We recently tested the BMW i4 Gran Coupe EV and found it to be a fantastic BMW that just happens to be an EV. That’s always the challenge with a brand like this – there are such high expectations. Is the same true for the all-new X2?
Certainly, it’s helped by the previous X2 model, a kind of mix between small crossover and hot hatch, based on the X1 small SUV. The X1 is a more traditional vehicle, and a darn good one, but we always felt that BMW was allowed to let their hair down on the X2 and have some fun.
So, with an all-new X2 (and X1, actually) for the 2024 model year, does the X2 still put an ear-to-ear grin on our faces? Let’s check one out!
Bigger and Bolder
BMW is no newcomer to controversial styling, and the X2 is certain to appeal to some and not so much to others – which we think is part of the plan.
First impressions are this is a larger vehicle, growing almost 8 inches in length, 2.5-inches in height, with nearly an inch more wheelbase and wider tracks front and rear. BMW says the new X2 embraces two signature features of a BMW Sports Activity Coupe: a vertical front end and a roofline flowing deep into the rear end in the traditional coupe style.
The front definitely looks snouty-er with larger kidney grilles, and on our M Sport equipped tester, a large lower grille and side intakes that look quite fierce – especially braced by the frowning LED headlights with L-shaped driving lights.
The profile really feels like a departure from the previous model. Where last year’s model was much of a stubby hot hatch, the longer nose and extended rear fender and hatchback now remind us of the other big BMW suv/hatches like the X4 and X6 – again we think it’s part of the plan. We really liked our M Sport’s 19-inch alloy wheels, and with a tall stance the X2 looks as ready for a little rough riding as much as sport touring.
One interesting note, our tester was an early production model, and didn’t have the M Sport Brakes that would usually be included in the package – BMW gave us a $500 credit on the Monroney for that reason. Should you get one, they’ll be included, and we really like the way the blue calipers poke out between those alloy wheels!
Like the front, the rear has grown, and the hatch is notably longer for a sleeker look. New LED design rear taillights emphasize the width of the vehicle, while the rear hatch tucks under for a crisp look. The M Sport package serves up some added menace with massive lower grilles. Finishing off the package was our tester’s extra-cost Skyscraper Grey Metallic paint, a handsome rich silver tone that made our X2 look expensive and elegant.
Spacious and Special
While the exterior may be controversial, inside is a winner by any measure.
Open the door, and you’re immediately wowed by M Sport goodness, including deep supportive sport seats and a thick, leather wrapped steering wheel. It’s especially eye-catching in our tester’s two-tone red and black, with red inserts on the seats and door panels brightening up the interior. Also part of the M Sport interior is the Aluminum Crosshatch trim that adds some bling, while the Sensa Tec covered dashboard gives an upscale vibe.
Keeping things bright, our tester had an optional fixed panorama roof that floods the interior with light.
Also brightening things up is the available Live Cockpit Pro, a beautiful, curved instrument display with a 10.3-inch gauge display, and 10.7-inch info-tainment screen, joined seamlessly together to create a wall of info. Using the familiar tablet-style screens and swiping motions, the touchscreen gives access to a multitude of task and features things.
We liked how the climate/heated seat and wheel/controls have a dedicated spot on the bottom of the screen for easy access. And our Apple CarPlay looked gorgeous on the big screen! Our tester sounded as good as it looked, thanks to a Harmon Kardon Audio system, while wireless charging makes it easy to keep your phone juiced up.
Going along with current BMW design, you now have a floating center console with a toggle control for the transmission, controls for engine start/stop, driving modes, and a convenient thumb scroll for volume. The floating design means an open space for large items, but you lose a closed storage area of any depth for stuff like a wallet.
That’s about the only complaint we have about space – everyone front and rear appreciates added shoulder and elbow room, and there’s an extra inch of kneeroom or those in back. Nice!
Those rear seats are adult friendly, but the racy hatch design of the X2 cuts down on headroom. (It also cuts back rearward vision) Those with taller family members of friends may want to look at the X1 with a more traditional SUV design. The rear seat in the X2 features a 40/20/40 split, with a spacious 25.3 cubic feet up, and an impressive 51.7 cubic with the rear seats folded. (For comparison the X1 is a bit more spacious at 25.7/57.2 cu.ft. respectively)
The Difference is the Drive
Behind the wheel is our favorite place in a Bimmer, and the X2 keeps the good times rolling.
While a turbo 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder is familiar fare, this one has been thoroughly reworked, and the numbers are good – 241 horsepower, and really impressive, 295 lb.-ft of torque starting at just 1,500 rpm.
Connected to a standard 7-speed, dual clutch automatic, the shifts are ultra crisp (especially in Sport Mode), and the engine sounds throaty and pulls hard to its 6,500 rpm redline. Paddle shifters offer added fun, but the transmission is so smart, you seldom feel the need to use them.
With a 0-60 in under 6 seconds, the X2 is quick, and great fun to zip around. We also found it gives plenty of oomph for freeway merging and overtaking. Even doing so, we hit 28 mpg mostly around town, beating the 24 mpg EPA estimate. We think it would easy enough to hit the 33 mpg EPA highway rating as well. Fun and thrifty. That’s a win-win.
The fun doesn’t stop in a straight line. The X2 is interesting, if you drive it easily it feels grown up, comfy, relaxed and ready for the commute. It settles into freeway speeds and goes quietly about its business.
Fun comes in 4 seasons with 8.1 inches of ground travel, and standard xDrive 4WD on all X2 models, so you’re ready for rain, sleet, or snow days.
None of which set us up fo the big surprise – the harder we drove it, the more it seemed to relish the experience – like a secret prize hidden inside.
The xDrive 4WD serves up great grip, the steering is nicely weighted, and even though it rides tall, the X is keen to gobble up twisty roads. Good thing the M Sport has those well contoured sport seats to hold you in place! In fact, instead of a tall crossover, it ultimately reminded us of a larger version of the Mini Cooper S we recently tested. It’s that much fun.
The X2 also serves up confidence with the usual Blind Spot Detection and Lane Departure Warning. Our tester also featured the Driving Assistance Pro Package, which gives added goodness, including adaptive cruise control with stop & go, active lane assist with side collision avoidance, and traffic jam assistant for temporary hands-free driving.
What are the dues to buy an X2?
Pricing, like most BMW’s starts at a premium, but you have to be careful with the options. The X2 line starts with the X2 xDrive28i, at $42,000. For BMW performance with practicality and unique styling, that’s good value. Our tester was such a model, but it swole up a bit with some desirable options, including Skyscraper Grey Metallic paint ($650), Driving Assistance Pro Package ($1,700), M Sport Package ($2,500), Premium Package ($4,000), Heated front seats and steering wheel ($550) and Remote Engine Start ($300). All good stuff! Add in $995 for Destination, and we rang the bell at $52,195.
Those liking European style should consider the Volvo XC40, which comparably equipped is super close at. $52,145. We think the BMW is more of a performance vehicle, but the Volvo has a special beauty and elegance, especially in the interior. Figure your priorities.
We’d have to say the biggest competition for the X2 comes from the BMW/Mini family. A BMW X1 xDrive28i is within a $100 give or take, and we think you’d get all the performance, a bit more utility, and less controversial styling – nice to have a choice.
And if you like being a bit more audacious, the all-new 2025 Mini Countryman is a great fun, with similar performance and utility, but an extra dollop of Mini cheekiness inside and out. And at $44,295 it’’s a bit less dear than the BMW. Frankly, all are great choices!
Bold new looks, a gorgeous interior and BMW joy to drive, the 2024 BMW X2 stands apart from the crowd and puts a huge smile on your face!
Ben Lewis grew up in Chicago, and after spending his formative years driving sideways in the winter – often intentionally – moved to sunny Southern California. He now enjoys sunny weather year-round — whether it is autocross driving, aerobatics, and learning to surf.