2023 BMW X2 Overview

What’s new:

  • BMW is no longer making the X2 M35i
  • Gold Play for X2 Edition began in 2022 and will continue until 2023.
  • The first generation of X2 cars came out in 2018.

With the first X6, which was based on the X5, BMW started the SUV coupe craze. The X6 cost more and had less room for people and things, but its roof was more sporty. BMW used the “less is more” philosophy to make the X3-based X4, and the X1-based X2 after buyers who cared about style accepted the idea.

Even though the BMW X2 looks sharper than its siblings, it doesn’t have a rear window that slopes down very much. The X2 is shorter than the X1 and doesn’t have the rear quarter windows that might have made it easier to see. Instead, it has strong roof pillars with BMW logos on them. A more powerful version of the X2, the M35i, was available until the 2023 model year. According to BMW’s stopwatch, the M35i could reach 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. Nothing else in the X1 line-up was like it.

After 2023, you won’t be able to get the M35i anymore, but the X2 is still a good base model that combines a sporty hatchback and a crossover SUV. Its main competitor is the Mercedes-Benz GLA, but the Jaguar E-Pace and the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque are also rivals. The Volvo C40 Recharge is set up similarly, but it runs on electricity instead of gasoline.

Pros:

  • A turbo engine that is quick and strong
  • It’s fun to drive a car that handles well.
  • There is much room in the back for people and their things.
  • Materials, fit, and finish that are top-notch

Cons:

  • When the road is bumpy, the ride gets a little rough.
  • On the highway, it’s not quiet.
  • There is no way to connect a smartphone to Android Auto.

How do you move the X2? BMW made the X2 at the expense of functionality, but the way it works has stayed the same. With a blazing 6.4-second sprint from 0 to 60 mph, this vehicle is the fastest in its class thanks to its powerful engine and the track-proven performance we’ve come to expect from it. It comes with a transmission that changes gears quickly and satisfactorily.

The X2 is as easy to drive as some of the best hot hatchbacks because it has well-balanced steering that clarifies what the front tires are doing. The strange brakes are the only thing that bothers me, especially when traffic is slow.

How comfortable is the X2? The chairs on the X2 look like they were made for a tiny group of people. Front seats have a little cushion, and the back makes them uncomfortable for longer trips. They’re alright, but we’d like them to be a little more flexible. The ride, on the other hand, is the worst part. On all but the smoothest surfaces, you’ll be tossed around.

Even though the engine is hushed, you can hear the wind at higher speeds, and the road noise is always there, especially on bad pavement. At least the air conditioning works well and is easy to control.

How does the inside look? The X2’s interior is a nice mix of functional BMW design and good ergonomics. The iDrive touch controller reduces the number of buttons and puts controls in a logical order. You can adjust the steering wheel and the driver’s seat, so drivers of all heights can find a comfortable position.

But the style and some of the packaging make taller drivers uncomfortable and harder for everyone to see. Even though the back seat doesn’t have much headroom because of the roof’s shape, adults can sit there comfortably. The giant roof pillars make substantial blind spots, so looking out the back is like looking out of a bunker.

How good is the tech? We’ve always liked BMW’s iDrive control system, and even though the X2 doesn’t have the latest version, it’s still quick and easy to use. It also comes with the usual navigation. Even though the cabin is small, the optional Harman Kardon sound system has a lot of power and clarity. Even though Android Auto isn’t available, Apple CarPlay makes it easy to connect your phone. Bluetooth is a fast and reliable way to connect.

What about putting things away? The X2’s appearance makes it less valuable, but its good luggage opening and split-folding rear seats make up for some of that. Although its load capacity is more than five cubic feet smaller than the standard X1, the back hub may still be divided 40/20/40 to increase its versatility.

The hard plastic cubbies and bins inside make it hard to store things and make a lot of noise. The back doors open wide enough to make it easy to get to the car seat anchors, which are protected by plastic covers that open and close on hinges.

How well does it use gasoline? The X2 with all-wheel drive gets a combined 27 mpg (24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway), which is about the same as its competitors. But in our test, we did not come close to the EPA rating. Over 750 miles of driving, we only got an average of 21.5 mpg, and our best tank only got 22.7 mpg.

Is the X2 a good purchase? Performance and a unique look are only enough for some, and adding extras that people want makes the X2 more expensive. It costs more than the similar but more useful BMW X1, but it’s still about the same price as some of its rivals that focus more on style. Even though the quality and finish are primarily good, we found a few rattles in the cabin and more hard plastics than we’d like to see.

Most of the time, the X2’s warranties are like those of other small luxury SUVs. BMW also gives you two years of free regular maintenance.

The X2’s sassy personality goes well with its odd appearance. The four-cylinder engine doesn’t make you feel like you have to choose between two things. Instead, it gives you strong power in the middle. This is a BMW because it’s quick and handles better than most cars.

If you can handle the firm ride, the X2 will give you quick handling, strong power from its turbocharged engine, and fast, smooth shifts. The X2 is incredibly skilled and will have you making the most of every turn.

We recommend the X2 xDrive28i, which costs $2,000 more, because it has all-wheel drive, accelerates faster, and comes with a long list of standard features at a low price. The Premium package is a great choice. You can get it with or without a panoramic sunroof, and it comes with a head-up display, a giant touchscreen for the entertainment system, heated front seats, and other excellent features.

BMW X2 models

In 2023, BMW will stop making the M35i model, leaving only the sDrive28i and xDrive28i options for the X2. Both the sDrive28i, which has front-wheel drive, and the xDrive28i, which has an all-wheel purpose, are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and a BMW eight-speed automatic transmission.

2023 BMW X2 Video Review

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