I’m barreling down the longest straight at The Thermal Club’s South Palm Circuit at over 100 mph, and I’m thinking this isn’t right. The 2018 BMW X2 isn’t made for a racetrack—it’s especially not exciting after driving several laps in the new M5—but I think BMW is trying to make a point here.

The X2 is based on the X1. Both ride a front-wheel-drive architecture shared with Mini. While the X1 is dull, the X2 aims higher. It’s better looking for sure, but it’s also sportier. It’s what the X1 would be if BMW had injected some BMW into it. Thus, the racetrack.

2018 BMW X2

2018 BMW X2

More road than track

The X2 doesn’t have the robust performance equipment to handle track duty. The brake discs are vented, but BMW doesn’t even list a diameter for them in its press kit and they come with single-piston floating calipers front and rear. The X2 isn’t stacked with a bunch of auxiliary coolers, either. But I’m only out here for a few laps, and with new M5s, as well as an M2, an M3, and a 340i to drive, the X2s aren’t getting so much exercise that the brakes will give up the ghost.

If I recalibrate my butt after experiencing the violent thrust of the 600-horsepower M5, the X2’s acceleration is satisfyingly quick. The traction of the all-wheel-drive system teams with the B46 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbo-4 to launch the X2 from 0-60 in a sprightly 6.3 seconds.

The turbo-4 makes the same 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque as in the X1, and sends its power through the same Aisin 8-speed automatic transmission to the same Haldex all-wheel-drive system. The X2 I’m in has the M Sport X equipment, which includes a sport version of that transmission that offers faster shifts and steering wheel shift paddles. Out here on the track I’m not bothering with the paddles because the Sport mode is doing a fine job of keeping the gear as low as possible for max power output.

2018 BMW X2

2018 BMW X2

2018 BMW X2

2018 BMW X2

2018 BMW X2

2018 BMW X2

The X2 offers three suspensions versus two in the X1, and they are all sportier than the X1’s suspensions. Every version for the X2 has more negative camber to put more tire on the road in corners, different caster settings, stiffer bushings, and firmer springs and dampers that create quicker reactions.

Buyers can choose from a base suspension, the sporty M Sport X suspension with even firmer settings, and the variable dampers, which are part of the Handling package that is unique to X2. Both the M Sport X suspension and Handling package feature a 0.4-inch lower ride height.

The X2 turns in sharply, reacting quicker than the X1. The steering is fairly direct, but even with the M Sport X suspension the ride height is tall enough to create some lean in high-speed corners.

The handling is neutral, too, and that’s partly thanks to the AWD system. When approaching a corner, the X2 looks at steering input, yaw angle, and throttle position, and shifts torque to the rear axle proactively if it detects the driver is having a bit of fun through the twisties. It does this instead of letting the front axle lose grip first, and that helps give the X2 a rear-drive and neutral character when pushed hard through corners.

It’s a moderately enjoyable experience on the track, but I get a greater appreciation for the handling, steering, and power of the X2 later on a street run to Box Canyon Road. When the road turns twisty, the X2 gets into a nice flow: brake, turn in, hold it steady, power out, and charge to the next corner. The X2 responds well to this kind of driving, providing some welcome feedback through the steering wheel, delivering enough power to keep it interesting, and staying flat enough to inspire confidence.

More than an X1

The most obvious differences between the X1 and X2 are on the outside, where the X2 is decidedly more stylish. None of the body panels are shared between the two. By the numbers, the X2 is 3.2 inches shorter and its roof sits 2.8 inches lower. That roofline is so low, in fact, that BMW considers the X2 a sport activity coupe along the lines of the X4 and X6 crossovers. The roof also creates a chopped look with slimmer windows, and the window line ends in the signature BMW Hofmeister kink accented by the BMW roundel in the rear roof pillar, a first for a BMW crossover.

Up front, the twin kidneys of the grille widen at the bottom, and the headlights are full LEDs, a feature that isn’t standard on the X1. Side skirts are found along the sides, as are dark fender flares and rocker panel trim. At the rear, the X2 gets a standard spoiler, with a more aggressive spoiler on the M Sport X.

Inside, the X2 comes standard with sport seats. They have 10 power adjustments, including adjustable bolsters to fit just about any body type. These seats are a damn side more comfortable and supportive than the flat park benches that come standard in the X1.

All told, a BMW spokesman said the X2 has $1,800 worth of extra standard equipment compared to the X1, and it costs $2,500 more.

2018 BMW X2

2018 BMW X2

2018 BMW X2

2018 BMW X2

2018 BMW X2

2018 BMW X2

Compromised practicality

The changes BMW made to build the X2 didn’t affect its passenger space…much. Occupants have the same leg room and hip room, but the lower roof line means there is a bit less head room. BMW lowers the seats to mitigate this issue, and it will only be a problem for very tall occupants.

The real issue is in cargo space. Again, the lower roof line comes into play, and so does the shorter length. Luggage capacity is down about 15 percent at 21.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 50.1 cubes with the rear seats folded down. While those numbers are down from 27.1 and 58.7 in the X1, maximum space still beats the Mercedes-Benz GLA’s 41.8 cubic feet and the Audi Q3’s 48.2 cubic feet.

2018 BMW X2

2018 BMW X2

A value?

I’m not impressed with the X1. The handling is numb, the styling dull, the seats flat and shapeless, and the front-drive platform seems anathema for the brand of the ultimate driving machine. Worse yet, the $43,620 sticker price of the test car I drove two years ago felt about $10,000 too high. In short, the X1 would be fine if it were a Hyundai or a Ford, but it doesn’t feel like a BMW.

The X2 feels like a BMW, at least as much as it can with a front-wheel-drive architecture. The design makes it interesting to look at, and the suspension changes make it entertaining to drive. It can even handle some track duty, though it feels out of place testing the limits of grip.

The 2018 BMW X2 is priced at $39,395 to start, and the models I drove came in at $50,920 thanks mostly to the $4,650 M Sport X package (sport transmission, panoramic sunroof, M Sport suspension, 19-inch wheels, M steering wheel, special interior and exterior trim) and a $2,600 Premium package (heated front seats, head-up display, remote services, navigation).

At that price, the X2 still seems about $10,000 overpriced to me, both the base price and the final price, especially when you consider that you can get the more fun, more substantial X3 for that money.

BMW provided Internet Brands Automotive travel and lodging to bring you this firsthand report.