BMW iX2 first drive | Eye-catching newcomer enters competitive segment

As BMW continues to expand its electric line-up, the iX2's arrival gives company car drivers a broader choice of models that demonstrate the impressive driveability and technology that the brand is famous for.

Overview

BMW has evolved the X2 quite significantly for 2024. The all-new second-generation model is bigger, more technologically advanced and available, for the first time, as an electric car.

Where the previous generation X2 sat very much in the shadow of the X1, as its smaller, less practical sibling, the new model is visually a much stronger relation.

It shares a familiar imposing front end, functional interior and powertrains, with the rear-end providing the major difference.

The X2 is coupe-SUV, with a swooping roofline that aligns it with BMW’s existing X4 and X6 models.

This review is centred on the electric iX2, which is offered with two powertrain options. There’s the single-motor eDrive20 and the twin-motor xDrive30, just like the iX1.

Pricing starts at £51,615, for the eDrive20, rising to £57,445 for the xDrive30, making the iX2 a competitor for the Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback, Genesis GV60, Polestar 2 and Volvo EC40. Only the M Sport trim level is available, currently.

Comfort and practicality

You might think that taking an iX1 and cutting a bit off the back is generally going to affect practicality, but it’s not quite that straightforward. The iX2 has a completely different body and is a little longer, meaning it is a spacious car - certainly more so than its predecessor.

Boot volume, measured to the top of the rear seats is actually larger than an iX1 at 525 litres vs 490 litres.

Interior space is also more generous than before, although there’s a little less headroom than in an iX1. For family car duties, the iX2 will fit the bill well.

With BMW’s exceptionally high level of build quality, the interior is befitting of the iX2’s premium price tag. It’s a comfortable and well design cabin with a good driving position, supportive seats and an impressive level of equipment.

Safety and technology

A giant panoramic screen dominates the iX2’s interior, providing all the instrumentation and infotainment functions on board. There are very few physical switches, with the touchscreen portion of the display used to command key functions and settings. Drivers can also use voice commands to instruct the system.

The fully connected, customisable and intuitive user interface is powered by BMW’s latest operating system. It incorporates high-resolution graphics and immediate responses. Touchscreen control is not as ideal as the rotary controller found in larger BMWs, however.

A new function available on the iX2 is an on-board gaming system that can be used by occupants while the car is parked or charging. Players can join in using their smartphones or a remote controller.

When it comes to driver assistance technology there’s a similar high-level of kit available. BMW has split the features across three option packages, beyond the standard fit autonomous emergency brake and lane departure warning system.

Driving Assistant includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and an exit alert system that warns passengers of oncoming vehicles when they’re opening a door.

To get adaptive cruise control you’ll have to specify Driving Assistant Plus, which also includes speed limit info display and a lane centring system.

The top-tier Driving Assistant Professional package has a more advanced lane keeping system, that works at higher speeds, it also can facilitate motorway lane changes by integrating with the cars sat-nav to ensure you don’t miss an exit.

All iX2s come with parking sensors, a reversing camera and parking assistant, the latter of which can assist the driver with parking manoeuvres. A 360-degree surround view camera is optionally available and includes a built-in dashcam feature.

Driveability and range

BMW’s electric powertrains never disappoint and the iX2 is equally as impressive as its iX1 counterpart.

The eDrive20 is likely to be the fleet choice, owing to its lower list price and longer range. You can expect around 230 miles from the cars 65kWh battery – the WLTP figure is 283 miles. Performance is adequate too, with 0-62mph taking 8.6 seconds.

Stepping up to the xDrive30 delivers a more thrilling experience. It’s a very rapid car, with effortless acceleration. The all-wheel-drive configuration delivers enhanced grip and more confidence in less grippy conditions, but it does come at the expense of range. In colder weather, our testing revealed a realistic range of about 200 miles. The official range is 267 miles.

The iX2 is meant to be a sportier and more driver focused vehicle, when compared to the iX1. It’s an enjoyable car to drive, especially in twin-motor guise. The steering is lighter than we’d expected, giving a more agile but less relaxed feel.

At higher speeds the iX2 is very refined with its sleeker body providing enhanced aerodynamics and less wind noise. Ride quality impressed too, even on out test car’s 20-inch wheels, the iX2 isolates occupants from the worst road surfaces.

Company car tax and running costs

The iX2 is priced keenly against its main pool of rivals with only the Polestar 2 offering a better value proposition. Some of the BMW's optional extras are pricey, however. It's easy to spend an extra £8,000 - £10,000 adding features that some other brands, like Hyundai and Kia, include as standard.

Compared to an iX1, like-for-like, the iX2 has slightly lower running costs despite a higher list price. Over  a typical four-year cycle the iX2 xDrive30 M Sport would cost a fleet 67p per mile.

Drivers can expect tax bills of around £19 per month, based on the car’s 2% benefit-in-kind rate.

Charging speeds

3-pin plug: 33.25 hours

7kW wallbox: 10.5 hours

11kW AC: 7 hours

22kW AC (optional): 3.5 hours

Rapid (128kW max): 30 mins (10%-80%)