X2 GOOD TO BE TRUE
TOTAL TRANSFORMATION OF BMW’s SUV MAY BE STYLISH… BUT IT COMES AT A COST
AT LAST BMW has done a proper job. The company launched the X2 in 2017 to jump on the then new SUV coupe niche by taking the X1 and giving it more sexy fastback styling.
Except it didn’t. To the casual eye the X2 looked very similar to the X1.
Now, however, we have a new generation of the X2 that is properly swoopy and stylish. The X2 doesn’t share a single exterior panel with the X1 – in fact, only the mirrors are common to both.
The coupe shares the same wheelbase but is 54mm longer, and for the first time also, the X2 is available with an electric powertrain.
Following BMW’s naming rules it is called the iX2.
There are four cars in the range: two ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) versions and two BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles). The former pair are the X2 sDrive 20i and the X2 xDrive M35i and the latter the iX2 eDrive 20 and the xDrive 30.
We’re concentrating on the electric version and are driving the xDrive 30. This has twin electric motors, one on each axle (xDrive means four-wheel drive in BMW speak) with a combined power output of 309bhp and 494Nm of torque.
Acceleration is an impressive 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds. That’s almost as fast as the petrol M35i, which is just as well, because the electric car is considerably more expensive than its petrol equivalent.
The iX2 xDrive 30 is an incredible £57,445 without options. We’ve become used to EVs costing plenty, but this is a serious amount of cash for a car that is simply a coupe version of BMW’s entry level SUV.
What’s more, the iX2 not only shares its platform with the X1, but also with several Minis including the new Countryman. With options added to our test car the price jumps to £64,674.
Both iX2s have the same 64.8kWh battery so it stands to reason that the faster car with twin electric motors is going to be more power hungry.
And so it is. The less powerful and cheaper (it costs £51,615) iX2 has a WLTP range of 283 miles whereas the hot variant has a range of 267 miles.
Step inside and you’ll see a topquality interior that’s the same as the X1’s. There’s a floating centre console that apes that fitted to the big iX but unfortunately you don’t get the rotary controller that’s fitted to that car and other big BMWs.
Still, the infotainment system is excellent and simple to use. To add class, Alcantara trim is standard and you can posh it up a bit more with optional leather.
There’s a price to pay for the swoopy styling and as you’d expect that is reflected in reduced rear headroom, of which there is 40mm less than in the boxier X1.
Legroom is the same though, which is good news.
The X2 is longer than the X1. This has allowed the former’s boot to be bigger and as a result it holds 525 litres, which is 35 litres more than the X1’s luggage area.
A caveat is that the lip is higher and the opening a bit smaller so although the X1 holds less, it’s easier to load.
The iX2 feels quick, rides well (particularly at speed) and is relaxingly quiet on motorways.
There’s loads of grip and the handling is sure-footed.
You’re going to buy this car if you are drawn in by its looks. And if you’re a poor judge of value in a car.