BMW X2 review

The X2 offers a choice of six engines that will be familiar to anyone who has pored over an X1 brochure. The petrol options are the sDrive18i or sDrive20i, with 136bhp and 178bhp respectively. The former is front wheel drive only, but can be had with a manual or a responsive seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The more powerful engine is automatic-only, but can be had with four wheel drive as an option.

Conversely, the most powerful 187bhp diesel engine is only available with four-wheel drive as the xDrive20d, but you can choose the 148bhp diesel as a four-wheel drive xDrive18d or a front-wheel drive sDrive18d. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard on the more powerful model; sDrive18d buyers can choose to add it at extra cost, or stick with the standard six-speed manual.

The BMW X1 isn’t the most supple of cars, and its coupé sister is even firmer. The X2 range offers three suspension set-ups: a comfort-oriented system on Sport models, a lower and stiffer version on M Sport and an adaptable version of the M Sport set-up that you can choose as an optional extra.

The X2s we’ve driven so far have been M Sport models, which come with 19in wheels, low-profile run-flat tyres and M Sport suspension. Smoothness isn’t their forte; rough road surfaces and sharp-edged bumps will see passengers bouncing around in their seats uncomfortably, especially at low speeds.