ON THE ROAD- IAN LYNAS PREVIEWS THE NEW PLUG-IN HYBRID BMW X2

New to the BMW line-up, the X2 xDrive 25e has the honour of being the first plug-in hybrid in the Sports Activity Coupe sector of the market. This well proportioned new model offers a unique combination of extrovert design, versatile sportiness and electrified drive technology.

The newcomer as regards economy; in the legal EU test cycle: 1.9 l/100 km; power consumption in the legal EU test cycle: 13.7 kWh/100 km with low CO2 at 43 g/km. As ever, BMW offers great customer choice with the option of four X models with plug-in hybrid drive. The drive portfolio ranges from efficient three-cylinder petrol and modern four-cylinder diesel engines, new plug-in hybrid systems all the way to the X2 M35i with a peak output of 306bhp. This is one I would very much like to get my driving hands on!

The new X2 xDrive 25e features the fourth and latest generation of BMW eDrive technology, developed for the plug-in hybrid models. An electric motor generating an output of 70 kW/95bhp and a high-voltage battery with a gross energy content of 10.0 kWh enable an all-electric range of up to 57 kilometres in the legal EU test cycle. This figure is certainly going to please. The three cylinder petrol engine delivers torque to the front wheels, and the electric motor powering the rear wheels produce a system output of 162 kW/220 bhp which creates a hybrid all-wheel drive configuration. Taking a look at performance, this member of the X2 family sprints from a standing start to 100 kph in 6.8 seconds; a very respectable figure.

With this latest addition to the X2 range comes an attractive new design and equipment features which are also available for the conventionally powered variants of the compact-sized SAC model. New front design with taut surfaces and without fog lights, new exterior colour Phytonic Blue metallic, add something of a sporty appeal. Standard LED headlights now with integrated bad weather light and the new: Business package including real-time traffic information.

The extensive range of BMW Charging increases comfort when charging the new X2 xDrive25e enabling the driver to conduct the main share of everyday travel locally emissions-free with the electric motor alone. Optional BMW i Wallbox allows complete charging of the fully discharged high-voltage battery in just over three hours and the BMW Charging card offers convenient access to the world’s largest network of public charging stations.

The new X2 xDrive25e enables electric driving in three operating modes. In the AUTO eDRIVE standard setting, the intelligent drive system ensures optimum interaction between the two power units in all driving situations. The MAX eDrive mode can be activated for maximum use of the electric drive up to a speed of 135 kph while the SAVE BATTERY mode enables the driver to save battery capacity for later use when driving in purely electric mode. Storage space is fully available in primary use due to the positioning of the high-voltage battery underneath the rear seat bench. Unlimited variability thanks to folding backrests with a split of 40:20:40 and the luggage compartment capacity can be increased from 410 to 1,290 litres. Standard equipment includes 17 inch alloy wheels, two-zone climate control, auxiliary air conditioning and hybrid-specific readouts on the Control Display. The new BMW X2 xDrive25e can be ordered in a number of trims and virtually all options of the conventionally powered X2 are available for the plug-in hybrid model.

Ian Lynas