Another BMW EV, this time a small, very trendy one, the iX2. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

The market's first fully electric compact coupe crossover is this car, the iX2. It's basically an iX1 in drag of course, but there's a little more to the iX2 that that. It's sharper to drive and has a degree or two more of the personality missing from its EV showroom stablemate. So many small EVs today are disappointingly sterile in character. This one at least, is a little different.

Background

For most of the last decade, BMW's smallest full-electric offering was the innovative and charismatic little i3. For any who might have found its conventional-looking iX1 replacement in 2022 a touch on the dull side, the Munich maker has brought us this, the iX2. As with the combustion-powered second generation X2, BMW's tried to do a little more here than simply provide a sleeker-looking version of the model that sired it, in this case the iX1. So we're promised sportier handling to go with the trendier Coupe-SUV visual vibe. The price here might be pushing up towards the kind of level that would get you a slightly larger lower mid-sized EV crossover. But the Bavarian brand hopes that this iX2's combination of looks, life and fashion might make you want one anyway.

Driving Experience

There are two iX2 variants: the entry-level front-driven eDrive20, which offers 204hp and makes 62mph in 8.6s. And the top xDrive30 version, which has two electric motors, AWD and 313hp (62mph in 5.6s). Both variants use the same 64.7kWh battery and drive range is up to 297 miles for the eDrive20 and up to 266 miles for the xDrive30, though to achieve either of these stats, you'd have to select the most frugal 'Efficient' MyMode drive setting and make full use of all the various provided energy recuperation settings. There are selectable high, medium or low braking energy recovery settings, or you can simply leave the system in its automatic adaptive setting. Do that and thanks to intelligent networking, the drive system can use navigation and driver assistance system data to adjust how much power is recuperated, according to the respective traffic situation. As with the combustion X2, sharp Sport steering is standard, as is adaptive M Suspension with adjustable and frequency-selective dampers. The Bavarians have also included rear actuator wheel slip limitation to maximise agility, with a traction control system integrated into the engine management. This allows corrective inputs to be applied up to ten times faster than with conventional systems, benefiting traction, poise and handling stability. The suspension system's been designed with special axle kinematics and lift-related damping on the front axle. And there's a powerful integrated braking system with four-piston fixed-caliper front discs.

Design and Build

Visually, this iX2 isn't much differentiated from its combustion-powered X2 showroom stablemate. The front is dominated by an enormous pair of blanked-off kidney grilles which can be illuminated and are flanked by LED headlights that extend back into the flared front arches. In profile, the roof line slopes back dramatically, before being truncated by a blunt rear end. Striking? Certainly. Pretty? Not so much. And inside? Well if you've tried the iX1, you'll know what to expect: a very avant garde cabin based around a curved glass fascia panel incorporating a 10.25-inch digital instrument display and a 10.7-inch central touchscreen. The iDrive software behind the set-up is BMW's 'Operating system 9' package, which gives you a new 'Quick Select' feature, allowing you to activate key functions without endless scrolling through sub-menus. As with the ordinary X2, the rear bench is a little more spacious than you might expect and doesn't have that much less headroom than the iX1. Out back, there's a 525-litre boot, which is 10-litres more space than you'd get in an X2 sDrive20i and, interestingly, 35-litres more than you'd get in a supposedly boxier iX1. That extends to 1,400-litres with the rear seats down.

Market and Model

Pricing for this iX2 started from launch from just over £51,500 in front-driven eDrive20 form. It's around £57,500 for the AWD xDrive30 version. That latter figure is around £8,000 more than the combustion alternative, the X2 M35i xDrive. With the iX2, there's only one trim level - 'M Sport'. That's the one most customers would have chosen anyway because it provides the various visual cues this car needs to look in any way sporty. Specifically, this trim level includes large side air intakes integrated into the front apron, a body colour border along the lower edge of the body, M-specific side skirts, M High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim and a rear apron with integrated diffuser. Adaptive M suspension and double-spoke 19-inch M light-alloy wheels are also part of the M Sport specification, together with sport seats, an Alcantara-covered instrument panel, an anthracite-coloured headliner and an M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles. On the options list is the 'M Sport Pro' pack. Among the features this adds are M High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim with extended elements, M lights Shadowline exterior trim, an M rear spoiler, an M Sport braking system with red-painted callipers and M seat belts. There's a comprehensive media package that includes 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' wireless smartphone integration. And BMW ConnectedDrive upgrades keep the car up to date with the latest software, with upgrades ranging from new services to improved vehicle functions.

Cost of Ownership

This iX2, as we told you in our 'Driving' section, can go up to 297 miles in eDrive20 form or up to 266 miles in xDrive30 guise. In either case, to achieve these stats, you'll need to select the most frugal of the provided MyMode drive settings - 'Efficient'. And you'll also need to make full use of the brake recuperation energy you'll get while driving in the provided 'B' gear setting. Recuperation of up to 120kW can be generated via the brake pedal regardless of the driving mode. If you're rapidly running out of battery charge, you might want to engage the provided 'MAX RANGE' function, where drive power and top speed are carefully restricted and comfort functions scaled back, allowing range to be increased by up to 25%. The iX2 can support single and three-phase AC charging up to 11kW, which allows the battery to be fully replenished from empty in 6.5 hours. As an option, you can increase charging capacity to 22kW, which allows the battery to be fully replenished from empty in just 3 hours 45 minutes. DC charging at up to 130kW makes it possible to boost the battery level from 10 to 80% in 29 minutes, or increase range by 75 miles in just 10 minutes.

Summary

We're starting to see small EVs that are more credibly sporting - and this iX2 is one of them. Obviously, like every full-battery crossover, it has to overcome a prodigious level of weight, but there's lots of advanced engineering here to mitigate against that. As a result, you might well find yourself having more fun at the wheel of this BMW than you might ever have expected to in a small EV. Of course, you're going to need to like the way it looks: not everyone will. But the iX2 isn't intended to attract everyone, nor would it be as appealing if it was. Few people in your neighbourhood or company car park will have one. An EV you might want not just because it's an EV but because it's a BMW. In the truest sense.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Heated rear window

Sun protection glass

Rain sensor including auto headlights activation

Electric windows - front and rear, with open/close fingertip control, anti-trap facility and comfort closing

Windscreen washer nozzle for rear view camera

Windscreen wipers front with heated washer nozzles

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Dynamic brake control

Electromechanical parking brake

Integrated brake system

Energy recovery system

Braking readiness

Dry braking

PC iBrake PostCrash approach control warning with light braking function

Automatic hold function

Front and rear brake discs

Carpets/Rugs

Anthracite front and rear floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Dynamic stability control

M Adaptive suspension

Communication

Bluetooth / Wi-Fi interface with hands free system

Driver Aids

Servotronic Power Assisted Steering

Speed limiter

Attentiveness assist

Drive off assistant

My modes (Personal / Efficient / Sport)

Driver Convenience

Electrically opening/closing tailgate with opening/closing with remote control and contactless opening and closing

Driver Information

Personal Profile

BMW Teleservices

Connected drive services

Condition based service

Brake pad wear indicator

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant

iDrive controller

BMW Maps

Touch operation on control display

Language version English

4G LTE connectivity

BMW Operating System 9 with variable, confirgurable widgets

Smartphone integration for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

BMW ConnectedDrive store and BMW Remote softwre upgrade

Gear display in instrument cluster including recommended gear

Driving Mirrors

Electric adjustable heated door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Front centre console trim in high gloss black

Luxury instrument panel

Engine

Performance Control

eDrive exterior sound

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Tuner with diversity reception and RDS, AM radio and FM radio

BMW Personal eSim

Exterior Body Features

Invisible exhaust tailpipe

Rear side wing doors

Folding door handles integrated flush with surface

Front bumper cover with air inlet trims for air curtains in matt black

Matt black roof strips

M identification on the sides

Model badge X2 on left tailgate, motorisation on right

BMW radiator grille with mesh grid in black high gloss, radiator grille frame in pearl chrome

Side sill trim panel in black matt grained

M high gloss Shadowline - Window frame surround,recess finisher strip,guide bar in front doors,A/B/C Pillar trim panel in high gloss blac

M high gloss Shadowline - Mirror frame and cover panel in black grain

Exterior Lights

Welcome lighting

LED daytime running lights

Dynamic brake lights

LED number plate light

Front door exit lights

Home light

LED 3rd brake light integrated in rear window frame

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

Front and rear door pockets

Rear coat hooks

M leather steering wheel

Glove compartment

2 bag hooks in luggage compartment

12V - Power sockets with front centre console and luggage compartment

Storage compartment with folding cover under centre console armrest cushion

Bottle trays in all doors

Storage compartment net in left side trim panel

Storage tray in right side trim panel

12V socket in right side trim panel

One piece parcel shelf opens together with tailgate and removable

Front centre console storage compartment

Rear armrest in door trim panel

3 upper retaining strap clips integrated into rear panels of seat backrests

Middle centre console storage compartment

2 x USB Type C ports for charging and data transmission (front centre console) and 2 x USB Type C ports for charging (rear centre console)

2 cup holders in front centre console

Tilt adjustment incl. cargo function of 2nd row of seats

Front armrest with integrated control panel

Selector lever with toggle operation

M headliner Anthracite-A pillar trim panels,headliner in anthracite & B,C,D pillar upper trim panels,sun visors,grab handles,microphone cover in black

Map pockets on the seats (version depending on equipment)

Flat air vents on instrument panel in high gloss black, adjustable seats with elements in pearl chrome

Footrest and pedals in stainless steel look

Interior Lights

Ambient interior lighting

Front and rear footwell lights

2 front reading lights

Storage compartment lighting in centre console and storage tray in centre stack

Interior door handle recess light on all doors

Light on right in luggage compartment

Packs

Technology plus pack - X2/iX2

Safety

First aid kit

Warning triangle

Rear door child safety locks

Driver/Front Passenger airbags

Driver/front passenger side airbags

Front passenger airbag deactivation

Child lock for rear electric windows

Crash Sensor - activates hazard/interior lighting + unlocks doors

Tyre pressure monitor

BMW emergency call

Head airbags for all 4 outer seats

Three point seat belts in all seats

Front centre airbag between driver and front passenger seats

Locking of doors after driving off

Seats

Front/rear adjustable head restraints

3 rear headrests

40:20:40 split folding rear seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Driver and front passenger heated seats

Child seat ISOFIX attachment for two outer rear seats and front passenger seat with anchorage points

Single front passenger seat

Security

Locking wheel bolts

Alarm system with tilt sensor, monitoring doors, bonnet interior and tailgate

Closing system with central locking including 2 vehicle keys with integrated emergency key

Towing

Trailer stabilisation logic

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Vehicle Charging

Fast charging cable professional mode 3 for public charging

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit plus

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 2070

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 600

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 390

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 29

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 130

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 66.5

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Low: 550

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Medium: 560

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - High: 505

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Extra High: 356

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 556

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 452

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 453

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 439

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Low: 13.2

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Medium: 12.9

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - High: 14.5

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Extra High: 20.7

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - City: 13.2

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 16.4

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 16.1

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 16.9

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - City: 4.7

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.8

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3.7

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.9

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Extra High: 3

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - High: 4.3

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Low: 4.7

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Medium: 4.8

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Extra High: 221.2

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 345.5

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 280.9

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 272.8

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 281.5

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - High: 313.8

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Low: 341.8

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Medium: 348

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: N

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 64.8

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 130

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): 66

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: HB0003N0

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Shadow Ed [Tech+]

Coin Description: eDrive20

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 31E

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 85

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 88

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 76

NCAP Safety Assist %: 92

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 204

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 8.6

Top Speed: 106

Engine Power - BHP: 204

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 150

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 184

Engine Torque - NM: 250

Engine Torque - MKG: 25.5

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 245/45 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 245/45 R19

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Wheel Style: STYLE 871 M DOUBLE SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4554

Width: 1845

Wheelbase: 2692

Width (including mirrors): 2104

Height: 1560

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1885

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2460

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 575

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 525

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1400

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.9

Brakes

M Sport brakes with grey calipers

Driver Aids

Parking assistant professional for Technology plus pack with manoeuvre assist, reversing assist professional and remote parking control

Embellishment Trims

Aluminium graphic highlights interior trim finishers with pearl chrome highlights

Aluminium mesh effect interior trim finishers with pearl chrome highlights

High gloss black interior trim finishers with pearl chrome highlights

Entertainment

Harman Kardon HiFi loudspeaker system

BMW iconic sound electric

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

M roof rails high gloss shadow line

BMW Individual Frozen paint

BMW Individual paint - Special request

Fixed panoramic glass roof

Model designation deletion

Individual metallic paint

Interior Features

Vernasca leather upholstery

Perforated Veganza upholstery

Heated steering wheel

Interior Lights

2 rear reading lights in grab handle

Packs

Driving assistant pack - X2/iX2

Driving assistant professional pack - X2/iX2

M Sport Pro pack when bought with M sport high gloss grey brake calipers - X2/iX2

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Skyscraper grey

Metallic - Cape york green

Metallic - Fire red

Metallic - Brooklyn grey

Metallic - Black sapphire

Metallic - Portimao blue

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

BMW Individual frozen paint - Pure grey

Individual metallic paint - Storm Bay

BMW Individual frozen paint - Portimao Blue

BMW Individual paint special - Custom

Seats

M Sport seats for driver and passenger

Electric front seats with memory and door mirror memory

Active seat for driver and front passenger - electrically adjustable lumbar support

Towing

Towbar

Trim - Leather

Vernasca leather - Oyster

Vernasca leather - Mocha

Vernasca leather - Black

Trim - Part Leather

M Alcantara/Veganza combination upholstery - Black/Blue With contrast stitching

Trim - Vinyl

Veganza perforated - Red/black

Veganza perforated - Oyster

Veganza perforated - Mokka

Veganza perforated - Black

Veganza perforated - Atlas grey/Smoke white

Vehicle Charging

Mode 2 flexible charger with 3-pin adapter

Wheels - Alloy

20" M V-spoke bicolour light alloy wheels finished in midnight grey diamond polished - Style 873

20" Multi spoke individual light alloy wheels finished in midnight grey diamond polished - Style 869