X2, in 3 trims, the base variant sDrive28i, the mid variant xDrive28i and the top trim, the sporty X2 M35i.the new X2 starts at a price of $36,400 for the basemodel, followed by the xDrive variant that costs $38,400. Finally, the sportier version, the M35i, comes for a whopping $46,450.

The xDrive variants come equipped with an 8-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission and a 2L inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 228 hp. The xDrive28i also comes with an all-wheel-drive system and decreases the 0-60 time to 6.3 seconds. The sportier and the most expensive, M35i comes with a powerful variant of the 2-L engine that produces a massive 302 hp along with 332 lb-ftof torque.

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Though the car has a sporty nature, the X2 also is quite practical and can be used as a daily driver. The car offers an all-wheel-drive system in the xDrive variant but due to the availability of all of the features of xDrive in the sDrive variant, spending an extra $2000 sounds like a Plan B as the sDrive also gives a mild off-roading experience. We recommend the sDrive variant as it will be a perfect choice for urban use and for weekend getaways and wrapped in Galvanic Gold metallic to give a classic touch to the modern ride.

The base engine is a superb 2.0-liter turbo-4 that makes 228 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. It's the same engine found in several other BMW cars and crossovers, including the X1, X3, X4, 2-Series, 3-Series' '3 The Car Connection

Engine and Transmission

Under the hood, the 2020 X2 comes equipped with a powerful and popular 2.0-L inline 4-cyl motor, similar to that used in the Countryman JCW. The engine churns out 228 hp along with a decent torque output of 258 lb-ft.

The X2 comes with a powerful engine that feels refined and smooth. As soon as the engine starts, peppy turbo 4 engine feels sharp yet more refined. The engine that BMW has offered with this Bimmer is perfectly tuned for the city though it feels a little sportier, the engine really handles itself very well. Both the X-variants come with the same 2-L i4 engine whereas the sportier version gets a powerful variant of the same engine that produces 302 hp along with 332 lb-ft of torque.

The Countryman and the X-duo share a common platform and because of which they share similar mechanical specs. Even though these cars have a similar platform, the X-duo and especially the X2 stands with a unique identity that makes it quite distinctive.

The X2, when compared to its rivals, stands at the last in terms of raw power. The RDX gives the best in class power output of 272 hp with 280 lb-ft of torque. The XC40 takes the second place, closely followed by the E-Pace at the third place. The X2, having an almost similar engine as that of its rivals, finishes at the last with the least but decent power output of 228 hp.

The X2 comes mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission that feels smooth and sharp without any lag in it. The automatic transmission doesn't feel jittery and feels smooth while shifting in between the gears.

Acceleration

Under the skin, the X2 boasts a decently powerful engine that produces 228 hp that gets the car moving. As soon as the throttle is pushed, the engine gives a surge of power to the wheels that makes the launch powerful and fun. The engine feels responsive and smooth at high speeds, though a little engine noise makes its way into the cabin.

The well-tuned throttle feels predictable and is easy to use as it offers negligible resistance to the foot. Under city speed limits, the acceleration feels normal, but when taken to the interstate, the engine feels more lively and active.

When tested for the 0-60 time, the XC40 takes just 6.1 seconds to reach 60 mph and thus places itself in the first place. The Bimmer and the RDX, both take 6.6 seconds and thus shares the second place. Finally, the Jag (6.7 seconds)closely follows the 2 and finishes at the third place.

Braking

The brakes installed on the new X2 are quite responsive and gives a natural feel while stopping. The brake pedal feels well-tuned and provides negligible resistance to the foot when pressed.

The RDX takes just 121 ft. to come to a halt and the XC40 closely follows it and takes 125 ft. to come to a complete standstill.

Ride and Handling

When it comes to the driving dynamics and road manners, the X2 really plays its game well. The Bimmer feels not only sporty but also feels quite active and lively. With a well-tuned steering column, the drive feels quite sharp and makes the car agile. The ride is smooth and zippy on the tarmac and handles the potholes easily.

The X2 offers 3 driving modes, Eco, Comfort,and Sports. All of these modes offer a unique driving experience with their own driving settings. The Eco mode the efficient mode while the Comfort mode is quite fun to drive in. In the sports mode, the car sends most of the power to the rear wheels for a sportier ride.

The cabin feels quiet while driving at low speed and also when Eco mode is selected. When the Comfort is selected, the cabin feels almost quiet with little engine noise coming inside the cabin. When in sports mode, the cabin gets filled with the sweet burbling sound from the engine.

The X2 hits the mark for quality, in keeping with what you might expect from a BMW. Nearly all materials are high end, and the interior design benefits from fancy trim pieces like wood and metal'  cars.usnews.com

Seating and Comfort

Like always, BMW has used quality materials in its vehicle to make the ride feel plush and luxurious. Both the variants get similar interiors with some extra optional tweaks to make the interiors look more personal. With a more durable '8Sensatec' synthetic leather used inside, the interiors feel luxurious.

With all-black or dual tone interior scheme, the interior looks modern yet simple and minimalist. The rear seats, surprisingly feel comfortable and roomy even though the car has lost 3' in length from the X1.

The rear seats feel comfortable with enough space for a 6' tall person to easily fit and stretch without much difficulty. The rear seats, even though are quite spacious, still feel a little cramped and dull due to the narrow rear windows and a panoramic roof that feels not so panoramic.

Even with a lot of tech inside, the interior looks quite dated and comes without any wow factor in it. The overall ride height, both in the front and the rear is the lowest when compared to its rivals out there.

Getting inside the car feels easier due to the large doors that open a little wide. Once inside, the seats feel really comfortable and can fir up to 5 passengers without much difficulty. The rear feels a little claustrophobic due to the average head and knee space.

Infotainment

The driver's seat looks more focused cockpit. The infotainment provided in the X2 has the best software in it that feels easy to and intuitive. The touchscreen looks vibrant and comes loaded with the latest version of the iDrive.

The user interface of the new iDrive software is more polished and is easy to use. BMW has loaded a number of useful features in it to keep the rider both entertained and updated with the latest information. The BMW also gives 1 year of free apple CarPlay service along with Bluetooth connectivity.

Cargo space

Because of its slightly trimmed exterior dimensions from the X1, the X2 still manages to get hold of a pretty decent amount of cargo space. Acura RDX takes the crown as it offers best in class boot space of 31.1 cu. Ft.

The E-Pace lands at the second place with 24.2 cu. ft. and followed by the bimmer with a decent boot space of 21.6 cu. ft. Finally, the XC40 finishes at the last with the least cargo space of 20.7 cu. ft. the X2's cargo space can also be increased by either accessing the underfloor space or by folding down the second row.

Built on the same platform asthe X1andthe Mini Countryman, the X2 can be thought of as a sleeker X1 with a lower roof, a pinched greenhouse, and just the right amount of running shoe in its design to mask the transverse-engine proportions-Car and Driver

Dimension and Weight

When compared to its rivals, the RDX stands as the biggest car among its competitors. Volvo, on the other hand, is the lightest and also comes with a powerful engine. The XC40 also offers a good amount of ground clearance that makes it quite apt for mild off-roading, though the E-Pace offers the highest ground clearance.

The bimmer also offers a decent ground clearance that makes it a good option for mild off-roading. The low stance RDX offers the least amount of ground clearance among its rivals.

Exterior Features

The new BMW X2 comes with a host of exciting exterior features

• 18' Y-spoke wheel
• Chrome tip exhaust
• Running boards
• Rear lip spoiler
• Body-colored door handles
• Spoiler
• Power remote heated folding side mirrors
• Power liftgate

The Bimmer bags the first place as the most fuel-efficient car among its rivals. It shares its position with the XC40, which also has similar fuel economy numbers as that of the X2. The Bimmer's xDrive variant has slightly lower numbers due to the presence of the AWD system. The jag comes second with 24 mpg, closely followed by the RDX with 23 mpg.

The E-Pace and the RDX, both make up for their lower fuel economy numbers by giving a large fuel tank to store more fuel. The X2 feels quite balanced in this segment as it has a great combination of fuel economy along with a decent fuel tank capacity.

The new BMW X2 comes with a host of safety features as standard that were optional in the last year's model

• Lane departure warning
• Automatic high beams
• Forward collision warning
• Low-speed automatic e-braking

BMW X2 sDrive28i v/s Acura RDX

The Bimmer, when pitted against the RDX, gets a tough competition and even gets behind the RDX in some cases. Be it raw power or cargo space or price, the RDX really gives a great value for the money. Though the Bimmer is 1 grand cheaper than the Acura, the X2 gives a more luxurious and plush interior experience than the RDX. Both the cars are good for their price tag but the X2 really justifies its price tag as it offers a better interior experience along with a better array of features equipped in it.

BMW X2 sDrive28i v/s Jaguar E-Pace

The Jaguar is a more luxurious and expensive alternative to the X2. Even though it has higher numbers than the X2, the E-Pace has a very mediocre nature. The Jag takes the battle to Bavarian soil and gives the Bimmer a tough fight, but its unsettling ride quality gives the X2 an edge. The X2 is definitely for those who want a well-balanced and a well-tuned car under a budget with practicality and performance in it. The E-pace is for those who are more into luxury and want a powerful engine along with that and have no ceiling to their wallets.

BMW X2 sDrive28i v/s Volvo XC40 T5 Momentum

When both the cars go toe to toe, the latter takes the lead in most of the segments. With its modern design and almost similar price tag as that of the X2, the XC40 really gives a great value for the money it commands. With its great engine performance and an all-round nature, the XC40 gives a tough competition to the Bimmer and really comes up as a car to go for.

Sporty, stylish and utilitarian, these terms definitely define the true nature of the new X2. The BMW offers a unique car with a great combination of practicality with a well-balanced sporty nature.

Based on the X1, yet stands uniquely, the X2 takes the design standards to a whole new level. With its modular design and the iconic roundel at the C-pillar, the X2 not only carves its own area, but it also pays its tribute to the coupes of '60s and the '70s. Whether you have a hunger for some performance or you are 9-5 person, the X2 will definitely suit your style.

With many premium features offered as standard and an optional M-package, BMW offers a fully-loaded car with a BMW's unbeatable driving dynamics that will leave a big smile on the rider's face.