The second generation BMW X2 is a rather different proposition from the first. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

This is a very different kind of BMW X2, a second generation model that's bigger, sharper, cleverer and more sure of itself. You'll need to like the divisive looks, but if you do, you might end up wondering why you'd pay nearly as much for the less individual X1 model this car is based on.

Background

The small, premium badged Coupe-SUV is a car of our times. An extension of a concept championed mainly (though not exclusively) by BMW. Who started it all with the large X6 (of 2008, based on the X5), extended it with the mid-sized X4 (of 2014, based on the X3) and then completed it with the first generation version of the compact X2 (of 2017, based on the X1). Both the X6 and the X4 were successful enough to merit follow-up models and the X2 is no different, with the second generation version we look at here announced in autumn 2023. Like its predecessor, it's entirely based around BMW's boxier entrant in the small SUV class, the X1, in this case the U11-series model that arrived in 2022. And, like that car, it comes with a totally redesigned cabin, a fresh standard of media connectivity and the new option of an all-electric version, the iX2. For combustion variants, the most obvious rival is Audi's Q3 Sportback, but if you're prepared to widen your buying brief, there's no shortage of small premium SUVs with sporting pretensions for this X2 to take on.

Driving Experience

The original X2 might have been sporting to look at, but it wasn't sporting to drive and you wouldn't have thought that making its replacement bigger would help in that regard. Actually, you'd be wrong, with a whole raft of changes that promise to transform this second generation model's drive dynamics. Sharp Sport steering is standard across the range, as is adaptive M Suspension with adjustable and frequency-selective dampers. The Bavarians have also added 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 redesigned with new axle kinematics and extra lift-related damping on the front axle. And there's a powerful integrated braking system with four-piston fixed-caliper front discs. All the engines work with a redesigned 7-speed Steptronic double-clutch auto gearbox with steering wheel paddleshifters. It now has widened gear ratios, fully electric actuation and a bit more cleverness: the transmission automatically shifts into P when the engine's switched off and if you're parked on slope, the electric parking brake will automatically be applied. From launch, BMW was only offering petrol engines to combustion folk. Things kick off with an sDrive20i variant featuring a front-driven three cylinder 1.5-litre 170hp unit 48V mild hybrid assistance: this makes 62mph in 8.3s. The alternative is the all wheel-driven M35i xDrive, which has an all-new four cylinder 2.0-litre engine putting out 300hp and making 62mph in 5.4s to the accompaniment of a rich-sounding M-specific exhaust. The greener alternative to this pair is the all-electric iX2, offered in two forms. There's the front-driven eDrive20 version, which offers 204hp and goes 297 miles on a charge. The alternative is the xDrive30 version we tried, which has two electric motors, AWD and 313hp (62mph in 5.6s). Drive range is up to 266 miles, though to achieve that, you'd have to select the most frugal 'Efficient' MyMode drive setting and make full use of all the various provided energy recuperation settings.

Design and Build

The cute, cuddly vibe of the original X2 has been replaced by something altogether meaner and more angular here, which you'll either be repelled or attracted by: there'll be no in-betweens. This second generation model is certainly a bigger car than before, 194mm longer, 21mm wider and 64mm taller. The front is dominated by an enormous pair of kidney grilles which can now 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 current U11-series X1, you'll know what to expect: a completely redesigned 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's now been updated to 'Operating system 9' status, which gives you a new 'Quick Select' feature, allowing you to activate key functions without endless scrolling through sub-menus. If you're familiar with the original X2, the other key thing you need to know about this cabin is that it's a little bigger than before, especially for rear seat folk and luggage. The rear bench offers 25mm more kneeroom. And there's more trunk space too, though it varies quite a lot with powertrain choice. The sDrive20i has 515-litres, while the iX2 has 525-litres, both variants offering 1,400-litres with the rear seats down. The M35i has a 560-litre boot, 90-litres more than the original X2 and actually 20-litres more than the current X1. This can be extended to 1,470-litres, 75-litres more than the X1.

Market and Model

Pricing has risen a bit this time round, now starting at just over £40,000 for the entry-level sDrive20i 48V mild hybrid 170hp petrol version. There's a big jump after that to the sporty 300hp M35i xDrive, for which you'll need just under £50,000. The iX2 starts in front-driven eDrive20 form from just under £52,000 - or just over £57,000 for the AWD xDrive30 version we tried. All versions of this second generation X2 were launched in the UK in a single 'M Sport' level of specification, but 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. All variants get 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. Most customers add the optional 'Technology Pack' which includes Adaptive LED headlights, Comfort Access keyless entry, power-folding mirrors, acoustic glazing, a High-beam assistant, a wireless 'phone charger and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.

Cost of Ownership

As you'd expect from a current BMW, emissions are low and fuel economy is excellent. Let's give you the figures, starting with the X2 sDrive20i, which manages up to 47.1mpg on the combined cycle and up to 139g/km of CO2, thanks to BMW's latest 48V mild hybrid tech. The sportier M35i xDrive manages up to 36.7mpg and up to 175g/km. In the absence of Plug-in Hybrid tech (which presumably BMW is considering for this car since it's already available on the X1), that only leaves the iX2 full-electric version, which as we told you in our 'Driving' section can in xDrive30 form go up to 266 miles on a single charge. It's up to 297 miles for the front-driven eDrive20 version. To achieve either of these stats in an iX2, 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

BMW has redefined this X2 in second generation form: looks, it seems, can be deceiving. The first generation model looked agile and sprightly, but wasn't actually much different to an X1 to drive. This MK2 version appears bigger and heavier-set, but seems to have the engineering for truly engaging drive dynamics. As before, the downsides in price and interior space over an X1 aren't too onerous. Like that car, the redesigned cabin is a big step forward. And the provision of a full-EV version will open up this car's market considerably. Even more than before, the X2 really is a car of our times.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Heated rear window

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

Communication

Bluetooth / Wi-Fi interface with hands free system

Driver Aids

Servotronic Power Assisted Steering

Speed limiter

Attentiveness assist

Drive off assistant

Parking assistant with reversing assistant, active PDC, lateral parking aid and rear view camera

My modes (Personal / Efficient / Sport)

Driver Convenience

Automatic start/stop function

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 Live Cockpit Plus - Widescreen display with 10.25" instrument cluster and 10.7" CID display

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

Petrol Particulate Filter

Larger Fuel Tank

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

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 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

Transmission

Steptronic transmission with double clutch and gear shift paddles

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit plus

Emissions - ICE

Particles: 0.0005

NOx: 0.004

CO: 0.133

Noise Level dB(A): 66

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 173

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 125

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 113

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 137

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 132

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 143

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 131

Emissions - Lifecycle

Production Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 9.2

Lifetime Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 44.9

In-Life Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 35.2

End-of-Life Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 0.5

Engine and Drive Train

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 94.6

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 82

CC: 1499

Cylinders: 3

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 12

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Compression Ratio: 11.1:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 7 SPEED

Engine Code: B38A15M2

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.8

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 5.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 6.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 7.7

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 44.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 48.7

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 47.9

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 46.3

WLTP - MPG - High: 56.5

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 51.4

WLTP - MPG - Low: 36.7

General

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 25E

Based On ID: N

Special Order: 0

Special Edition: 0

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 76

NCAP Safety Assist %: 92

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 85

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 88

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

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 170

Coin Series: MSport [Tech/ProPk]

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Generation Mark: 2

Coin Description: sDrive i

Performance

Engine Torque - MKG: 28.6

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 62 mph (secs): 8.3

Top Speed: 132

Engine Power - BHP: 170

Engine Power - KW: 125

Engine Power - RPM: 4700

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 207

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

Engine Torque - NM: 280

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Tyre Size Rear: 245/45 R19

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Wheel Style: STYLE 871 M DOUBLE SPOKE

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 245/45 R19

Alloys?: No

Vehicle Dimensions

Wheelbase: 2692

Width: 1845

Length: 4554

Width (including mirrors): 2104

Height: 1590

Weight and Capacities

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1800

Max. Loading Weight: 580

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 54

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 515

No. of Seats: 5

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2150

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1400

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.7

Minimum Kerbweight: 1570

Body Glass

Sun protection glass

Brakes

M Sport brakes with grey calipers

Chassis/Suspension

Standard suspension

Embellishment Trims

Aluminium mesh effect interior trim finishers with pearl chrome highlights

Aluminium graphic highlights interior trim finishers with pearl chrome highlights

High gloss black interior trim finishers with pearl chrome highlights

Entertainment

Harman Kardon HiFi loudspeaker system

Exterior Body Features

Individual metallic paint

BMW Individual Frozen paint

Metallic paint

M roof rails high gloss shadow line

Model designation deletion

Fixed panoramic glass roof

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 pack plus - 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 - Portimao blue

Metallic - Black sapphire

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

Individual metallic paint - Storm Bay

BMW Individual frozen paint - Pure grey

BMW Individual paint special - Custom

BMW Individual frozen paint - Portimao Blue

BMW Individual paint - Special request

Seats

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

Electric front seats with memory and door mirror memory

M Sport seats for driver and passenger

Towing

Towbar

Trim - Leather

Vernasca leather - Mocha

Vernasca leather - Black

Vernasca leather - Oyster

Trim - Part Leather

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

Trim - Vinyl

Veganza perforated - Oyster

Veganza perforated - Red/black

Veganza perforated - Mokka

Veganza perforated - Black

Veganza perforated - Atlas grey/Smoke white

Wheels - Alloy

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

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

21" Y-spoke Bicolour BMW individual light alloy wheels finished in solid jet black diamond milled - Style 874

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