Think of the U.S. version of the 2021 BMW X2 Edition M Mesh as akin to Olympic Silver Medal winners.
It’s got all the basics of the X2 Sports Activity plus flashy extras including sleek, black exterior accents and new 19-inch M Aerodynamic Style 919 wheels (there’s an option for 20-inch M Aerodynamic wheels, too). Inside you find an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission with paddle shifters, and an upgraded interior that includes leather seats. Step out again and take a look at the grimace of the M Mesh kidney grille, which relays the confidence of a world-class sports car contender.
So why doesn’t this sporty player take the coveted Gold Medal?
Because BMW decided not to give U.S. models the trendy orange stripes (think something akin to the Nike swoosh) that European models sport. Sure, U.S. buyers still have the option of black or orange accents on their tires, but the lack of an orange body stripe makes the U.S. version lose the coolness contest by a swish.
2021 BMW X2 Edition M Mesh
So just what can U.S. buyers expect from a 2021 BMW X2 Edition M Mesh? Quite a lot.
First, availability. The automaker hasn’t capped production of these special editions. In fact, BMW announced its factories in the U.S. and Europe now operating at capacity. BMW sales for the automaker were off only 15.7 percent in the second quarter, which they reported is a stronger showing than anticipated (although they did recently get in hot water when it came to reporting sales figures).
“We are pleased that demand for BMW vehicles remains strong, and proud of our dealer network for the way they have adapted to this situation by accepting a higher number of advanced orders,” said Bernhard Kuhnt, President and CEO, BMW of North America. “As a result, the percentage of vehicles arriving pre-sold to customers is twice as high as prior to the pandemic, and recovery rates outperformed our projections.”
2021 BMW X2 Edition M Mesh Special Edition
This special edition is available on the X2 sDrive28i and xDrive28i models. The trim on both models (standard and Special Edition) is identical. The difference is that the sDrive28i has rear-wheel drive. The xDrive28i has all-wheel drive.
Here’s what you get for your money.
Engine & Performance Specs
Both models are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo engine producing 228 horsepower (5,000 to 6,000 rpm) and 258 lb-ft. of torque (1,450 to 4,500 rpm). The sDrive28i hits 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The xDrive28i clocks in at 6.3 seconds when it’s taken from zero to 60 mph.
Opt for the summer performance tires, and your top speed jumps to 144 on the sDrive28i and 143 mph on the xDrive28i. All-season tires are also available but will slow you down a hair.
Exterior Design
The body has plenty of aerodynamic curves and shiny black accents to rev up its sporty image. You can choose five different paint colors: Brooklyn Grey Metallic, Phyton Blue Metallic, Black Sapphire Metallic, Sunset Orange Metallic, and Alpine White. You can take the standard 19-inch wheels or order the 20-inch upgrades. Both are available with either orange or black accents.
Interior Treatments
The 2021 BMW X2 Edition M Mesh has black perforated Dakota Leather seats with integrated headrests. You’ll also find special door sills with “Edition” lettering and Aluminum Hexagon trim with Pearl Grey Chrome accents.
Tech & Connectivity
Yes, it has all the latest, including a standard 8.8-inch high-resolution center touch display, navigation with up to four annual over-the-air map updates, Apple CarPlay compatibility, SiriusXM with a one-year All-Access subscription, and Bluetooth wireless connectivity for your mobile devices. A wireless charging pad is also available.
Safety & Security
You get a lot, including standard Active Driving Assistant and frontal collision warning with city collision mitigation, lane departure warning, speed limit information, and automatic high beams. Active cruise control with stop & go is available for the 2021 BMW X2 Edition M Mesh.
Pricing & Availability
There’s a price tag difference for the special editions, though. The Edition M Mesh package is priced at $3,550. The Special Edition 2021 X2 sDrive28i is $36,600 plus $995 destination. The Special Edition X2 xDrive28i is priced at $38,600 plus $995 destination.
There’s a lot to love with the 2021 BMW X2 Edition M Mesh. Too bad BMW opted out of giving the U.S. models just a bit more panache.
Nancy Dunham is a life-long journalist whose work appears in many national automotive and general interest magazines and accompanying websites. Her dad was an executive with Western Auto Supply Co. (sold to Sears), so the smell of tires still brings back a flood of childhood memories. Favorite professional assignment: driving on the Texas Motor Speedway. She lives in Austin, Texas with her cat Prudence.
Photos & Source: BMW of North America, LLC.
