In the crossover SUV segment, the BMW X Series is fulfilling BMW's goal of staying ahead. The competition is tough in this segment, but with the iX, X1, X2, X3, X5, and X7, you'll get the best value for your money. For this review, we'll examine the BMW X2 - the 2023 model - to see what it offers and how it'll benefit you if you add it to your garage. We'll also compare this X2 to some of the other notable competitors in its class, including the Mercedes-Benz GL 250 and the Volvo XC40.
There have been several arguments about the outstanding nature of the BMW X2. Many have opined that BMW should have continued with the X1 instead of giving us the X2. Some others, however, disagree with this position. Their concerns are valid because the X2 appears to be feature-linked to the X1, even though BMW still tries to tread slightly different paths in their specifications. For the 2023 model year, BMW offered the X2 in two trim levels - the xDrive28i and the sDrive28i. They packed both trims with several features worth mentioning, but for this review, we'll talk about the X2 sDrive28i, which is the base trim. A key highlight of the 2023 X2 sDrive28i is the "Edition GoldPlay" package. This special edition added a touch of exclusivity with unique gold exterior accents, M Sport brakes, and a sport-tuned suspension. It elevated the X2's sporty character and provided a distinctive look that set it apart from other X2s like the discontinued X2 M35i.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes an expected appearance under the hood of the 2023 X2 sDrive28i. This engine pumps out 228 horsepower and 358 lb-ft of torque. These are not the hottest specifications in this segment, but they are enough to get you going with 0-60 pegged at 6.4 seconds. Add the eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission to the mix, and you'll be set to enjoy smooth shifts on your drives. In the Mercedes-Benz GL 250, the horsepower output is slightly lower at 221hp with a torque output of 258 lb-ft and a 6.8 seconds 0-60 time. On the other hand, the Volvo XC40 B5 has a slightly better production than the X2 sDrive28i. It even posts a decent 6.1-second run to 60 mph and is better than the X2 sDrive28i. Unlike its all-wheel-drive xDrive sibling, the X2 sDrive28i sends power to the front wheels. This doesn't diminish its performance, as the sDrive28i does surprisingly well in tight corners. There are indications that the sDrive setup helps the car achieve better fuel economy at 24 MPG in city driving and 32 MPG on highways, which is slightly better than the xDrive model.
The cabin of the X2 sDrive28i feels comfy and classy. A raft of buttons fans out nicely at the front, plenty of legroom to enjoy, and seats that provide comfort and ventilation. Premium leather material wraps around the steering wheel, the sports seats, and almost everywhere else on the 2023 BMW X2 sDrive28i interior. The seats are power seats, with 10-way power adjustment, seat memory, and armrests extending a warm embrace. You can opt for heated steering and seats and a heads-up display to get more out of the front row. At the rear, there's 36.7" of legroom, a decent allocation given how the roofline slopes. There's a standard dual-zone A/C provision and climate control to keep things comfy in the cabin, too. The 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat is edged by the Mercedes-Benz GLB's 24 cubic feet, but it is pretty good for a compact SUV.
The exterior design type that BMW employs here looks like a deliberate attempt to flex creative muscles - they were successful with it. The color choices are great, from the simple Jet black and Alpine white to the exotic San Remo Green, Storm Bay Metallic paint, and a few other options. This car stands 60.1 inches tall with a wheelbase of 105.1. It has an athletic stance you can spot from a crowd of SUVs. The standard. 225/50R V tires plant the SUV firmly on the ground, helped by 18" wheels that slot securely in the arches. The BMW brand is renowned for exquisite bodywork, and the X2 sDrive doesn't fail to show this. The sDrive28i bears all the hallmarks of the X2 series–a flurry of LED lights, sporty bumpers, and the signature kidney grille with a gloss back finish. This grille blends seamlessly with the adaptive LED headlights and C-shaped DRLs. It is all done neatly and in a way that will catch people's attention.
On the tech side, the X2 sDrive28i does enough to satisfy the gadget enthusiast without being unnecessarily overwhelming. The in-car entertainment department is well-stocked, too. Although the Android Auto feature is missing here, Apple CarPlay is available. You also have AM/FM stereo, USB connectivity, and satellite radio. A 10-speaker setup with 205-watt stereo output is responsible for the quality of sounds from the SUV. The safety provisions feature a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. Among the most notable are the lane departure warning, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Emergency braking assist also comes standard, along with pre and post-collision systems.
For a starting price of $37,600, the 2023 BMW X2 sDrive28i picks a secured slot in the luxury compact crossover segment. Loading it up with the Edition GoldPlay package and other options will set you back by up to $42,000. This is undoubtedly a significant investment on a car still short on certain fronts. Yet, it is a competitive fee (compared to other BMWs on sale) when you factor in what you're getting in return. The M35i version may hold more power, but it costs more.
The 2023 BMW X2 sDrive does not attempt anything extraordinary, and that's not bad. It is not a performance powerhouse but, rather, a smooth operator. It's great for those who want their luxury crossover with an extra dose of style and driving enthusiasm. It still fares admirably well against its direct competition, and its front-wheel-drive setup poses benefits in efficiency and everyday usability. Are you keen on getting behind the wheel of different exotic cars? If yes, visit Exotic Car Trader to dip in our exotic pool of impressive offerings. Whether you want to buy or list your vehicle, our platform ticks all the right boxes. Our simple buying and selling process is why people love us.
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