Prefer your BMW X2 M35i with not-so-subtle Galvanic Gold highlights and a smattering of extra kit? Step this way to meet the X2 Edition GoldPlay, which is now available to order in South Africa…

BMW South Africa has quietly added a new special-edition version of the X2 to its local configurator, with the Edition GoldPlay package exclusively available in M35i guise.

According to the Munich-based firm’s local website, the X2 M35i Edition GoldPlay commands a R20 000 premium over the derivative on which it’s based, which takes the starting price to R960 481 (though the configurator currently forces the selection of the otherwise optional Navigation Plus and Remote Services – likely related to the semiconductor shortage – thus pushing the total to R986 937).

So, what do you get for the extra R20 000? Well, the most obvious addition is the Galvanic Gold foil wrapping along the X2’s flanks, which BMW promises will attract “maximum attention on any road”. This vivid hue is repeated on the kidney grille surround and side-mirror caps, as well as on sections of the likewise-included 20-inch M aerodynamic wheels.

In South Africa, these highlights can be combined with a choice of seven exterior paint colours, including two extra-cost options. If you’re a local rugby fan, we wouldn’t blame you for selecting Sanremo Green metallic – a hue reserved for this special edition – as you’d end up with an X2 effectively sportingSpringbok colours, as pictured above.

However, opt for Frozen Pure Grey metallic (adding R33 400 to the bill, we should point out) and those bold decals and Galvanic Gold accents for the grille and mirror caps are automatically deleted. The grille surround is instead finished in black and the side-mirror housings gain a body colour finish, making for a far subtler package.

Choose Frozen Pure Grey metallic paint and many of the gold highlights are deleted. Far subtler, right?

Inside, you’ll find M sport seats trimmed in Dakota leather. The black leather surfaces of the driver and front passenger seat are perforated through the centre section of the backrests, while contrast stitching and piping in Giallo Oro add a splash of colour. The M sport seats furthermore feature a high-gloss black border for the cut-out below the head restraints and an M logo on the backrest piping.

Other additions include gold-coloured contrast stitching for the instrument panel and centre console, as well as door-sill strips featuring “Edition” lettering in Galvanic Gold. Dark Graphite matte trim strips, meanwhile, are added to the dashboard on the passenger side.

The powertrain is untouched, of course, which means the turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine still offers 225 kW and 450 Nm to all four corners via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 0-100 kph sprint takes a claimed 4.9 seconds, with top speed pegged at 250 kph.

How much does the BMW X2 M35i Edition GoldPlay cost in SA?

BMW X2 M35i Edition GoldPlay – R960 481

The BMW X2 M35i Edition GoldPlay ships with a 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.