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Feb 11, 2024

BMW X2 Review 2023

Upholds BMW’s reputation for fine handling. Effective at long-distance cruising. Plug-in hybrid version offers impressive fuel economy. Curvaceous styling results in less boot space and cramped rear

Upholds BMW’s reputation for fine handling. Effective at long-distance cruising. Plug-in hybrid version offers impressive fuel economy.

Curvaceous styling results in less boot space and cramped rear seats. Firm ride. Not cheap to buy and the options soon stack up.

The BMW X2 is the starting point in the German company’s crossover coupe range, positioned beneath the larger X4 and X6 models. BMW has stuck to the same formula, however, taking the regular X1 SUV and giving it a funkier look. The BMW X2 is not short on rivals, with the Volvo XC40 and Jaguar E-Pace both offering stylish and credible alternatives.

The BMW X2 offers an alternative to those who find the BMW X1 SUV just a little too staid. Instead of upright, boxy styling, the BMW X2 comes with a swooping roofline that transforms the car’s rear end. Instead of looking like a conventional SUV, it appears more like an upsized hatchback – a jacked-up version of the BMW 1 Series, perhaps.

Beneath the BMW X2’s styling is the same platform used to underpin the previous-generation BMW X1 SUV, and indeed the MINI Countryman. This serves as a reminder of how relatively old the BMW X2’s design is, especially in the fast-moving premium SUV marketplace.

Where the BMW X2 delivers is on upholding its maker’s reputation for fine handling and rewarding driver engagement. Its steering maximises feel and precision, making this an SUV that is genuinely enjoyable to drive.

On the flipside, the sporty suspension setup results in a ride that is particularly firm. Models with the bigger 20-inch wheels and run-flat tyres are notably stiff, and can start to feel uncomfortable over broken tarmac.

With the decline in popularity of diesel engines, BMW now offers the X2 with a solely petrol engine range. This stretches from the economical 1.5-litre sDrive18i through to the high performance M35i with its 306hp power output. In between is the 2.0-litre xDrive20i, which comes with all-wheel drive as standard.

You can also buy a BMW X2 with the efficient xDrive25e plug-in hybrid powertrain, which makes for a notable sweet-spot in the range. With 220hp, it provides a decent turn of speed, yet can also cover more than 30 miles on electric power alone when the batteries are fully charged. A low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rating will appeal to company car drivers, too.

The age of the BMW X2 is apparent inside the cabin, which borrows its overall design from the previous-generation BMW X1 SUV. Although it may look less modern, it is still well put-together, with a reassuring sense of solidity. BMW’s iDrive media system is included, with an 8.8-inch touchscreen fitted as standard to all versions.

Opting for a coupe-styled version of a crossover naturally results in a loss of practicality compared to the BMW X1. Although the BMW X2 can still provide a respectable 470 litres of boot space, it does have notably less rear headroom. It leaves the back seats best suited to children and smaller adults only.

The BMW X2 comes with a premium price tag, starting at more than £38,000 at the time of writing. This sets a high bar, given the age of this car. That the impressive Volvo XC40 actually undercuts the BMW X2 on price certainly doesn’t help, although the Swedish car isn’t as rewarding to drive.

Given how fashion-conscious buyers in this market are likely to be, the BMW X2 is getting harder to recommend as a new purchase. However, if you really like the looks, and how the BMW X2 drives, you are unlikely to be disappointed.

What do owners think of the BMW X2? Check out our Owners' Reviews from people who live with the car day in, day out.

Full specifications

Whereas the BMW X1 is all about being practical, the BMW X2 takes the route of being more stylish. The result is a compact crossover that is closer to a large family hatchback in the space it offers inside, and further away from a traditional SUV.

Room in the front of the BMW X2 is virtually identical to that found in the BMW X1. It delivers plenty of room for adults, with the standard sports seats offering plenty of adjustment so you can get comfortable.

The BMW X2’s sloping roofline has an impact when it comes to the rear seats, though. Taller passengers will feel the pinch, making it best suited to children. Three people can be squeezed across the rear bench, but it will inevitably be a tight fit.

Boot space is also reduced, with the BMW X2 offering 470 litres in comparison to the 505 litres found in the equivalent BMW X1 SUV. There is underfloor storage, plus the back bench can split and fold 40:20:40 to make it easier to transport large items.

Other storage includes a pair of cupholders between the driver and front-seat passenger, along with a handy centre armrest. There are also storage nets on the backs of the front seats, plus a rear centre armrest with additional cupholders.

The interior of the BMW X2 looks a little dated now, sharing its overall design with the X1 SUV that was launched back in 2015. The team from Munich has added extra flourishes to differentiate the sportier BMW X2 from the regular BMW X1, but it’s ultimately the same basic layout.

However, whatever the BMW X2 lacks in outright pizzazz, it makes up for in build quality. All the materials used feel solid, and tally with the high price tag applied to the BMW X2.

As the BMW X2 is based on the discontinued second-generation BMW X1 model, it does not come with the latest infotainment system. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as BMW’s iDrive setup has long been one of the very best multimedia systems around.

Following a previous update, BMW has upgraded the car with a standard 8.8-inch multimedia touchscreen. This replaced the earlier 6.5-inch unit, which looked a little lost on the dashboard.

The display can be operated as a traditional touchscreen, or via BMW’s familiar rotary iDrive controller. Using the latter is preferable, as it means your eyes can stay on the road. The iDrive system itself is quick to respond, and should feel instantly user-friendly.

All versions of the BMW X2 come equipped with satellite navigation, DAB radio, real-time traffic information, and a host of other online services.

A larger 10.25-inch touchscreen can be added as part of the optional Technology Pack 2, which also includes a head-up display. The BMW X2 M35i model can also be specified with a 360-watt Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system.

Which car seat will suit you?

Buying a new BMW X2 now requires close to £38,000, making it relatively expensive for a compact crossover SUV. For comparison, a new Volvo XC40 starts from around £36,000, although the BMW X2 is cheaper than the £42,000 Jaguar E-Pace.

Where the car struggles to justify itself is against the equivalent BMW X1 SUV. The brand new BMW X1 is priced from £35,000, and offers a more advanced interior and extra practicality.

Picking the performance BMW X2 M35i now requires in excess of £50,000.

BMW has previously offered the X2 with a selection of diesel engines, but time and market trends have seen these removed from sale. However, the three remaining engine options have been designed to deliver efficiency.

The range kicks off with the three-cylinder petrol sDrive18i, which comes with a six-speed manual transmission. This can deliver an official average of up to 45.6mpg, with CO2 emissions from 142g/km.

Picking the optional seven-speed DCT automatic transmission has only a minor impact, reducing the average fuel consumption to 44.1mpg.

Moving up to the xDrive20i petrol introduces a four-cylinder engine to the BMW X2, along with all-wheel drive as standard. This is offered solely with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and fuel consumption averages a respectable 40.4mpg. To see how likely you are to achieve this on the road, be sure to read our Real MPG submissions from BMW X2 owners.

For maximum efficiency, the plug-in hybrid xDrive25e will return attention-grabbing fuel economy figures. With its batteries fully charged, the petrol hybrid version of the X2 is able to deliver up to 166.2mpg. This also makes for official CO2 emissions as low as 39g/km, along with the ability to cover up to 32 miles on battery power alone.

The BMW X2 xDrive25e will hold particular appeal for company car drivers, due to a low Benefit-in-Kind tax rating of just 12 percent. By contrast, the regular petrol X2 models have Benefit-in-Kind ratings of up to 37 percent.

BMW offers the car with a three-year/unlimited-mileage warranty. This is slightly more generous than other premium European brands, but still some way behind the best warranties available.

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

79%

32–58 mpg

84

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

We need your help with our latest Satisfaction Index, so that we can help others make a smarter car buying decision. What's it like to live with your car? Love it? Loath it? We want to know. Let us know about your car - it will only take a few minutes and you could be helping thousands of others.

One of the main tenets of the BMW X2’s appeal is how well it handles. It manages to be good, not just for a crossover SUV, but judged against other cars in general.

Its steering is neatly weighted, and delivers a pleasing amount of precision. Sharper responses make the BMW X2 feel more engaging than the regular BMW X1. Front-wheel-drive sDrive18i models are likely to be untroubled by putting their power down. Nonetheless, the all-wheel-drive xDrive versions offer greater traction for those who might need it.

Where the BMW X2 undoes much of this good work is when it comes to ride quality. M Sport suspension, tuned specifically to help the BMW X2 feel more agile, results in an unyielding firmness. Stiffer run-flat tyres do not help either, transmitting bumps and ruts in the tarmac through to the cabin.

Choosing the racy M35i version of the BMW X2 means an even firmer suspension setup, although this is to be expected given the extra performance on offer.

With the clock ticking on the BMW X2’s lifespan, the German marque has rationalised the engine range down to a choice of four options. All of these are petrol-powered, including the plug-in hybrid xDrive25e.

The BMW X2’s petrol range starts with the sDrive18i, which uses a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine. This same unit is used throughout the BMW and MINI ranges, delivering a reasonable 136PS.

It comes solely with front-wheel drive, and uses a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. A seven-speed dual-clutch DCT automatic is optional, but both transmissions deliver the same 0-62mph time of 9.6 seconds.

With more power, the xDrive20i upgrades things to a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. Along with a healthier 178PS output, the xDrive20i also benefits from all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This all results in a 0-62mph of 7.3 seconds.

For maximum performance, the BMW X2 M35i utilises a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Shared with other BMW hot hatchback models, this comes with a substantial 306PS, and feels suitably rapid on the road. A 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds confirms just how quick it can be.

The plug-in hybrid BMW X2 xDrive25e combines the turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor. A version of this powertrain was used in the BMW i8 supercar. For the BMW X2, it delivers a maximum output of 220hp, and is combined with all-wheel drive.

Charging the xDrive25e’s 8.8kWh battery pack should take around three hours, and allow for 32 miles of electric driving when topped up.

The BMW X2 has not been tested by the Euro NCAP safety organisation, but the related BMW X1 SUV was assessed in 2015. When evaluated, it received the maximum five-star rating, including a 90 percent score for adult occupant protection.

Due to the pace of progress with Euro NCAP testing, the five-star rating is now classed as expired. However, the BMW X2 is still a safe choice. It comes with a host of airbags, front and rear parking sensors, and autonomous emergency braking.

Being at the smaller end of the SUV spectrum means the BMW X2 is unlikely to be a first choice when it comes to towing. However, it could still be used for occasional hauling. The petrol X2 sDrive18i can pull braking trailers up to 1700kg in weight, with the xDrive20i boosting this figure to 1800kg.

These consist of the core M Sport model and the high-performance M35i version.

BMW did previously offer the X2 in SE and Sport specifications, but has opted to make the revised trim range begin at M Sport. This is typically the most popular option with UK drivers, so it seems like a sensible decision.

The BMW X2 M Sport comes equipped with adaptive LED headlights, an M Sport bodykit, M Sport rear spoiler and automatically dimming side mirrors. BMW also adds front and rear parking sensors as standard in M Sport trim.

On the inside, the car has sports seats finished in a combination of black Micro Hexagon cloth upholstery and Sensatec artificial leather trim. Aluminium Hexagon interior trim, with blue detailing, is set off by velour floor mats.

Other standard equipment includes heated front seats, climate control air-con, an extended storage package and an automatically dimming rear-view mirror. Cruise control is fitted as well, along with an electrically opening tailgate.

Standard infotainment on the BMW X2 includes an 8.8-inch multimedia touchscreen, operated with iDrive 6 software. This can be accessed through the touchscreen, or by using the iDrive rotary controller.

DAB radio, satellite navigation, real-time traffic information and Apple CarPlay integration are all included. However, it is worth noting that there is no option to use Android Auto phone connectivity.

Moving up to the rapid BMW X2 M35i delivers an extra batch of standard equipment. Bespoke M Sport styling upgrades are the most obvious additions, along with larger 20-inch alloy wheels. High gloss black Shadowline exterior trim is fitted, too.

The car also gets standard M Sport suspension, M Sport brakes with blue-painted callipers and M Sport steering. A larger fuel tank is fitted – and you may need it.

Inside, the BMW X2 M35i comes with high-backed M Sport heated sports seats finished in a combination of black Trigon cloth and Alcantara. There is also an M Sport steering wheel, M Sport seat belts and a black headlining.

BMW offers an extensive range of options, allowing for additional personalisation – at a cost, of course.

Report of BMW delar refusing to release BMW X2 due to an issue with its rear light cluster.

Owner of 2019 X2 quoted £240+VAT to fix blocked windscreen washer bottle. Dealer claimed windscreen washer jets were not covered by the warranty and the fault was caused by the use of non-BMW approved screen wash. Owner eventually paid £116 for screen wash system flush, which was refunded when the owner emailed a complaint to BMW UK's CEO quoting the 2015 Consumer Rights Act.

The BMW X2 is two centimetres shorter and more than seven centimetres lower than the BMW X1, yet has the same wheelbase. Featuring short overhangs, it also has a stretched, coupé-style roofline and slim window graphic.

The kidney grille has always been an identifying feature of a BMW. On the X2, however, its outline is wider at its base than at its top. The X2 is the first modern BMW to feature this design cue, and it gives the new car a broader, more distinctive and sportier appearance. Below the grille, the hexagonal surface treatment in the bumper further reinforces this impression. The high-gloss black grille provides sharp contrast with its chrome surround.

Full-LED headlights as standard on Sport, M Sport and M Sport X models. The bi-LED light for low beam and high beam is highly effective at illuminating the road, while also accentuating the BMW X2’s sporty character. The headlights display precise detailing, achieved in part through 3D Icon LED daytime driving light and laser engraving.

The M Sport and M Sport X models are available with wheels in sizes up to 20-inch, a standout feature in this segment. As standard, both models are fitted with 19-inch wheels. The standard rims for the SE model are 17-inch V-Spoke style light alloy wheels, but ten other rim designs can be specified as an option.

The side skirts of the BMW X2 are among its signature features and contribute to its rugged good looks. The cladding is black on the SE and Sport models and Frozen Grey on the M Sport X. The C-pillars host two characteristic BMW features: the hallmark BMW Hofmeister kink and, for the first time on a BMW X model, the BMW roundel.

The new BMW X2 combines style with generous everyday practicality. The boot has a capacity of 470 litres, meaning it can handle leisure activities, from shopping sprees to a skiing weekend or mountain-bike tour. This functionality manifests itself in the passenger compartment too, thanks to features such as a door design featuring large storage pockets.

The cabin is driver-focused, with the design of features such as the instrument panel binnacle directed at the road ahead. All controls are positioned to allow the driver to assimilate their information with a single glance and operate them with ease.

Excluding SE model, all functional controls in the centre console are set in high-gloss black as standard, giving the interior a touch of sophisticated elegance.

An optional lighting package within the Plus pack allows drivers to set a stylish lighting mood for the interior of their BMW X2 by choosing from the colours Orange, Lilac, Mint, Bronze, Blue and White. The LED lighting in the trim surfaces of the instrument panel and door panels forms a continuous band that extends all the way around the cabin to the rear.

One of the most distinctive options on the list is the panoramic roof, which adds to the sense of spaciousness inside the BMW X2. The front section of the panoramic roof tilts and slides open, just like a conventional sunroof.

At launch, the X2 xDrive20d diesel variant will be available. It generates maximum output of 190hp and 400Nm of torque enabling a zero to 62mph time of 7.7 seconds. Official fuel consumption is still highly impressive 61.4mpg*, while CO2 emissions are as low as 121g/km*. Further attractive variants of the BMW X2 will be added to the Sports Activity Coupé’s line-up in early 2018 – in the shape of the four-cylinder X2 sDrive20i, X2 sDrive18d and X2 xDrive18d.

The 20d diesel model comes equipped with xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive as standard. The integral Hill Descent Control feature enables the BMW X2 to automatically maintain a desired speed on steep descents by taking care of brake control for the driver, who can then devote their attention to the task of steering.

Among the other highlight features enabling connectivity anytime, anywhere are the optional WiFi hotspot preparation (available in Tech Pack), which equips the BMW X2 to host a built-in WiFi hotspot with LTE speeds, and the optional telephony with wireless charging (available in Tech Pack) for compatible smartphones. Apple CarPlay® (available retrospectively from the BMW ConnectedDrive Store), meanwhile, enables easy, wireless in-car use of selected iPhone functions.

Not only does the BMW X2 offer drivers a wide selection of driver assistance systems, it also comes with highly advanced technologies.

Standard rear Park Distance Control and the rear-view camera (within Vision Pack), whose images are transferred onto the Control Display, make precise and comfortable manoeuvring that much easier. The optional Park Assist (also within Driver Pack) also helps the driver to find and make use of parallel parking spaces.

Based on M Sport X model. Adds Brooklyn Grey exterior body colour, unique 19-inch bi-colour alloy wheels with black accents and exterior cladding in Frozen Black-Brown. Seven engine variants priced from £34,510 RRP with first customer deliveries in March 2021.