New BMW X2 revealed – South African launch date

Following weeks of teasers, the new BMW X2 has been unveiled in all its glory, with the coupe-shaped crossover scheduled to arrive on local shores in the first quarter of 2024.

The new X2 sports a completely redesigned shell with angular proportions and a long sloping roofline, an all-new interior with similar aesthetics to its pricier siblings, and depending on the market, a range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines.

For the first time ever, BMW has also produced an all-electric iX2, however, this model “will not be offered in South Africa,” said the automaker.

X2 specs

Not a single part or panel was carried over from the first-generation X2 to the second-generation one, with the crossover seeing a striking new design that brings it in line with the rest of BMW’s next-gen catalogue.

It shows clear differentiation from the more traditional X1 with an upright, model-specific front end characterised by a hexagonal kidney grille, unique two-part LED headlights, a pronounced beltline running all around the body, and a slimmer coupe-shaped silhouette courtesy of the elongated roof.

At the back, the blocky proportions continue with a new rear apron, a Gurney-style spoiler, more muscular wheel arches and shoulders than the model of old, and horizontal LED light clusters.

Both the petrol-powered sDrive18i and M35i will be sold as standard in M Sport trim in South Africa which provides sportier bumpers and wheels than the base xLine package, and the range-topping M35i will be set apart with two pairs of exhausts.

The entry-level derivatives also get 18-inch light-alloy wheels as standard, while the pricier M35i rides on 20-inch rims.

In terms of its physical footprint, the second-gen X2 has grown by 194mm in length to 4,554mm, 21mm in width to 1,845mm, and 64mm in height to 1,590mm, with the larger size translating to increased passenger space as well as a higher maximum load capacity of 560-1,470 litres, depending on the variant.

The next-generation revisions continue inside the cabin, the new X2 boasting a more premium passenger cell than before with sporty highlights befitting its coupe body style.

The slender instrument panel now features the newest BMW Curved Display that incorporates a digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, joined by a “floating” armrest with an integral control panel sitting between the new seats which are wrapped in cloth but are available in Veganza or Vernasca leather.

Standard kit in the new model has also been substantially enhanced compared to the outgoing X2.

All versions now come with a Sport leather steering wheel, two-zone automatic climate control, cruise control with a brake function, automatic tailgate operation, BMW Maps navigation, and a host of digital services through the latest iDrive Operating System 9.

Moreover, the roster of safety and assistance programmes has been expanded with a front-collision warning system, park assist including a reverse camera, the reversing assistant, speed-limit info, and lane-departure warning with lane return all being equipped at no additional cost.

Existing abilities can also be upgraded by means of over-the-air software updates and the BMW ConnectedDrive app store, which makes it possible to continue adding new functions long after the date of purchase.

On the options list, buyers will find electric and heated seats, adaptive LED headlights, steering and lane-control assistant, active cruise control with stop & go, active navigation, the exit warning function, a heads-up display, the surround-view camera system, a drive recorder, a remote theft recorder, the Iconic Glow backlighting for the grille, the M Sport Pro package, two solid and eleven metallic colours, wheels ranging from 17 to 21 inches, and new equipment packages that allow for more “targeted individualisation.”

The new X2 is available with three internal combustion engines and one electric setup, and South Africa is expected to get all the fossil-fuel-burning motors similar to the current generation.

The entry-level powertrains take the form of a 1.5-litre, turbo-petrol unit with 48V mild-hybrid technologies badged the sDrive20i; or a 2.0-litre, turbo-diesel called the sDrive20d; both driving the front wheels through a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

The flagship M35i then makes do with a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol block paired with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, adaptive M suspension, and an M-specific chassis for enhanced agility and comfort.

While the domestic market won’t be getting the electric iX2, countries that will can expect the model to come with two electric motors and a 64.7kWh battery that supplies a driving range of up to 449km which can be recharged from 10-80% in approximately 29 minutes at a 130kW DC plug.

The particulars of the X2’s various drivelines are detailed in the following table:

Each combustion engine also provides an automatic Start/Stop function, Personal and Efficient drive modes, a coasting function, and a Proactive Driving Assistant.

Finally, traction and directional stability have been improved through the standard addition of near-actuator wheel slip limitation, and the next-gen X2 offers sharper handling and braking performance thanks to its new integrated braking system, extra lift-related damping at the front axle, wider track, longer wheelbase, and reduced kerb weight.

BMW X2 M35i