[Taboleo] Sleek Side Profile and Spacious Interior... Convenient with Tmap Included

Test Drive of BMW New X2
Distinctive Design Coupe-Style SUV
Spacious Display and Two-Tone Seats

Over the past three years, the BMW Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) that has sold the most in South Korea is the X4. Approximately 11,900 units were sold, about 400 more than its "sibling" model, the X3. Last year, it ranked second in sales among all imported SUVs, following the Tesla Model Y. This shows that among those who choose a premium brand, quite a few prefer the stylish coupe-type over the more conventional base model.

BMW New X2 Released as a Completely Redesigned Model After 6 Years
[Photo by BMW Korea]

The recently introduced new BMW X2 in South Korea is the entry-level model among the brand’s coupe-type SUVs. Launched in 2018, this is the second-generation model released after six years. Although the first-generation model was a coupe-type, its overall silhouette was not much different from the X1, which shares the same platform. However, the new X2 features a sleekly designed side line. The overall size has been increased in length, width, and height. The iconic glow around the grille, recently applied to new BMW models, is included as standard, and the mesh-pattern grille gives a fresh impression.

Just as recent new cars have devoted great effort to interior design, the changes are clearly noticeable. Both the driver’s instrument cluster and the central display are connected and exceed 10 inches in size, making information easy to see. The front seat armrest is a floating type, which makes efficient use of space. Only the M Sport Package (MSP), which adds some interior and exterior design highlights, is imported to South Korea, and the two-tone color seats also catch the eye. While heated seats are available, the absence of ventilation features may disappoint some buyers.

Interior of the new BMW X2. The center console, designed to maximize space utilization, and the two-tone seats catch the eye.
[Photo by BMW Korea]

BMW New X2 Trunk
[Photo by BMW Korea]

The infotainment system runs on the latest Operating System (OS) 9, based on the Android platform, making it intuitive and easy to use even for first-time users. It can update itself and allows installation of external applications (apps). It includes navigation based on T-map, which is widely used by drivers in South Korea. BMW has started applying T-map-based navigation mainly to recently released models such as the X1 and 2 Series.

The T-map system is not simply a direct transfer of the smartphone version but seems to focus on real-time traffic information and route guidance features. The map is displayed via real-time streaming, and even when connected to Android Auto, it conveniently integrates with the head-up display.

Being an SUV, the driving feel leans slightly more toward comfort than sportiness. It accelerates smoothly up to a certain speed without significant shortcomings, and gear shifts are smooth. Driving modes are divided, but the differences between modes are not very pronounced. The boost mode near the left paddle shift on the steering wheel can be useful at times. The official fuel efficiency is 10.8 km per liter, and after about three hours of driving in urban and arterial roads, it recorded around 15 km per liter.