Review - 2024 BMW X2

The updated BMW X2 lineup is effectively a coupe-styled compact SUV built on the updated X1 platform, offering some significant size and practicality bonuses over the previous X2 that make for a handy urban companion.

Its sleek looks matched with boatloads of technology and a choice of two turbocharged petrol engines, though the introduction has been accompanied by some significant price rises.

Let’s take a closer look at the BMW X2 to see how it stacks up as a premium compact SUV here in Australia.

BMW X2 Competition

Starting Price: $75,900

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How Much Does It Cost?

The BMW X2 range is priced from $75,900 for the entry-level X2 xDrive20i, while stepping up to the X2 M35i xDrive brings the price to $92,900.

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change and do not include on-road costs.

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BMW X2 (M35i) Specifications

What Features Does the BMW X2 Have?

The entry-level BMW X2 xDrive20i comes riding on a set of 19-inch alloy wheels and receives adaptive LED headlights, an illuminated front grille, adaptive M Sport suspension, keyless entry & start, dual-zone climate control, Veganza upholstery with a leather-wrapped M Sport steering wheel, heated and power-adjustable front seats, and an Anthracite headliner inside the cabin.

On the tech front, the X2 xDrive20i receives a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view monitor, parking assistant, a 10.7-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, BMW Operating System 9, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

Stepping up to the X2 M35i xDrive adds a set of 20-inch alloys, upgraded M Sport brakes finished in blue, M Sport styling enhancements for the front grille and mirror caps, four exhaust pipe outlets, Vernasca leather upholstery and an upgraded 12-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system.

BMW X2 Range Features:

• 19-inch alloys

• Adaptive LED headlights

• Illuminated front grille 

• Adaptive M Sport suspension 

• Veganza upholstery with leather-wrapped M Sport steering wheel 

• Adaptive cruise control 

• Head-up display 

• Parking assistant

• Surround-view monitor

• 10.7-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster 

• 20-inch alloys (M35i xDrive)

• M sport brakes (M35i xDrive)

• Vernasca leather upholstery (M35i xDrive)

• 12-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system (M35i xDrive)

Which is the Best Engine Option for the BMW X2?

BMW’s entry-level X2 xDrive20i comes powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that pushes out 150kW of power and 300Nm of torque to all four wheels via seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

This gives it a moderate power and torque premium over the outgoing entry-level X2, though adds a confidence-inspiring all-wheel drive system over the previous front-wheel-drive platform.

BMW says its entry-level X2 xDrive20i can sprint to 100km/h in a claimed 7.4 seconds, meaning it’s not a fire-breathing performer, though the healthy torque figures help to give you a push off the line or while overtaking.

Moving higher up the range to the X2 M35i xDrive utilises the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, though power jumps significantly up to 233kW while peak torque figures stand at a very impressive 400Nm.

The M35i xDrive picks up the same all-wheel drive layout and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that offers snappy shifts while racing through the gears.

BMW says that the M35i xDrive can hit 100km/h from a standstill in 5.4 seconds, making it by far the most potent of the pair and putting the X2 well into sports car territory with its impressive acceleration.

In terms of which is better, if you’re simply looking for a comfortable daily driving experience, we’d recommend going for the entry-level xDrive20i, though if performance is a key priority for you, it’s impossible to go past the M35i xDrive’s significant power and torque advantages over the base model.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

BMW is yet to confirm fuel economy figures for the entry-level X2 xDrive20i, though we do know that the performance-focused X2 M35i xDrive is rated between 7.7 - 8.0L/100km on a combined WLTP test cycle.

That means the base model will be more fuel efficient than the M35i xDrive variant, considering it shares the bulk of its engine layout with lower power and torque figures that lend itself to more economical fuel consumption figures.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

The major upgrades for the BMW X2 range can be found inside the cabin which, in its latest version, offers a space and practicality premium over its predecessor.

BMW says the updated X2 is 194mm longer, 21mm wider and 64mm taller than its replacement, all of which have culminated in some much-needed additions to space and comfort inside the cabin.

In reality, the difference is negligible in the front of the cabin, which already offers a comfortable cockpit - even for tall drivers.

While the X2 is limited by its compact platform, BMW’s designers have done a great job at utilising every millimetre of space inside the cabin and installing some very clever and practical design touches.

The centre console, for example, sinks between the driver and front passenger and houses a large storage tray and wireless charging pad at the base of the dash, a pair of cup holders and USB outlets.

Move further back and there’s a huge storage tray sitting beneath the centre armrest that features your gear selector dial and driving modes, proving to be an outstanding practical touch.

Physical buttons for the climate inputs have been replaced by digital inputs via the infotainment display, which has allowed BMW to declutter the cabin layout.

Move to the second row of the cabin, though, and you’ll find that there’s a healthy amount of both leg and headroom for adult passengers in the rear, which is something not easily said of a compact SUV platform.

Instead, the major benefits of that updated platform have resulted in a far more useable compact SUV in the second row of the cabin which, thankfully, can comfortably accommodate tall adults without much of an issue when it comes to legroom.

The second row picks up ISOFIX anchors and top tether mounts for child seats, while the X2’s boot measures in at a very healthy 560L which puts some significantly larger midsize SUVs to shame.

All up, BMW has done a fantastic job with the layout and packaging of the X2’s interior which has resulted in a compact SUV that won’t force your passengers into any uncomfortable positions on long journeys and has more than enough space in the boot for a family’s worth of cargo.

Is it Safe?

The latest BMW X2 is yet to receive an official ANCAP safety rating, though its twin-under-the-skin, the X1, recently picked up a five-star rating from testing in 2022.

As standard, the X2 range is packed with active safety equipment, including autonomous emergency braking, a steering and lane control assistant, a parking assistant, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, surround-view monitors, and a drive recorder.

Our Verdict: Is the BMW X2 Worth it?

Typically, stylish compact SUV packages come with more than a few sacrifices in terms of practicality - but not the latest generation X2 which is a much more practical offering than its predecessors.

BMW’s coupe-styled compact X2 SUV offers no such compromises thanks to the company’s larger platform underneath and some super clever interior packaging that has resulted in a very welcoming and undeniable compact SUV package.

We’d be leaning more toward the entry-level xDrive20i, though if you’re after a rapid little SUV, it’s hard to walk past the M35i xDrive for sheer thrills.

If you’re looking to upgrade to a new car, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can help find you the best possible price on your dream car.

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty 

2. 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with dual-clutch automatic 

3. xDrive all-wheel drive system as standard 

4. 560L boot space 

5. Unrated by ANCAP; twin X1 received a five-star rating