Turn The X-tyle On
The X2 Stars Crossover Race in Chongqing

(Chongqing) From October 12 to 19, a “Turn The X-tyle On” city crossover race was staged in the mountainous city of Chongqing in western China. Starring the show was a fleet of The X2 which combines extrovert dynamic looks, agile handling and a host of innovative connectivity features, driven by a group of young or young-at-heart urban elites keen to see their personal character reflected on the road through an emotionally-engaging car. The urban race saw The X2 navigating themselves ably through a labyrinth of roads, taking the drivers on a journey of discovery of the car, of life, and of themselves.

A stylish, head-turning presence on the road

The Chongqing style is a style of passion and assertiveness that cannot be hidden by the city’s frequent heavy fog. From the sleepless illumination of the stilted buildings at Hongya Cave to elevated light rail trains passing through buildings to the illuminated red lanterns hanging high on the bluestone cottages at Ciqikou, every place in Chongqing oozes an ardency and passion of its own. In a city so unique like Chongqing, it is natural to expect a charismatic assertive car like The X2 to match it! As the prelude to the crossover race, The X2 was showcased at the 1862 Cultural and Creative Park on the bank of Jialing River in a show brought by BMW Studio designers which presented a dozen of BMW cars varying in styles and each prepossessing in a unique way.

Bringing up the rear of the BMW lineup was The X2 which is trendy in a glamorous way by combining the elegance of a coupe and the sturdy build of an off-road vehicle. Its kidney grille, whose outline is wider at its base than at its top in homage to famous singer Elvis Presley’s BMW 507, speaks for its wave-riding character. The blue and white BMW roundel on the C-pillars continues the DNA of the BMW M ancestor 3.0CSL and highlights its sporty soul.

The X2 comes with two M trim options — M Sport and M Sport X — and six body color options, making it a supermodel at the show. The M Sport X trim is inspired by the World Rally Championship (WRC) with an instantly eye-grabbing color contrast speaking of its immense strength. The M Sport trim, being applied to the X2 model for the first time, conveys less unrestraint but more passion compared to the M Sport X trim. Both trims are equally thorough in their embodiment of the M spirit. Interior-wise, they both offer integrated M sports seats in 3 colors including the eye-catching Magma Red with an even better wrapping effect and enhanced support, with other M Sport features including bumper, side sills, 18/19-inch M wheels, spoiler with air breather, multifunction steering wheel, black instrument cluster with two circular gauges, and electronic gear shifter which is offered a locally manufactured compact model for the first time, among others, which make The X2 cool and sporty thoroughly inside and out.

When lighting was turned off on the stage, The X2 had its lights turned on, accentuating the sharp contours of the hexagonal full-LED headlights. Its rear license plate position is lowered to the bumper in an all-new design which not only makes the L-shaped rear lights look extended but also creates space for designers to further enhance the rear door design for a unique curvaceous charm. This, together with its 90mm twin exhaust pipes, completes The X2’s proud consummate beauty and makes it picture-perfect wherever it is.

Enjoyable handling and pleasurable driving

Chongqing's many-splendored character is even more subtle and nuanced than the Nu River with 72 bends. With the five-level interlaced Huangjuewan Overpass, the Caiyuanba Overpass woven like a Chinese knot, and all other impossible transport formations in the “multi-dimensional” mountainous city of Chongqing such as basements, car parks, historic air raid shelters, interchanges and elevated light rail, which make the city a veritable labyrinth for drivers, the participants in The X2 urban race found themselves on an urban race with so varying roads that it felt as if all possible types of roads had been put there, and what made the race even more exciting was the addition of the first indoor 3D Gymkhana in the industry, with monotonous traditional obstacles like cones being replaced by 3D-painted deep valleys and discontinued industrial facilities, to fuel their adventurous spirit at the most daredevil level.

On the starting line, The X2 was ready to go: Being powered by an upgraded BMW B series 1.5T/2.0T engine with extensive further optimizations including fuel consumption, emissions, noise reduction and lightweight construction. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, it provides more accurate gearshift and lower fuel consumption and is perfectly at ease for navigation through streets and alleys. In addition, The X2 has multiple driving modes which make it a coupe and SUV at once. The three driving modes, delivered through the Driving Experience Control (DEC) system, including Comfort, Eco Pro and Sport, and are always there at beck and call by the driver according to road conditions and the driving mood. The X2 comes with a full range of systems including the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Power Control (PC) which provide multifold protection so that you can adventure to your heart’s content in it with assured stability, whether in a Gymkhana or on real-world winding mountain roads.

Thoughtful and powerful cool technology

Chongqing’s many-splendored character is sparklingly alive even amid its concrete jungle, offering a good many attractions which turned otherwise mundane things into wonders such as hotpot restaurants hidden in those historic air-raid shelters and the wasted factory-turned Eling Creative Park. It was in this artistic atmosphere of the city that The X2 staged its city crossover race in a thrilling fete that was at once high-tech and trendy.

Sit in The X2 and turn on its segment-unique six-color ambient lighting, and you are immediately in the mood for a great journey. It also offers the segment-unique wireless connection with Apple CarPlay which makes the unwieldy USB cable unnecessary. The X2’s ConnectedDrive system also incorporates Baidu Carlife which not only supports both iOS and Android devices but also comes with a diversity of useful apps such as Baidu Navigation, Baidu Radio and online music. Whether you are an iOS or Android user, you feel perfectly at ease in it. Project your familiar mobile interface to the segment-unique 10.25-inch central touchscreen, and play a Chongqing rap through the BMW X2’ segment-leading Harman Kardon acoustic system, you are instantly ready to go.

For folks who are baffled by Chongqing’s labyrinth of transport network, The X2 also offers a thoughtful solution: The full-color BMW Head-Up Display allows you to be informed in real time of vehicle information such as car speed and route while focusing on driving; and the natural speech control system and Xiaodu voice assistant combine to deliver a rich variety of convenient onboard diagnostic functions including instructions and information about car parks, gas stations, traffic violations and nearby restaurants.

From the elevated highways in the downtown to the winding mountain road in Fengsheng Ancient Town, The X2 took the participants to all corners of the charming multifaceted mountainous city. With the fall of the night and the gradual dispersion of fog, Chongqing manifested itself at its most recognizable in splendid illumination. The one day and a half’s intense race saw The X2 comprehensively demonstrate its avant-garde looks, passionate driving and state-of-the-art technology and its excellent affinity with the iconic city. For the new urban generation pursuing a style of their own, The X2 proves itself to be the ideal vehicle for them to drive in as they assert their individuality, take challenges and embrace life passionately and enthusiastically, and to savor every present moment heartily.