bmw | bmw x2 | car reviews | crossovers
BMW’s X2 coupe SUV has sleek new exterior and a fantastic interior design. We spent a week getting to know the latest version of the German crossover, which handles like a car and offers an array of slick technologies for safety and convenience. Behind the X2’s dark finish kidney grille, you’ll find a 2.0L turbo-4 engine with plenty of power on tap.
The X2 xDrive28i and its M35i brother are based on the BMW B48 engine, with the M35i tuned for greater performance with a reinforced crankshaft and a larger turbocharger. The less expensive model we drove outputs 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque, while the M35i model sees a horsepower increase to 312 with the same torque output. Connected to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the all-wheel drive xDrive28i zooms from 0-to-60 mph in about 6 seconds, while the M35I does the same in 5.2 seconds. We found the base engine had plenty of get-up-and-go, especially in Sport mode. We spent most of our time in that mode because it’s the easiest way to turn off the annoying engine eco start/stop feature, which is incredibly aggressive in this vehicle. There’s also a Speed Boost setting which is activated by holding the left paddle shifter – this provides a little extra oomph for 10 seconds by holding a lower gear for longer than usual.
The X2’s coupe-like profile has a decidedly more streamlined and aerodynamic look than the BMW X1, which has a more traditional SUV profile. The upside is a sportier overall design with a small trade-off in rear-seat headroom and cargo space. The X2 wins in our book when it comes to appearance. Equipped with the M Sport package, it rolls on 19-inch alloy rims wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, which provide excellent grip in temperatures down to about 40º F. You’ll want to pick up a set of winter tires if you live somewhere it snows regularly. The adaptive M Sport suspension firms up nicely in Sport mode and provides a good connection to the road without feeling harsh. In that mode, the electric power steering has a nice amount of weight and a responsive feel.
We love what BMW is doing with its interior design lately. Their design team has mastered the art of texture, with highlights including an embossed diamond pattern across the middle of the dashboard and doors and a tactile finish across the lower portion of the dash that reminds us of a golf ball if it was made out of metal. We also enjoyed driving with the thickly cushioned M Sport steering wheel, though those with smaller hands might have a different opinion. Thanks to its shift-by-wire transmission, the X2 has an elegant, modern floating center console with a large storage shelf below.
A pair of widescreen displays is integrated into a single, subtly-curved unit that sits atop the dashboard. The left side digital instrument panel provides speed, power, fuel, time, and other vehicle information, and features a slick interface design that leverages the angled chevron design instead of more conventional round gauges. It’s a really effective design and stands out from the crowd. The right side touchscreen provides access to the BMW multimedia system, which is as responsive and full-featured as any system we’ve tested. It has a built-in navigation system as well as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities. Oddly, our iPhone started to overheat and disconnect sporadically when connected wirelessly on a hot summer day, but when we connected it via USB, its temperature came back to normal.
The floating center console provides access to a modern gearshift toggle lever, the engine stop/start button, drive mode selection, parking system activation, and audio controls. The lower level has a pair of cupholders, an upright wireless charging bay, and a pair of USB-C charging ports.
BMW loads the X2 with safety and convenience tech, including some of the best parking cameras and assist features we’ve encountered. The rear-facing and top-down cameras are crisp and bright, so you can see every detail, and the screen displays steering angle, vehicle outlines, and distance-to-object markers. A backup assist feature helps you maneuver out of parking spaces by controlling the steering while you focus on applying the gas and brake. It automatically decides the best line for exiting a space, but you can override it and draw your own path. The X2 also has lane departure warning, active blind spot detection, front collision warning, and city collision mitigation features. The optional Driving Assistance Pro package adds adaptive cruise control, active lane assist with side collision avoidance, and traffic jam assist features. The adaptive cruise system works quite well, maintaining a safe distance in varying traffic conditions.
The design of the M Sport synthetic leather sport seats is crisp, and the seats are nice and supportive. As a wider person, though, the seat cushion bolstering can feel tight and confining. The seats have unique chevron stitching that echos the chevron design elements found throughout the X2 and other current BMW models. The steering wheel and front seats are heated, but ventilation isn’t available, unfortunately. A single-pane panoramic glass roof floats overhead, surrounded by a smooth Anthracite headliner.
Here’s a closer look at some of the exquisite texture and materials design, including one of the etched metal speaker grilles from the high-end Harman Kardon audio system that comes with the X2’s Premium package. This system envelops passengers with surround sound and offers a crisp, bright sound profile.
As a smaller 5-passenger SUV, the X2’s back seat is limited on kneeroom for taller passengers, especially if you’ve got taller people riding up front. The seatback design helps a bit with this. The headroom is also a bit tight due to the sloped roof design. If you need more space, you might want to consider the more upright BMW X1. Rear seat amenities include center console air vents and another pair of USB-C ports for charging phones and gadgets. The seats fold in a 40/20/40 configuration for cargo-handling versatility.
Speaking of cargo, there’s a good amount of space behind the rear seats. 25.3 cubic feet should be plenty for a week’s worth of luggage for five passengers. If you need to carry more oversized items, the cargo space maxes out at 51.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Cutouts and netting behind the wheel wells provide a good spot for things like milk bottles and other things you don’t want falling over. A power liftgate comes standard, too.
The BMW X2 has sharp, sporty styling outside and a beautifully executed cabin design. It’s quick as crossovers go and handles crisply and confidently. Its sloped roofline makes it more visually appealing than boxier SUVs, but you lose a little practicality in exchange for those sporty looks. The 2024 BMW X2 xDrive28i starts at $42,000. Our well-equipped test vehicle cost $52,745 after options and a $995 destination charge. The 2024 X2 M35i starts at $51,400.