Newly Designed 2024 BMW X2 & All-electric iX2 Unveiled

The 2024 BMW X2 has received the full SUV-Coupe design treatment to reflect the styling of the X4 and X6. Oh, and they have a fully electric model now too.

The initial release of the BMW X2 took place in 2018, introducing a sportier and more visually striking counterpart to the contemporary X1 small SUV.

It shared its foundation with the X1, but the new second-generation X2 has now undergone a comprehensive coupe-SUV transformation. This transformation includes a markedly sloping roofline and assertive aesthetics that unmistakably tie it to BMW's larger X4 and X6 coupe SUVs.

The most immediate competitor for the X2 is the ageing Audi Q3 Sportback, although the market offers a multitude of small premium SUVs to contend with. Among these rivals are the sporty CUPRA Formentor and the Jaguar E-Pace, while the Range Rover Evoque and Mercedes GLA, both having received facelifts in the past year, exude considerable curb appeal.

Our reigning Small Premium SUV of the Year is the third-generation BMW X1, which serves as the foundation for the new X2. For potential buyers contemplating their choice, it may very well be the X2's striking aesthetics that sway them.

It's far from understated, boasting oversized BMW kidney grilles dominating the front end, flanked by equally substantial LED headlights that extend into the flared wheel arches. For those who wish to accentuate this distinct design feature, there's even an option to add an illuminated grille. The side profile is characterised by a roofline that dramatically slopes towards the somewhat blunt rear end.

The new X2, at 4,554mm in length, is 194mm longer than its predecessor, with a wheelbase extended to 2,692mm. The car also measures 1,845mm in width and stands at a height of 1,590mm.

In the UK, the X1 offers a range of petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid engines, but the X2 is available with just two petrol engine choices. The lineup starts with the mild-hybrid sDrive20i, powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and a small electric motor.

Together, they generate 168bhp and 280Nm of torque, providing acceleration from 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds. CO2 emissions range from 136g/km to 148g/km, with BMW claiming an average of 43.5-47.1mpg on the WLTP combined test cycle.

For those seeking high performance, the X2 M35i xDrive replaces the three-cylinder with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 296bhp and 400Nm of torque.

Both engines are mated to a seven-speed Steptronic transmission, but the M35i includes BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system, propelling it from 0 to 62mph in 5.4 seconds. Top speed also increases from 132mph to 155mph, while CO2 emissions and fuel consumption rise to 174-181g/km and 35.3-36.7mpg, respectively.

There's also an all-electric variant aptly named the iX2 xDrive30. It boasts all-wheel drive, thanks to an electric motor on each axle, producing a combined output of 309bhp and 494Nm of torque. The iX2 can accelerate to 62mph in 5.6 seconds and has a capped top speed of 112mph.

Powering the iX2 is a 64.8kWh battery, providing a range of up to 279 miles, and with a maximum charging speed of 130kW, a 10 to 80% charge from a fast DC rapid charger takes just 29 minutes.

Inside, the cabin features a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.7-inch central touchscreen housed beneath a single curved glass surface, a design that enhances driver-focused interaction. Both screens run BMW's latest iDrive system, Operating System 9, which incorporates a new "QuickSelect" feature, allowing users to activate key functions with ease.

The cabin space has been enlarged, with an extra 25mm of rear knee room. Luggage capacity has also seen substantial gains, though the exact figures depend on the chosen powertrain.

The M35i offers a generous 560 litres of boot space, surpassing the original X2 by 90 litres and even outstripping the boxier BMW X1 by 20 litres. With the rear seats folded down, this figure expands to 1,470 litres, still 75 litres more than the equivalent X1.

The new BMW X2 is now available for order, with the X2 sDrive20i priced starting at £39,365. 

It comes in M Sport specification, equipped with adaptive M suspension, a sport steering wheel, LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, heated sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two-zone climate control, a powered tailgate, reversing camera, and a range of driver assistance systems.

The iX2 xDrive30 also comes in M Sport specification and carries a price tag of £56,540.

Optional extras are varied, including a panoramic glass sunroof, Harman Kardon sound system, Vernasca leather upholstery with unique diamond quilting, and two Frozen paint finishes from BMW Individual.

There will also be several option packs available, such as the M Sport Pro Pack, which bundles additional black exterior trim, a rear spoiler, and an upgraded braking system with red brake calipers, among other enhancements.

The M35i xDrive is priced at £47,395. This model features a larger, more powerful engine, 20-inch rims, and a more aggressive appearance with a new front bumper sporting large air intakes, prominent side skirt extensions, black M side mirrors, a rear spoiler, and a diffuser.

The M35i model also includes M-branded pedals and sill trim, an M leather steering wheel, and M-specific graphics on the displays.

The new BMW X2 and iX2 will be unveiled to the public at the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show in October this year, with UK deliveries commencing in March 2024.