• The 2018 BMW X3 M40i in Al Qudra, Dubai. Victor Besa / The National
    The 2018 BMW X3 M40i in Al Qudra, Dubai. Victor Besa / The National
  • The M40i goes from 0 to 100kph in 4.8 seconds. Victor Besa / The National
    The M40i goes from 0 to 100kph in 4.8 seconds. Victor Besa / The National
  • It is driven by a twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine. Victor Besa / The National
    It is driven by a twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine. Victor Besa / The National
  • The six-cylinder engine produces 355hp. Victor Besa / The National
    The six-cylinder engine produces 355hp. Victor Besa / The National
  • The X3 M40i has the option of flappy paddles or sequential stick shifting. Victor Besa / The National
    The X3 M40i has the option of flappy paddles or sequential stick shifting. Victor Besa / The National
  • It produces 500Nm of torque. Victor Besa / The National
    It produces 500Nm of torque. Victor Besa / The National
  • The X3 has an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Victor Besa / The National
    The X3 has an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Victor Besa / The National
  • The M40i provides the sporty thrills that its new sibling the X2 aims to provide. Victor Besa / The National
    The M40i provides the sporty thrills that its new sibling the X2 aims to provide. Victor Besa / The National
  • It is a shot in the arm for a model that has occupied the middle ground beneath the road-hogging likes of the X5 and X6. Victor Besa / The National
    It is a shot in the arm for a model that has occupied the middle ground beneath the road-hogging likes of the X5 and X6. Victor Besa / The National
  • The X3 has been in production since the 2004 model year. Victor Besa / The National
    The X3 has been in production since the 2004 model year. Victor Besa / The National
  • The 2018 BMW X3 M40i in Al Qudra, Dubai. Victor Besa / The National
    The 2018 BMW X3 M40i in Al Qudra, Dubai. Victor Besa / The National

Road test: 2018 BMW X2 and X3


  • English
  • Arabic

The specs: 2018 BMW X2 and X3

Price, as tested: Dh255,150 (X2); Dh383,250 (X3)

Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder (X2); 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder (X3)

Power 192hp @ 5,000rpm (X2); 355hp @ 5,500rpm (X3)

Torque: 280Nm @ 1,350rpm (X2); 500Nm @ 1,520rpm (X3)

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic (X2); Eight-speed automatic (X3)

Fuel consumption, combined: 5.7L / 100km (X2); 8.3L / 100km (X3)

Complaints about the homogenisation of modern car design is usually a precursor of a sleep-inducting rant, but the moaners might have a point when it comes to a notable amount of the big German manufacturers' output. We probably don't have to name names.

It is particularly pertinent when you drive two models that sit next to each other in the nomenclature of a carmaker's line-up. In this instance, BMW's new X2 and long-standing X3, both at the modest-size end of the SUV market. Naturally, they aren't identical, or else that would completely defeat the object of different designations, but in terms of styling, it's undoubtedly an economy of scaling. They're family members with so many shared facial features that nobody could be under any illusions of the shared parentage.

So what exactly is the X2 here to do? Well, for the thick end of a decade and a half, the X3 has made a successful enough niche occupying an uninspiring middle ground beneath the road-hogging likes of the X5 and X6. It's probably fair to say that few drivers buying them had much in the way of sporty ambitions, which is the kind of liveliness that the X2 is supposed to offer. Only now, the X3's latest trick is the M40i, a 355hp bundle of fun that could very well beat its little brother at its own game. You wait for one bus to come along...

In the sDrive20i form of my test car, the X2 has a comparatively meagre 192hp, but it's sufficiently nippy – and not everything is about the power outputs, anyway. The fetching interior somehow even renders omnipresent red leather – answers on a postcard if you can explain its popularity in the UAE – really quite agreeable. Other interior perks include a neat configurable central storage console/armrest with built-in wireless phone charging and pleasantly subtle ambient lighting.

  • The 2018 BMW X2 in Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari for The National
    The 2018 BMW X2 in Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari for The National
  • The car is an all-new model aimed at offering a sporty small SUV. Khushnum Bhandari for The National
    The car is an all-new model aimed at offering a sporty small SUV. Khushnum Bhandari for The National
  • The X2 pictured, the sDrive20i, has 192hp. Khushnum Bhandari for The National
    The X2 pictured, the sDrive20i, has 192hp. Khushnum Bhandari for The National
  • The X2 is a competent city car. Khushnum Bhandari for The National
    The X2 is a competent city car. Khushnum Bhandari for The National
  • The red-leather-coverd interior is quite fetching. Khushnum Bhandari for The National
    The red-leather-coverd interior is quite fetching. Khushnum Bhandari for The National
  • The X2 has a more car-like silhouette than much of BMW's X range. Khushnum Bhandari for The National
    The X2 has a more car-like silhouette than much of BMW's X range. Khushnum Bhandari for The National
  • Some of the design elements of the nose don't quite mesh. Khushnum Bhandari for The National
    Some of the design elements of the nose don't quite mesh. Khushnum Bhandari for The National
  • It has a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Khushnum Bhandari for The National
    It has a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Khushnum Bhandari for The National
  • The 2018 BMW X2 in Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari for The National
    The 2018 BMW X2 in Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari for The National

At first glance, it's a slightly awkward looker from outside, particularly in the goldish-green that seems to be the model's signature paint job, yet after a couple of days in its company, the X2's more car-like silhouette begins to grow on me, even if the design elements of the nose don't quite mesh.

There's some bad news, too. Whether it's just my driving position or a wider problem, but the X2 isn't the first BMW in which I have encountered difficulties with side-mirror blind spots, from the i8 hybrid sports car down. Mercifully, there are alerts, even if they can be a touch oversensitive when you don't need them and entirely miss vehicles when you do, although I always prefer visual cues to accompany bleeps and warning lights.

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There are a couple of other troubling minor red marks against the X2: asthmatic air conditioning and folding mirrors that after being stowed don't, for whatever reason, always unfurl themselves when you start the vehicle or even kick it into motion.

Both my X2 and X3 M40i enjoy the option of flappy paddles or sequential stick shifting, but it's in the former where that really comes into its own. This particular X3's twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine jets the SUV from 0 to 100kph in 4.8 seconds – and it feels as potent as that makes it sound. It seems an odd car to want to give the right-foot treatment, but that is the exact effect of its newly found sportiness.

By the end of my respective time with the two cars, I have almost talked myself out of the homogenisation argument. Because while the X2 and X3 might, on the face of things, seem like different-shaped peas from the same pod, the X3 suddenly has an option with lashings of life, while the X2 chews up and spits out city driving without barely breaking sweat. And when you're behind the wheel, BMW's reputation for engaging driving experiences is maintained, times two. Or should that be times three?

COMPANY%20PROFILE
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What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
 
  • Grade 9 = above an A*
  • Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
  • Grade 7 = grade A
  • Grade 6 = just above a grade B
  • Grade 5 = between grades B and C
  • Grade 4 = grade C
  • Grade 3 = between grades D and E
  • Grade 2 = between grades E and F
  • Grade 1 = between grades F and G
Key figures in the life of the fort

Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.

Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.

Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae

Key findings of Jenkins report
  • Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
  • Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
  • Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
  • Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
VEZEETA PROFILE

Date started: 2012

Founder: Amir Barsoum

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: HealthTech / MedTech

Size: 300 employees

Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)

Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Boulder shooting victims

• Denny Strong, 20
• Neven Stanisic, 23
• Rikki Olds, 25
• Tralona Bartkowiak, 49
• Suzanne Fountain, 59
• Teri Leiker, 51
• Eric Talley, 51
• Kevin Mahoney, 61
• Lynn Murray, 62
• Jody Waters, 65

The bio

Favourite vegetable: Broccoli

Favourite food: Seafood

Favourite thing to cook: Duck l'orange

Favourite book: Give and Take by Adam Grant, one of his professors at University of Pennsylvania

Favourite place to travel: Home in Kuwait.

Favourite place in the UAE: Al Qudra lakes

Brahmastra%3A%20Part%20One%20-%20Shiva
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAyan%20Mukerji%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERanbir%20Kapoor%2C%20Alia%20Bhatt%20and%20Amitabh%20Bachchan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Company Profile

Company name: NutriCal

Started: 2019

Founder: Soniya Ashar

Based: Dubai

Industry: Food Technology

Initial investment: Self-funded undisclosed amount

Future plan: Looking to raise fresh capital and expand in Saudi Arabia

Total Clients: Over 50

The specs: 2018 Renault Koleos

Price, base: From Dh77,900
Engine: 2.5L, in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Power: 170hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 233Nm @ 4,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.3L / 100km

Mission%3A%20Impossible%20-%20Dead%20Reckoning%20Part%20One
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Christopher%20McQuarrie%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Tom%20Cruise%2C%20Hayley%20Atwell%2C%20Pom%20Klementieff%2C%20Simon%20Pegg%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

THE SPECS

Engine: 4.4-litre V8

Transmission: Automatic

Power: 530bhp 

Torque: 750Nm 

Price: Dh535,000

On sale: Now

How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
  5. Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
  6. The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
  7. Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269

*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year

THE SPECS

Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder

Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)

Power: 141bhp 

Torque: 250Nm 

Price: Dh64,500

On sale: Now

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea

The team

Videographer: Jear Velasquez 

Photography: Romeo Perez 

Fashion director: Sarah Maisey 

Make-up: Gulum Erzincan at Art Factory 

Models: Meti and Clinton at MMG 

Video assistant: Zanong Maget 

Social media: Fatima Al Mahmoud  

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

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Traits of Chinese zodiac animals

Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent   

The specs: 2018 BMW X2 and X3

Price, as tested: Dh255,150 (X2); Dh383,250 (X3)

Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder (X2); 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder (X3)

Power 192hp @ 5,000rpm (X2); 355hp @ 5,500rpm (X3)

Torque: 280Nm @ 1,350rpm (X2); 500Nm @ 1,520rpm (X3)

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic (X2); Eight-speed automatic (X3)

Fuel consumption, combined: 5.7L / 100km (X2); 8.3L / 100km (X3)