Swing and a miss
FOR Pleasing interior, connectivity, technology AGAINST Ugly, ho-hum dynamics aren’t very BMW
THE iX2 IS UNPRETTY. BWM SAYS THE UPRIGHT grille and flowing coupe roofline are signatures of its sport activity cars, but the net result looks a bit off. It’s slippery though, touting a drag coefficient of 0.25. In xDrive 30 form, the iX2 has a dual motor setup that’s good for 311bhp (with a temporary boost function) and 364lb ft of torque. BMW claims power consumption of 3.5 miles per kWh, and it uses its fifth generation tech, the battery positioned under the floor.
Interestingly, the iX2 is better to drive than its disappointingly inert combustion sibling, despite weighing more. It gains an additional shear panel in its front end, while the battery’s housing is designed to be a load-bearing component. There’s also a brace between the front suspension’s strut towers which increases overall torsional rigidity and sharpens turn-in. It’s unlikely you’ll drive it everywhere on its (flush) doorhandles, but it’s tidy enough.
Inside, BMW’s excellent Curved Display arrives in the X2, aided and abetted by the Quick Select rapid-tech functionality that floats the most frequently used stuff to the top. It’s endlessly configurable but easy to use.