BMW expands Australian X2 range

BMW Australia has boosted its X2 offerings from one to three by adding an entry-level petrol sDrive18i for $49,900 plus on-road costs and top-spec xDrive20d diesel at $59,900.

The two new variants sit either side of the current sole offering, the petrol-powered sDrive20i that costs $55,900 before on-roads.

As the new entry point into the stylish BMW X2 range, the sDrive18i is powered by a 103kW/220Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine that sends power to the front wheels via a seven-speed double-clutch automatic transmission to enables a 9.6 second zero-to-100km/h sprint time.

Although BMW has yet to divulge fuel-economy figures and CO2 emissions, the base three-pot should best the 141kW/280Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre four pot sDrive20i’s 6.0L/100km and 138g/km figures.

Standard equipment on the sDrive18i includes 18-inch wheels, LED head- and fog-lights, automatic tailgate, multi-function sports steering wheel, reversing camera, digital radio, six-speaker sound system, satellite navigation, 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, front and rear park distance control, and cruise control.

The X2 xDrive20d on the other hand, is powered by a 140kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel mill, sending drive to all four corners through an eight-speed sports automatic transmission.

From a standstill, the sole oil-burning X2 will hit 100km/h in 7.7s – matching the sprint time of the petrol sDrive20i – while fuel use is rated at 5.1L/100km and CO2 emissions are clocked at 134g/km.

Stepping into new X2 flagship will net buyers the same equipment as the sDrive20i, with either an M Sport X or M Sport package, 19-inch M alloy wheels, Alcantara anthracite upholstery with yellow highlight stitching, sports front seats, M Sport suspension and automatic air-conditioning.

The expanded X2 range better positions BMW’s small SUV to take on the likes of the Audi Q2 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, which kick-off at $41,800 and $43,900 respectively.

Now with three model grades, petrol and diesel engine options, and front- and all-wheel-drive set-ups, BMW Group Australia CEO Marc Werner said the new X2 line-up should be more appealing to SUV buyers.

“We have already seen strong interest in the X2, both via initial media reviews as well as in the dealerships and on our website,” he said.

“Now we have taken the opportunity to fill out the range, offering a strong entry offering in the sDrive18i, as well as the xDrive20d, a turbo-diesel, all-wheel-drive range topper.

“With these options, the BMW X2 presents a compelling proposition for the small SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) purchaser.”Since going on sale this year, BMW registered 61 X2s to the end of February.

2018 BMW X2 pricing*

xDrive18i (a)	$49,900
xDrive20i (a)	$55,900
xDrive20d (a)	$59,900

*Excludes on-road costs