The second-generation BMW X2 is quite a different car than the original, despite rolling on an updated version of its predecessor’s underpinnings.
Still based on the front-biased UKL architecture that serves as the bases for the 1 Series and X1, as well as the Mini range, the 2024 BMW X2 is more of a baby X4 than an overgrown 1er in its second iteration.
Gone is the crossover-hatch look, subbed in for a more coupe-like roofline that’s very in keeping with the larger X4 and X6 – the latter of which really kickstarted the whole coupe-SUV styling trend.
It has also grown significantly compared to its predecessor, with increases to overall length, height and wheelbase for improved passenger space as well as cargo volume. Now, it’s even bigger than the X1.
Another major change is the addition of an all-electric variant in the BMW iX2. We’re covering that in a separate review, though.
We recently attended the Australian media launch drive for almost the entire X2 and iX2 range, including the entry-level 2024 BMW X2 xDrive20i on test here.
Is the base grade the sweet spot of the lineup, or are you better off going electric with the iX2 or all-out on the M35i xDrive?
How much does the BMW X2 cost?
Pricing for the petrol-powered X2 starts from $75,900 plus on-road costs for the entry-level xDrive20i on test. It represents a $2500 premium over the equivalent BMW X1 xDrive20i M Sport.
2024 BMW X2 pricing:
- 2024 BMW X2 xDrive20i: $75,900
- 2024 BMW X2 M35i xDrive: $92,900
Prices exclude on-road costs
To see how the BMW X2 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool.
What is the BMW X2 like on the inside?
Just like an X1… mostly.
The X2 is effectively an X1 with a booty job, so the interior design is largely the same right down to most of the available upholsteries, trim inserts and colourways.
It’s a segment leader for perceived quality, tactility and practicality. The BMW Curved Display incorporates a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch curved touchscreen, both now running BMW’s latest Operating System 9.
Compared to OS8 from when the X1 and iX1 initially launched, iDrive 9.0 utilises the Android Open Source project for a more intuitive and smartphone-like experience, complete with an extended range of digital features and compatibility with third-party content integration via the Google Play store.
Key changes include the map-centric home screen with customisable widgets, meaning key information is always front and centre. You’ve also got a permanent home button situated at the base of the display in the centre rather than in the sidebar, and the permanent shortcuts for climate control remain.
Overseas model shown (iX2) 
As before, the 10.3-inch touchscreen is angled towards the driver and offers high resolution and snappy response. If you don’t want to fiddle around with touch inputs, you can call upon the “Hey BMW” intelligent assistant to perform various tasks for you.
There’s an integrated 5G eSIM which facilitates high-speed data transfer and connected services, including live traffic updates, access to streaming apps and a variety of other services. You also get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
It all works well and is an improvement over iDrive 8, though I’ll still note the Android-style app drawer menu and settings sub-menus are a little convoluted – quick access to some settings are buried further than they should be.
I’m still not quite sold on the layout of BMW’s take on a digital instrument cluster. Call me old fashioned, but while having new-age skins is cool for some, I like the option of more conventional power meters and speedo dials.
BMW used to make some of the clearest and most attractive analogue dials, so it’s a shame the company has basically thrown conventional gauges out the window in the digitised age. Audi is still the benchmark here.
One cool party trick, however, is the fact Apple CarPlay will project Maps into the cluster when in use, meaning unlike some older digital binnacles you don’t sacrifice mapping functionality by using third-party software. Props to BMW for this excellent integration.
You also get a nice clear head-up display projected onto the windscreen, which can show you more information than you probably need. As with the instrument cluster, it can be adjusted and configured with various layouts and widgets, which is neat.
Front seat comfort is good thanks to the standard electric seat adjustment in the xDrive20i, which is supplemented by memory presets and if you opt for the Enhancement Package ($4700) there’s also a massaging function. The front pews are heated, but not ventilated.
Overseas model shown
As with the X1 and iX1, storage is a strong point. There’s a cubby underneath the front-centre armrest, and the floating design of the centre console means there’s a larger cubby underneath for larger items.
Ahead of the console with its stubby shift-by-wire toggle selector are two larger cupholders, then an upright holder for your phone with a wireless charging pad.
Perhaps my favourite part of this design is not the fact the phone is upright and facing you in the correct orientation – not that you should be looking at your phone behind the wheel – but the fact there’s a little weighted harness that clips in and holds it firmly in place like a rollercoaster.
While our test vehicle wasn’t optioned with it, you can also tick a box for trim inlays with illuminated graphics for extended ambient lighting.
Overseas model shown
The X2’s second row perhaps isn’t as good as the X1’s largely due to the sloping roofline, but it’s certainly not as compromised as it might look from its swoopy exterior appearance.
Knee and leg room are all still good despite the underpinnings that have been designed to accommodate an EV battery. For someone like me at 6’1 with longer legs than torso however, it’s easily more comfortable back there than something like the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Otherwise it’s all standard X1/X2 fare. Directional air vents and USB-C power outlets are mounted at the rear of the centre console, there are map pockets behind the front seats as well as a fold-down centre armrest with cup holders.
Outboard ISOFIX and top-tether points across all three positions means the iX2 is equipped for carrying kids, and the fact BMW has shrunk the centre tunnel means you don’t have a huge protrusion into the centre of the footwell should you need to carry three across – though the roof-mounted centre seatbelt isn’t my favourite.
Overseas model shown (iX2) 
The X2 and iX2 come with a standard power tailgate, which opens to reveal a 560-litre boot area (X2) with the rear seats in place – around 35L more than the iX2.
Fold the 40:20:40 rear bench down and that opens up to 1470 litres. You won’t find a spare wheel under there – instead there’s a tyre repair kit.
What’s under the bonnet?
The 2024 BMW X2 xDrive20i features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and all-wheel drive.
| Model | BMW X2 xDrive20i |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo |
| Power | 150kW (5000-6500rpm) |
| Torque | 300Nm (1450-4500rpm) |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch |
| Driven wheels | All-wheel drive |
| 0-100km/h | 7.4 seconds |
| Weight | 1620kg (kerb) |
| Fuel economy (claim) | 7.5L/100km |
| Fuel economy (observed) | 9.4L/100km |
| Fuel tank size | 45 litres |
| Fuel requirement | 95 RON |
To see how the BMW X2 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool.
How does the BMW X2 drive?
While it may be billed as a ‘base’ model, the X2 xDrive20i still packs a punch.
A smallish crossover with 150kW and 300Nm is nothing to sneeze at. Keep in mind the Australian-market 20i’s powertrain is shared with the Mini Countryman S.
With a turbo’d petrol motor, a quick-shifting dual-clutch auto and the added traction of on-demand all-wheel drive, the X2 xDrive20i is pretty peppy and will offer more than enough go for most buyers.
It is smooth and refined in normal driving scenarios like putting around the ‘burbs, but it also gets a hustle on when you plant your right foot – it even makes an alright sound.
BMW’s 0-100km/h claim of 7.4 seconds seems accurate by the seat of the pants, particularly when in Sport mode. Having all 300Nm from 1450rpm to 4000rpm means it hits you in the back early and pulls hard through the rev range.
The standard M Sport Package in Australia also brings with it Adaptive M Suspension with M-specific steering, meaning local versions come out the box with the more focused running gear.
Having adaptive damping helps to offset the firmer M Sport setup and larger wheel-tyre package, and unlike some entry-level BMW M Sport products of years gone the X2 xDrive20i strikes a really good balance between comfort and driver enjoyment, and the adaptive chassis has distinct differences between modes.
It offers accurate and well-weighted controls that aren’t overtly sporty nor super vague, and the keen chassis means it’s a bit of fun to thread through city streets, as well as winding B-roads.
Refinement is pretty good too, even on the optional 20-inch wheels of our test car. There’s some tyre roar over coarser surfaces, but it’s far from the loudest in segment.
Much of our test route for the X2 xDrive20i were winding B-roads through the Tasmanian countryside, as well as some extended sections of dirt road. Regardless of the conditions, the X2 was impressive.
Grip on sealed and unsealed roads was very good, which inspires confidence when the conditions get a little rough. It’s also quite playful on the dirt, and you can feel the all-wheel drive system intuitively shuffling torque to where it’s needed.
On the black stuff I took the opportunity to flick the X2 into Sport and Manual modes to get the most out of the turbocharged drivetrain and dual-clutch auto. I really came away wondering if you really need to step up to the M35i xDrive version.
It’s got more than enough punch and there’s a nice subtle growl to the 2.0-litre engine when you’re giving it some. Part of the sound is augmented by the speakers, but it’s subtle enough to not sound too contrived.
As for the driving assistants, the full suite of features is fitted as standard to the X2 xDrive20i.
BMW’s Steering and Lane Control Assistant is one of the best semi-autonomous highway assists in the business, with intuitive and user-friendly operation as well as very accurately keeping the vehicle centred in its lane and a safe distance from the vehicle(s) ahead.
Blind-spot monitoring as well as front and rear cross-traffic warnings are all handy for navigating tight gaps in traffic as well as squishy city car parks, bolstered by the excellent standard surround camera system with 3D view.
It all feels quite complete, and might make you question whether the larger X4 xDrive20i is worth the extra $20,000 – which also has a less powerful 2.0-litre turbo and less standard equipment.
What do you get?
The X2 xDrive20i effectively mirrors the standard specification of the iX2 xDrive30.
X2 xDrive20i highlights:
- 19-inch M Sport alloy wheels
- Dual zone climate control
- Acoustic glazing
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Automatic tailgate
- BMW Iconic Glow illuminated grille
- BMW Live Cockpit Pro
- 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment
- Augmented Reality (AR) navigation
- BMW ConnectedDrive
- Comfort Access incl. Digital Key
- DAB radio
- Driving Assistant Professional
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Steering and Lane Control Assistant
- Electric front seat adjustment
- Head-up display
- Heated front seats
- Lights package, interior
- M Sport Package
- incl. Adaptive M Suspension
- incl. M steering
- M Sport leather steering wheel
- Mirror package
- Parking Assistant Plus
- BMW Drive Recorder
- Reversing Assistant
- Surround cameras incl. 3D view
- Personal eSIM (5G)
- Sensatec dashboard trim
- Sports seats
- Speed Limit Info
- Wireless phone charger
- Veganza upholstery
Options
Two main option packages are available for the BMW X2 xDrive20i.
Enhancement Package: $4700
- Metallic paint
- Panoramic glass sunroof
- 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio
- Heated steering wheel
- Front seat lumbar support
- Front seat massage function
M Sport package Pro: $4900
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- M Lights Shadow Line
- Red high-gloss M Sport brakes
- M seat belts
There are also a range of alloy wheel, interior upholstery and interior trim options.
Colours
A selection of colours are available for the BMW X2.
Overseas models shown
Standard: $NCO
- Alpine White
Metallic: $1800
- M Brooklyn Grey
- Skyscraper Grey
- Cape York Green
- Fire Red
- Black Sapphire
- M Portimao Blue
Matte: $5000
- Frozen Portimao Blue
- Frozen Pure Grey
Is the BMW X2 safe?
The new-generation BMW X2 and iX2 haven’t been crash-tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP yet.
BMW X1
For reference, petrol-powered versions of the related BMW X1 are covered by a 2022-stamped five-star ANCAP and Euro NCAP rating.
This rating is based on category scores of 86 per cent for adult occupant protection, 88 per cent for child occupant protection, 76 per cent for vulnerable road user protection, and 94 per cent for safety assist.
Standard safety equipment includes (iX2 sDrive20):
- Driving Assistant Plus
- Adaptive cruice control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Exit warning
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keep assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Speed Limit Info
- Parking Assistant Plus
- BMW Drive Recorder
- Reversing Assistant
- Surround cameras incl. 3D view
iX2 xDrive30 + X2 xDrive20i add:
- Driving Assistant Professional
- Front cross-traffic alert
- Steering and Lane Control Assistant
How much does the BMW X2 cost to run?
BMW Australia covers its lineup with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
The company offers upfront Service Inclusive packages, which covers the first five years or 80,000 kilometres for combustion-engined models. Pricing for the X2 lists for $2500 – or $500 per year.
CarExpert’s Take on the BMW X2
I think if you’re sticking with petrol power, the base X2 is the one to get.
BMW’s Australian product planners have done an excellent job specifying this car to cover pretty much all the bases in its standard form, with room to add some niceties and personalisation if you so wish.
The drivetrain is impressive in both performance and refinement, and the cabin isn’t just well equipped but also nicely appointed. Like its X1 sibling, it’s arguably a benchmark in the segment for perceived quality.
It’s also just a massive step forward over the old model, which was very dated compared to BMW’s latest range of cars and SUVs and in general was just pretty unremarkable. The new one also kind of puts the larger X4 on notice, too.
That said, even the base X2 can get quite pricey if you start ticking option boxes – and there are still a few despite its fulsome standard spec. It’s also a shame that Australian X2s miss out on 48V mild hybridisation offered abroad.
At this point I believe the X2 is the pick of the compact coupe SUVs.
The Audi Q3 Sportback is starting to date a little in terms of cabin execution and drivetrain tech as we wait for a generational overhaul, and the all-electric Volvo C40 Recharge has a new-age drivetrain but lacks the spark the BMW offers.
Further, the new X2 is a substantially bigger car than before, making it a cut-price alternative to the aforementioned X4 as well as the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, both of which cost $20,000-$30,000 more in base specification.
And, while the pricier M35i xDrive may tempt you with its beefy outputs and quad-tipped exhaust, you can have most of what that offers in a well-optioned xDrive20i for substantially less. Otherwise, give the iX2 a go and step into the electrified world of motoring.
Click the images for the full gallery
MORE: Buy a BMW X2
MORE: Everything BMW X2
