The first-generation BMW X2 wasn't the roaring success that the German marque may have hoped for, at least in the USA. Before it was discontinued, its sales lagged behind every other BMW SUV and sedan in this country, and while BMW could have given it a substantial facelift like the larger X3, it has focused on an all-new X2 instead.
The second-generation X2 trades the awkward hatchback vibes of the first model for a coupe-style SUV body and the much larger dimensions benefit spaciousness. Available in both xDrive28i and M35i xDrive flavors, it will make up to 312 horsepower in the latter case. BMW Operating System 9 headlines the advanced interior, which comes jam-packed with digital technologies that change the way drivers will interact with this SUV. By moving away from the unorthodox first-gen model, can the new X2 make more of an impact on the sales charts than before?
When Is The BMW X2 Coming Out?
USA dealerships will welcome the new BMW X2 in March 2024, so its release date is roughly six months after its reveal. Two xDrive models - xDrive28i and M35i xDrive - will be available at launch. It's unclear if a front-wheel-drive model will be available at a later stage.
2024 BMW X2 Price And Competition
The price of the 2024 BMW X2 is more or less as we expected it would be, with a starting MSRP of $42,000 for the base xDrive28i, excluding a $995 destination and handling fee. The quicker and more powerful M35i is more expensive, breaching the $50k with a cost of $51,400 in the USA before options.
Rivals will include the Audi Q3, which begins at $37,000, and the Volvo XC40, starting at just over $40k. Regarding body style, the Q3 Sportback sold in other markets would be an even more direct X2 rival.
New BMW X2 Exterior And Colors
The first-generation X2 was a bit of an oddball. It didn't follow the coupe-style profile of the larger X4 and X6 but instead looked more like a raised hatchback. The exterior design of the new BMW X2 shows that it has changed quite dramatically. Essentially, it's a shrunken X4 but with the headlights and grille that have more in common with the new X1.
The kidney grille forms a shape that has an almost hexagonal contour, and there are newly designed twin headlights. As with larger BMW SUVs, the grille can be optionally illuminated. The new LED headlights extend into the wheel arches, and two vertical LED units with a slight arrow shape form the new daytime driving lights and turn signals. M Shadowline headlights are available optionally.
Along the side, the X2's coupe-like roofline - and a windscreen far more heavily raked than the one on the X1 - give it a sportier air. Door handles are integrated flush with the body, while there is yet another take on the classic Hofmeister kink. The flared wheel arches frame 19-inch alloys on the xDrive28i, while the M35i has 20-inch M wheels. The M Sport Package for the base trim adds 19-inch M light-alloy wheels, large side air intakes, M-specific side skirts, and M high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim. Even larger 20- or 21-inch wheels are available, too.
Both models can be specified with the M Sport Professional Package, adding black mirror caps, M Sport brakes with red calipers, M Shadowline headlights, a rear spoiler, and more darkened elements to the xDrive28i. The same package on the M35i offers a choice of red or blue M Sport brake calipers.
At the back, the 2024 X2 features light units divided into two sections. Like the arrow-shaped design from the headlights, the LED rear lights and turn signal indicators have a similar shape. A Gurney-style spoiler creates more downforce over the rear axle. On the M35i, a quartet of tailpipes differentiates this model from the xDrive28i.
Two solid and 11 metallic exterior colors are available for the new BMW X2 SUV. For the M35i, there is one solid color and nine metallics. Vegas Red metallic is new, and two Frozen shades from the BMW Individual palette will round out the palette.
BMW X2 Dimensions
A substantial growth spurt occurred for the new BMW X2, with enlarged dimensions over its predecessor; it's a full 7.6 inches longer. At 179.8 inches in length, the body is even longer (by 2.6 inches) over the X1. By comparison, the wheelbase is only 0.9 inches longer at 106 inches, while width is up by 0.8 inches to 72.6.
Furthermore, broadened tracks and larger-diameter wheels give it a sportier stance than the old model. At 62.5 inches, the new X2's height is up by 2.5 inches.
With its larger body, it is no surprise that the new X2 weighs more. It starts at 3,803 pounds for the xDrive28i, increasing to 3,840 lbs for the M35i.
BMW X2 Engine And Performance
The engine in the BMW X2 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit powering both models. It produces 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque in the xDrive28i and 312 hp with the same torque peak for the M35i. In the xDrive28i, the revised engine uses the Miller combustion cycle and has new combustion chamber geometry, among other changes. For the M35i, there is a stronger crankshaft and optimized oil supply system.
Both models have a seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. Improvements for the transmission include shifting into Park automatically when the engine is switched off and the automatic activation of the electric parking brake when parking on a slope. Only the M35i has standard gearshift paddles, which are available on the xDrive28i for a fee. When the M Sport Package is equipped, the left-hand paddle activates the Sport Boost function for more urgent mid-range sprints.
Both trims have all-wheel drive, with no FWD model confirmed yet. Performance is spirited, and the base model can dispatch the 0-60 mph sprint in 6.2 seconds, going on to a top speed of 149 mph on performance tires. The M35i completes the benchmark sprint in 5.2 seconds and can hit 155 mph when properly equipped.
An adaptive M suspension is standard on the M35i and optional on the base model. BMW claims better agility and improved long-distance comfort for the latest X2. Steering is uncorrupted by torque steer, and all components of the single-joint sprint strut front axle have been almost entirely redeveloped. The new extra, lift-related damping with an additional damper sleeve on the front axle contributes to a smoother ride.
Unique to this segment is near-actuator wheel slip limitation that enables corrective inputs to be applied up to ten times faster than for normal systems. It improves traction on slippery surfaces, ensures cornering stability, and helps with straight-line composure.
The extent of the changes suggests that the X2 will be one of the most enjoyable small SUVs to drive.
For more relaxed motoring, the X2 comes with the latest driver-assistance systems. Existing features have been improved, too, such as forward collision mitigation that can alert the driver of pedestrians and cyclists who are parallel to the road and approach the X2 either from the front or rear when turning right. Active blind-spot detection is now standard, and the Driving Assistant Professional with radar-based technology is available on the X2 for the first time.
Gas Mileage
BMW claims that efficiency has improved, although EPA specs aren't available. The new BMW X2 should match the X1 xDrive28i's EPA-rated 25/34/28 mpg city/highway/combined. The X1 M35i, meanwhile, returns 23/31/26 mpg.
With a 14.3-gallon gas tank, the base X2 should be able to cover around 400 miles between refills. Assuming the same consumption as the X1, the X2 M35i will manage about 372 miles on a full tank.
BMW X2 Interior And Cargo
A more stylish layout and a big technological boost can be seen inside the new BMW X2's interior. The dashboard is dominated by the standard BMW Curved Display with its 10.25-inch gauge cluster and 10.7-inch control display. These screens are merged into a single panel behind a glass surface.
The latest Operating System 9 features QuickSelect, a new interface designed to make it easier to access and change key vehicle functions. Using this, a quick tap can get you to exactly where you need to be without getting lost in a series of busy sub-menus. The climate control menu, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto also have quick-access icons. Developed in-house by BMW, Operating System 9 is based on an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack for the first time, allowing BMW to offer more digital content and shorter update cycles.
To access a wide array of in-car gaming, plus audio and digital content, customers can optionally add the BMW Digital Premium product. Several gaming titles are available in collaboration with AirConsole, to be enjoyed when you aren't driving and the vehicle is parked. Your smartphone acts as the vehicle controller - all you need to do is link your phone to the infotainment screen using a QR code. To enable this new generation of gaming and streaming services, the X2 is available with a personal eSIM and 5G connectivity.
Delving deeper into the tech fest that is the X2, customers can make use of My Modes for tailoring the vehicle to suit their preferences and needs. Personal, Sport, and Efficient modes are standard, but the optional BMW Digital Premium adds Expressive, Relax, and Digital Art modes, too. Also, through BMW Digital Premium, customers can choose from multiple lighting sequences or automated routines. As an example of a routine, the driver's window can automatically open when entering a car park, making it easier to verify your access card.
A more skilled BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is available and can easily understand verbal instructions to, for example, adjust the climate control system. The BMW Digital Key Plus takes the stress out of locking/unlocking the vehicle, and there is a new interior camera for taking pictures. Hopefully, the personal assistant can help drivers coming from an older model make sense of the bewildering array of digital functions now available.
The seats in the BMW X2 provide more comfort than before, thanks to more generous interior volume. Shoulder and elbow room are increased in each row, while knee room in the back seat is up by an inch. Standard Veganza upholstery is an animal-free, perforated alternative to leather, and it comes in colors like black, Mocha, Oyster, red/black, and Atlas Grey/Smoke White. With the M Sport Package, the X2 gains Veganza/Alcantara sport seats in black. These seats are jazzed up with blue contrast stitching.
The more upscale interior environment can be further improved with the available Panorama Skyroof. At 28 inches in length and 27.6 inches in width, it floods the cabin in natural light, but an electric roller blind can easily provide shading at the touch of a button.
With its much longer body, the cargo space in the BMW X2 has appreciably improved. At 25.3 cubic feet behind the second row, the trunk is almost identical in size to the one in the X1 (25.7 cu-ft). With the 40:20:40 rear seats folded, the total cargo capacity reaches 51.7 cu-ft.