BMW X2 (2018 – 2023) Review

The BMW X2 is the starting point in the German company’s SUV-coupe range, positioned beneath the larger BMW X4 and BMW X6 models. BMW has stuck to the same formula, however, taking the regular BMW X1 SUV and giving it a funkier look. The BMW X2 is not short on rivals, with a host of credible alternatives including the Volvo XC40 and the A-Class-based Mercedes-Benz GLA. Read on for our full BMW X2 review.

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 has a swooping roofline that transforms the car’s rear end. As a result, it appears more like an upsized hatchback – a jacked-up version of the BMW 1 Series.

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 set-up 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, the BMW X2 is now offered with a solely petrol engine range. This stretches from the economical 1.5-litre sDrive18i through to the high-performance M35i with its 306PS 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 223PS, 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. 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 an SUV 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 (410 litres in the hybrid model), 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 just shy of £35,000 at the time of writing. This sets a high bar, given the age of this car. That the impressive Volvo XC40 is priced almost head-on doesn’t help the BMW's case, 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 it drives, you are unlikely to be disappointed.

Fancy a second opinion? Check out heycar's BMW X2 review.

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

Its steering is neatly weighted and delivers a pleasing amount of precision, while 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 is standard, 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 set-up, 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 223PS, 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% 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 2000kg.

Whereas the BMW X1 is all about practicality, the BMW X2 focuses on style. The result is a compact SUV coupe 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 lots of space for adults, with the standard sports seats offering plenty of adjustment so you can get comfortable.

The 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.

With the hybrid model, its EV gubbins mean space for luggage is reduced to 410 litres in normal use and 1290 litres with the back seats tilted down flat.

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 BMW X1 SUV that was launched back in 2015.

BMW has added extra flourishes to differentiate the sportier BMW X2 from the regular BMW X1, but it’s ultimately the same basic layout.

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

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 set-up 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.

At the time of writing, buying a new BMW X2 requires close to £35,000, making it relatively expensive for a compact SUV-coupe.

For comparison, a new Volvo XC40 starts from around £36,000, although the BMW X2 is cheaper than the Jaguar E-Pace, which is in the region of £43,000.

Where the X2 struggles to justify itself is against the equivalent BMW X1. The brand-new X1 is priced around £500 less and offers a more advanced interior and extra practicality.

Picking the performance-focused 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 BMW 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%. By contrast, the regular petrol BMW X2 models have Benefit-in-Kind ratings of up to 37%.

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.

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

BMW did previously offer the BMW 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, 19-inch alloy wheels and automatically dimming side mirrors. BMW also adds front and rear parking sensors as standard.

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 seatbelts and a black headlining.

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