BMW X2 Review 2026

BMW’s approach to its SUV range has followed the same path for some time: the odd-numbered X models tend to have a more practical focus than the sleeker, coupe-like even-numbered iterations. But how does the smallest of the latter type stack up against the best-in-class? Find out with our comprehensive BMW X2 review.

Just as with the first-generation BMW X2, the latest incarnation is essentially a slinkier-looking take on the more family friendly BMW X1. This time around the X2’s design is more divisive, ensuring there’s a far greater chance of it being noticed.

It’s not a car for shrinking violets, clearly, but being a more distinctive shape means there’s a greater chance of it standing out, an important factor in this area of the market.

THE Most immediate of the BMW X2’s rivals is the Audi Q3 Sportback. Interestingly, given that the three big German brands normally copy each others’ homework, there’s no direct alternative from Mercedes, although its GLA range comes closest.

A close cousin of the Audi’s is the Cupra Formentor, which ably demonstrates that sportier styling and a high-rise driving position can be well-integrated without looking unnecessarily contrived.

Far less common a sight than it once was, the Range Rover Evoque could also be considered an X2 alternative if one considers it a rakish take on the Land Rover Discovery Sport. Next to the BMW, the Range Rover nevertheless appears rather perpendicular.

It’s not hard to tell the new BMW X2 from its predecessor, especially from the side where its rear end is far more sloping in shape this time around. It’s certainly not short of presence, particularly in sporty M35i guise, but whether it hits the spot is probably a matter of personal taste.

On a more practical note, the BMW X2 is now over 50mm longer than the X1, which means more space in the rear seats as well as almost 100 extra litres of boot capacity over the old model. Taller adults may struggle with headroom in the rear, so there is still a price to pay for choosing it over the more sensible X1.

The BMW X2’s engine range is limited to just two options, with the sDrive20i producing 170PS from its 1.5-litre petrol engine, while the M35i xDrive has a sizeable 300PS from its 2.0-litre petrol, with the additional benefit of all-wheel drive. Both engines are paired with seven-speed automatic gearboxes.

For those who want a fully electric SUV there's the standalone BMW iX2 range, which we’ll review separately.

The BMW X2 delivers a fun driving experience, with adaptive suspension as standard. Responsive steering and high levels of grip also play their part. The downside is that the ride quality, particularly on the M35i version, is too firm to appeal broadly.

SUV buyers looking for a compact model that makes a strong style statement will find plenty to like in the BMW X2, but as with the larger X4 and X6 models, the coupe-inspired design comes at a price, both practically and financially.

BMW’s reputation as a manufacturer of cars for driving enthusiasts is well deserved: even the original X5 of many, many years ago was far more fun than a car of that size and weight had any right to be.

The BMW X2 is a good deal smaller than that, of course, and although it has a taller body and higher ride height than a 1 Series hatchback, it does a good job of restricting body roll when cornering, making it feel capable and composed. And that's with the standard adaptive suspension in one of its more comfort-focused modes: select one of the sportier ones, and the body control becomes even crisper.

The steering helps, too, because it's responsive and well-weighted, giving the driver confidence and keeping them informed of what the front wheels are up to.

The downside to this sharpness is that the ride quality is compromised as a result. The sDrive20i is better in this respect, and should just about be comfortable enough for drivers more interested in the X2's sharp looks than its sporty handling, but plenty of rivals are more forgiving.

Things are more severe in the M35i xDrive, which wears 20-inch wheels as standard that pick up more imperfections on smoother roads, while rougher stretches can become borderline uncomfortable. Don’t be tempted to opt for the larger 21-inch rims, or it’ll become worse still.\

So far, the BMW X2’s engine range is restricted to just two petrol options: provided you ignore the all-electric BMW iX2 that we've reviewed separately, that is.

Entry-point for the range is the sDrive20i, which with some sleight-of-hand badging, is actually a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine. It produces 170PS and sends all of its power to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It delivers good acceleration when required, as evidenced by an 8.3-second 0-62mph time. The engine is nice and flexible when not being worked to its limits, too, and the level of performance on offer will be more than adequate for the majority of drivers.

At the other end of the scale is the M35i xDrive, producing 300PS from its 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and sending drive to all four wheels via the same kind of gearbox. It will reach 155mph where inclination and legalities permit, but more impressive is its 5.4-second 0-62mph time.

There’s never a shortage of power available, with the dual-clutch seven speed gearbox delivering rapid and seamless shifts, as well as the option for the driver to choose the shift points themselves.

It also features a switchable driving mode, which uses a sound generator to boost the engine note through the speakers. For most buyers, though, the standard exhaust note will sound better.

Euro NCAP crash-tested the BMW X2 in 2024 and awarded it a full five-star rating.

It achieved strong scores of 85% for adult occupant protection and 88% for child occupant protection. While a score of 76% for pedestrian mitigation is a little lacklustre, the score of 92% for safety assist is highly impressive.

The BMW X2 sDrive20i has a braked towing weight of 1,800kg, which is good for a car of this size.

However BMW do not quote a towing capacity for the X2 M35i xDrive, despite it having more torque and the bonus of four driven wheels.

Choosing the BMW X2 over the more sensible X1 alternative suggests the buyer is happy to sacrifice some practicality in the name of style, but overall the car still makes good use of its footprint and tall body.

The driving position is raised compared with that of a conventional hatchback, but it doesn’t offer the commanding view you might expect from an SUV. It’s easy to get comfortable with plenty of adjustment in the seats and steering wheel position. Head-, elbow- and legroom for the front-seat occupants are all good, so even those over six feet in height should feel at home.

In the rear it’s a similar story, although the middle-seat occupant inevitably has to live with a narrower seat as well as less legroom. The tapered roofline of the X2 means less rear headroom compared to the X1, meaning taller teens and adults will find it less than ideal back there, but everyone else should be fine.

The boot offers a generous 515 litres of space in 20i form or 560 litres in M35i form due to the fact there's no mild hybrid battery to accomodate. The generous space is amplified by a sensible shape to the load area. With the rear bench folds over to create even more cargo space.

The interior of the BMW X2 is finished to a high standard, with attractive materials used throughout and a reassuring solidity to the controls.

Although there’s still plenty of plastic in the cabin, for the most part it feels good to the touch and well constructed, so it should stand up to the rigours of family life.

The X2 is certainly one of the plusher-feeling cars in the class, and is a match for the Audi Q3 Sportback.

All versions of the BMW X2 come with a 10.7-inch central infotainment screen as well as a 10.25-inch digital instrument display as standard. Features such as Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also part of the package, while M35i xDrive models get a Harman-Kardon audio system.

The central screen and digital instrument display are effectively sat behind the same piece of glass, which looks smart and also doesn’t intrude on the driver’s view out. The system itself is slick, with good response times, smart graphics and plenty of features, including access to an app store so you can add additional features.

The biggest grumble about the system is that the climate controls are only accessible through the touchscreen — unless you use voice commands — but there is at least a physical control for the audio volume.

Prices for the BMW X2 start at around £44,000 for the sDrive20i in M Sport trim, while the X2 M35i xDrive costs around £54,000. Of course, that's before you add any of the plentiful optional extras and packs that BMW offers, and these can quickly inflate the price.

It's not a cheap car, then, but importantly, it is reasonably competitive on price compared with direct rivals.

Of course, browsing the used car market is a good way to save yourself some cash, and quite a lot of it as it happens. Around £34,000 will put you in a 2024 20i M Sport with around 5,000 miles on the dial, which is a massive reduction given relatively light use previously. The cheapest M35i we've seen comes in at around £42,000 with a similar mileage.

Of the two models in the range, the BMW X2 sDrive20i should be considerably cheaper to run than the M35i  xDrive.

With a official WLTP Combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 44.8-48.7mpg depending on equipment, a real-world 35mpg should be achievable without much difficulty. Emissions range from 131-143g/km of CO2.

Courtesy of having almost twice the power as well as two extra driven wheels, the M35i xDrive’s official economy figures take a serious dent, with a WLTP Combined claim of 34.4-36.7mpg. Similarly, CO2 emissions are notably higher, ranging from 174-187g/km depending upon the car’s final specification.

Insurance costs should also be reasonable for the sDrive20i version in Group 25, jumping to Group 34 for the M35i.

All models cost more than £40,000 brand new, meaning that all will be liable for the 'luxury car surcharge' on VED road tax. So, on top of the regular flat rate of £195 per year, you pay an additional £425 annually between years two and six of the car's life.

The X2 is intended as a sporty offering, and as such, BMW only offers it in M Sport trim. Well, at least it does for the mainstream sDrive20i version. The M35i version comes in its own bespoke, standalone form, which comprises the car's spec level as well as the powertrain.

Standard kit on BMW X2 M Sport models includes:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• automatic headlights and wipers
• electrically folding door mirrors
• dynamic brake light that glow brighter when the pedal force is increased
• automatic tailgate
• adaptive suspension
• LED ambient lighting
• climate control
• Alcantara faux-suede upholstery
• heated front seats
• leather steering wheel
• cruise control with speed limiter
• 10.25-inch instrument cluster
• 10.7-inch multimedia display
• smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• DAB radio
• two 12V power sockets
• a pair of USB-C ports

As well as the punchier engine and four-wheel drive, the BMW X2 M35i adds:

• illuminated front grille
• beefier M model-specific bodykit
• uprated M Sport brakes with blue callipers
• Harman-Kardon audio system