Judging by the sheet metal, the graphics, the electro-digitalia, some improvements in ergonomics and a few things that seem to be change for the sake of change, the new, second-generation X2 must have been designed by a pack of 28-year-old gamers with smartphones in one hand and energy drinks in the other. BMW even calls it “the disruptor.” Still, beneath all the slightly awkward modernity lies the charm and beating heart of a BMW—that is, it’ll go like the clappers while making the driver feel good.

Modest clappers, anyway. The X2 28i (a hotter, pricier 35i is also available in the U.S.) has a turbocharged 2-litre engine that sends up to 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque—via an admirable 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission—to all four wheels. All X2 models are now all-wheel-drive, but even so the X2 28i is capable of 33 miles per highway gallon. Between this fuel efficiency and the enthusiastic acceleration, initially I suspected some form of mild hybridization, perhaps a small electric motor tucked away somewhere? But no, the power comes entirely from the internal combustion of gasoline.

(An electric iX2 is available in Europe; maybe it’ll come here when the EV market stabilizes. BTW, this has nothing to do with the X2, but BMW just announced an all-electric M3 sport sedan that it says will “beat anything.” I can’t wait.)

It is possible to catch our car’s drivetrain on its back foot, so to speak—a heartbeat’s hesitation when coming off the line. In a hybrid, this can happen if the computer is deciding between gas or electricity; in a modern drive-by-wire ICE car like the X2, it may be the lack of a direct mechanical connection between foot and throttle, or the idle stop/start feature. This aside, there’s no faulting the X2’s deftness and performance.

As a somewhat spendy subcompact crossover SUV with a semi-fastback, coupe-style sloping roofline, the X2 is ideal for double-income couples whose dog/toddler will be comfy in the back seat and who like to pack a weekend’s worth of gear under the power liftgate. In truth, it isn’t even all that spendy, at least in today’s post-pandemic-inflation world, and especially for a BMW.

The X2’s MSRP is $42,000, and this buys a number of standard features, including all the safety systems (blind spot monitor, lane-departure warning, frontal collision warning and braking assist, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors and two-view backup camera) and more, such as a curved display with the 9th generation of BMW’s iDrive operating system and an AI-endowed personal assistant. The software, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, can be updated remotely over the air.

Since press vehicles are invariably upgraded, our X2 also has another $10,000 worth of options, including the $2,500 M Sport Package (get it just for the highly adjustable electric front seats and the fat-rimmed steering wheel) and the $4,000 Premium Package, which adds many of the perks that most of us feel should come with a BMW. At this point, we’ve reached the starting price of the hotrodded X2 M35i, but of course there too we can tick more boxes on the order form and add close to 10 grand on top of that. How much X2 will be enough for you?  

Next week: GMC Yukon 4WD Denali Ultimate