2024 BMW X2 & iX2 EV review: International first drive

JUMP AHEAD

• Is the 2024 BMW X2 critical?
• What does the 2024 BMW X2 and iX2 range look like?
• How does it drive?
• Is it worth waiting for the 2024 BMW X2?

Is the 2024 BMW X2 critical?

There’s a battle raging in the compact SUV realm and none more fierce than at the premium end of the spectrum where all the key players are vying for a bigger chunk of a growing audience.

But in a market where choice is king, more esoteric – or perhaps exclusive – coupe-profiled models are the hottest property.

In recent testing, BMW’s new-generation X1 has proved itself as a force to be reckoned with, bowling over consistently impressive contenders such as the pervasive favourite Volvo XC40 while keeping confident newcomers such as the Alfa Romeo Tonale firmly in their place as proteges yet to come to the front.

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Now though, the Munich brand has reinforced its compact SUV offering – or SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) as it prefers – with the sportier sibling arriving in two distinct forms.

While the X2 introduces a high-performance option with all-wheel drive and a potent petrol powertrain, the iX2 delivers the same aesthetic and proportions but with pure electric propulsion.

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What does the 2024 BMW X2 and iX2 range look like?

Australia will get two of each, with an entry X2 xDrive20i for $75,900 and single-motor iX2 eDrive20 costing $82,900 (both excluding on-road costs).

The pointy end of the range will be looked after by the iX2 xDrive30 ($85,700 (before on-road costs) and X2 M35i xDrive, which, from $92,900 before on-road costs is as sporty as it gets for now with a 2.0-litre turbo B48 four-cylinder engine coupled to all-wheel drive via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Unlike its European 221kW equivalent, Australian versions will get a hearty 233kW and 400Nm – enough for 0-100km/h in 5.4s.

Beamer geeks will notice that’s a full half-second slower than the previous version and will most likely also note the $14,100 price increase. So what’s the rub?

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For a start, the 2024 version now has BMW’s excellent Operating System 9.0 which introduces a beautiful 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster butted to an even larger central touchscreen under the same curved pane.

The latest BMW tech brings a host of alluring features such as smartphone access and engine start along with remote vehicle status, gaming and video streaming as well as a boost to driving assistance and safety tech.

Next, there’s the hardware included in the price. 21-inch wheels, adaptive M suspension and vast front brakes with four-piston calipers, while differentiating X2 from X1 is a comprehensive exterior and interior redesign.

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How does it drive?

The driving experience is refreshingly M with strong acceleration that feels almost as rapid as the predecessor, noticeably improved steering feel and feedback but no unnecessary added weight.

Added to that, the ride manages to be taut but compliant and there’s minimal road and wind noise, while the body control and resistance to roll encourage a good time at the wheel.

The cause of an occasional ride choppiness was hard to identify but possibly down to adaptive dampers struggling to cope with Portugal’s, at times, horrendous conditions.

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Even if acceleration is down a little, wonderfully fast throttle response and flat torque development are welcome consolation. That, and a great exhaust note which sounds mostly real.

Although wildly different in its method of delivering performance and dynamics, the iX2 xDrive30 is surprisingly similar in nature. Like its petrol compadre, the higher-spec electric version also has all-wheel drive thanks to two electric motors and a comparable 230kW/494Nm for classic electric shove with no fuss.

Traction is staggering despite some European winter blues, and lateral acceleration was correspondingly sticky with imperceptible trickery keeping all four wheels delivering maximum poke.

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While better than many EV rivals, the slightly foggy steering and bouncy ride were the only detractions from a vehicle that makes going fast feel effortless.

Despite some electron-torturing driving, our test car appeared capable of delivering close to the claimed range of 432km and we liked the carefully calibrated regenerative braking that adapts to terrain and even the behaviour of traffic ahead.

Our only gripe – common to petrol and electric versions – was at the outward view which is obscured by fat A-pillars in the forward direction and a skinny letterbox rearward view thanks to that coupe profile.

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Is it worth waiting for the 2024 BMW X2 and iX2?

On top of boosted tech levels and wholesome all-round performance, the pair also bring one more important element to justify a heftier price.

The new X2 is now larger in all directions including nearly 200mm added to the length. In fact, with an overall length of 4.55m, the X2 deserves to be regarded as borderline mid-size.

It results in more space everywhere including a boot that measures up to 560 litres for the X2 (90 litres more than previously) or 1470L with the seats folded as well as surprisingly accommodating space in the second row thanks to a scalloped roof liner.

A first taste of the entry pair will complete the picture when the full family arrives Down Under in Q2 2024 but the most potent versions of BMW’s second-generation X2 suggest this model has made a rapid transition into new levels of sophistication … and size.

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