BMW and its lineup of vehicles bearing the X badge have a long history. Considered one of the top five German car manufacturers, BMW is a frequent choice of customers, and so is its X lineup. What makes this line highly popular is the fact that everyone can find an SUV to their liking, whether looking for large, mid-size, or compact vehicles.
Within the compact category, the X1 and the X2 get the most attention. While the former is a favorite choice of those who seek a traditional-like SUV with a sturdy shape, the latter is preferred by customers who are more into the modern and sporty design. Accordingly, BMW markets the X1 as a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) and the X2 as a Sports Activity Coupe (SAC).
The coupe-styled BMW X2 is a handsome ride that's been around since 2016, and we grew to love it over the years. BMW worked on upgrading this appealing vehicle, and it did a great job, especially in 2022.
Yes, we know that the 2023 BMW X2 is also here. But we want to take a pause and share with you why we love the 2022 BMW X2 and why this SAC makes an excellent choice for those looking for a sporty and compact crossover.
The 2022 BMW X2 Is Fun To Drive And Offers Great Handling
The first and foremost reason why we love the 2022 BMW X2 is the handling. This vehicle is super fun and easy to drive, especially on twisty roads where the X2 shines.
You get to choose between three trims when opting for the 2022 BMW X2. We would call the sDrive28i and the xDrive28i base models, as the M35i offers the most power of all three. The good thing is that all the options are paired with an 8-speed manual transmission and a front- or all-wheel drive.
Accommodated under the hood of the two standard 2022 BMW X2 trims is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower. Of course, our favorite is the top trim. The 2022 BMW X2 M35i has a more powerful turbo four-cylinder engine that produces 302 horsepower. It's more expensive, that's certain, but the quick responsiveness is worth it.
Overall, the engine all X2 trims bear is admirably smooth and capable of making every ride enjoyable. But the M35i is simply more exciting with its snappy and agile nature.
Now, it's true that the 2022 BMW X2 is on the stiff side, and you won't feel a sedan-like comfort (or large-SUV-like one, for that matter) when driving it. The X2 doesn't handle well bumpy terrains and off-road adventures. Still, as the trade-off is the admirable performance and handling, we're all up for compromises.
The Exterior Of The 2022 BMW X2 Is Sporty And Attractive
As we mentioned, the X1 and the X2 both fall into the compact-SUV category and resemble one another, but they also have a few significant differences. That is, the 2022 BMW X2 is more like a hot hatch in both performance and styling, offering a sloping roof and a tad smoother, rounded lines.
Compared to the previous production year, the 2022 BMW X2 doesn't offer many changes — unless you count paintwork as a big update. But the X2 didn't truly need flashy transformations in the first place. This SAC was a great catch from the beginning with its sporty and sleek exterior.
Plus, you can pick between quite a few colors to make it more appealing and add many dress-up accessories, but be aware you'll need a big budget. The 2022 BMW X2 doesn't come cheap, especially when one gets carried away in the build-up.
The 2022 BMW X2 Is Neat And Comfortable Inside Despite A Few Drawbacks
The interior of the 2022 BMW X2 is not as exciting as the exterior, but the colorful outline makes this drawback less bothersome. What we like about the cabin is the quality of materials. With an excellent driving position, cushioned seats, quality leather, and many handy tech features, the 2022 BMW X2 gives you everything you need for an enjoyable ride.
Well, except for the Android Auto compatibility and the supreme cargo space — though the latter is expected from a hatchback-like SUV that focuses more on performance and fun than comfort. Overall, the 2022 BMW X2 offers all the common safety features, an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay connectivity, a seven-speaker audio system, and much more. You can also play around during the build-up and add advanced features.
So, if you need more space with your new SUV for both passengers and belongings, the X1 is a better choice. But if you're fine with trading the limited space for the performance, the X2 won't disappoint.