REHEARSAL. BMW X2 s-Drive 20i, the treasure chest

The automobile industry proves it every day: a simple and minimal error in orientation can ruin a model’s career and alienate it from customers. And honestly, the BMW X2 could be a textbook case, especially in this niche market, but just as important as the SUV Coupe.

Also called SAC (Sport Activity Coupé), this type of machines were precisely launched by BMW, with the launch of machines that design tall and spacious machines, but also with their dose of style, and in particular a hatchback coupe trunk.

The result, despite the reduction in practicality and cargo space, was a real success. Neither necessarily rational nor necessarily expected, but a resounding success.

SUV Coupé: to each their own!

So much so that after BMW, Mercedes launched coupe versions of its own SUVs, followed by the entire Volkswagen galaxy (VW, Audi, Skoda and even Porsche). And even low-end manufacturers, such as Renault and its Arkana, which also caused a sensation and continues to enjoy a good run. And despite the practical aspects, once again less obvious than in a classic SUV, we arrive at quite spectacular figures: at Mercedes, for example, the best-selling GLC Coupé is almost on par with the classic GLC in terms of sales.

Hence the decision of BMW, a pioneer in this fashion, to extend this body shape to its entire range and perpetuate it. Thus, within the X (SUV) range, the odd numbers are the classic SUVs (X1, X3, X5, etc.), and the even numbers (X2, X4 and A rationalized positioning and therefore theoretically perfect. Unless…

Except that the X2 launched in 2018 was not an obvious success, despite a positioning that placed it in the best growth dynamics of the moment. Where customers expected a true coupe SUV, the first Internally, some jokes even talked about the need to add 2 BMW logos to the rear sides of the vehicle (one of its small peculiarities) to reassure customers and be sure to be able to sell it …

We like: nice pencil line and real breast.

The second generation of the X2 is not just a simple evolution, but was really about aligning it. And in this sense it is successful, we are faced with a machine based on the platform common to the X1 and the Mini Countryman, which really looks like a coupe version of the X1. Inheriting the aggressive grille of the classic SUV (with the bright kidney grille of the version, with a touch of a bit dynamic and sporty in appearance.

Better! The X2 manages to solve THE practicality problem inherent to the coupe SUV. Extended by 5 cm compared to the X1, its trunk not only does not lose volume, but on the contrary it gains, up to 560 liters maximum compared to the 540 of the X1! So of course we have the limitations of a classic hatchback and a boot shape that is longer than it is tall, but the feat is worth noting in a sector where manufacturers are still struggling to solve the equation.

As for the interior, there are no major changes compared to the X1, we find a spacious and comfortable cabin, totally BMW, at the same time sober and very well finished with large glass surfaces. And all the little home recipes that work well, an excellent infotainment system with its brilliant interior color settings, a very high-quality Harman Kardon audio system and spacious seats with firm comfort.

We like it even more: an exemplary engine

But the other very good surprise about this X2, especially in this s-Drive 20i version, is its engine. The use of a 3-cylinder (engine reserved more for small or medium-sized sedans) to propel an imposing 1.6-ton machine may certainly seem surprising. But with its 1.5 liter displacement, its turbo and its 48V mild hybridization, this block is full of torque, nervous and full of health, with a comfortable power of 170 horsepower.

Certainly its sound is not very melodious and in any case we are far from sporty sensations with very flexible damping, but this X2, equipped with a 7-speed DKG automatic gearbox with several modes, turns out to be all equally particularly pleasant and pleasant. machine to drive, and even with a certain dynamism. If the electric version of the iX2 seemed heavy and clumsy, this s-Drive 20i is a real concentrate of liveliness and welcome nervousness, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 8 seconds.

And above all, in use, this magical little engine achieves really moderate consumption for this type of machine. From 7 liters per 100 km in the city or on mixed journeys, we can go down to 6 liters (official WLTP average) and even a little less on long journeys by adopting the most economical “Efficient” mode. Once again, a real feat for a machine that does not benefit from a true full hybridization chain and which remains heavy and not very aerodynamic. CO2 emissions also remain moderate: 141 g/km (penalty of 1,074 euros).

We like less: some interior details

Frankly, there are very few faults to report in this

For sports lovers, there is a 300 horsepower M35 version, but it seems disproportionate to the excellent fundamental qualities of the machine, which seems much more comfortable with its small and energetic three cylinders, more than enough. And, for once, even the approval of the electric version of the iX2 seems long overdue.

What price? Excellent quality/style/price ratio

In the same coupe SUV segment, this “X2 II” has every chance of competing with the recently renewed Mercedes GLC (for the moment it remains a sales success) and could even win over some customers committed to the new Peugeot 3008 . which has also adopted this architecture and a similar range positioning.

So, unless you are a Diesel fan (there are many at BMW that still offer this engine), this X2 s-Drive 20i is undoubtedly the most homogeneous version and with the best possible balance between practicality, habitability and dynamism. All without forgetting to be economical. A choice piece.