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Test BMW X2 and iX2 2024, the virtue of being able to choose

The first generation of the BMW Its stylized bodywork played hand in hand with more than notable dynamics and high practicality for everyday use. Despite the good intentions, this one had some “buts.” However, BMW has just launched its second generation and it takes the form of a much more mature and well finished product in all aspects.

Contrary to the previous generation, now the Munich firm presents a more complete car with the particularity of being able to choose from a generous mechanical diversity: gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrids (will arrive later) or 100% electric. The range is complete and provides the customer with precisely that: the virtue of being able to choose the mechanism that best suits their daily use. But, How is the second generation of the BMW X2 and the first of the BMW iX2? We put it to the test in a first contact during its national presentation.

Aesthetically, the new BMW X2 changes significantly towards an SUV coupe silhouette.

This is the new generation BMW X2 (and iX2)

The new BMW X2 (and the iX2) debuts a completely new design for itself. On this occasion, getting much closer to the design language that BMW has adopted in models like the X1 or the X6, for example. Broadly speaking, it can be said that yes, It is more similar to an X1 than its previous generation was. However, as soon as we look closely and carefully at its details, we realize that the X2 has a design completely its own.

Starting with the front, the BMW X2 now has a hexagonal grille very close to the one found on the BMW X6. Its “filling” is based on horizontal slats that have the function of opening and closing, depending on interest, to cool its mechanics; In the case of the electric one, it is completely faired to favor the aerodynamics of the car. The contour of this can be illuminated by LEDthanks to the BMW Iconic Glow system.

Its front bumper has a very aggressive design, thus emphasizing its sportiness, although this will take one shape or another depending on the finish chosen. On the other hand, Its headlights have LED daytime running lights. of two vertical lines in each one.

The rear of the BMW X2 is the one that has unleashed the most disagreements among the general public.

Looking at its profile, it is clear that the BMW X2 is a coupe SUV. Its roofline falls from the B-pillar to the end of the car. In this area, their attention is drawn to door handles flush with the body or the black plastic decoration on the bottom (thus emphasizing its adventurous character). Its wheels have a diameter of between 17 and 21 inches, depending on equipment and customer option.

Looking at the rear, the drop in the roof becomes effective in a very muscular rear, with widened wheel arches and new optical groups until now never seen within the firm. These are arranged in horizontal format and have a fine and stylized design. As with the front lighting, these have two LED points in each headlight.

In general terms, The BMW X2 grows significantly compared to the previous generation. This now has the following dimensions: 4,554 mm long, 2,104 mm wide (with rear-view mirrors), 1,590 mm high and 2,692 mm in its wheelbase. The slender body can be decorated thanks to a color palette made up of two solid colors and eleven metallic ones; Alternatively, it also has the BMW Individual paint catalogue.

The new BMW X2 grows significantly compared to the previous generation in all its dimensions.

A recognizable interior

Entering the cabin of the BMW X2 we will come face to face with a space that is totally familiar and recognizable purely as a BMW. The brand’s new coupe SUV has the acclaimed BMW Curved Display, a panel located on the dashboard and that includes digital instrumentation and infotainment with touch function. In this model, as happens in others such as the X1, The well-known iDrive remote has disappeared through which you could navigate through the menus on the central screen. Here everything is based on touch (yes, also for air conditioning).

Looking further down you will find a specific tray in which to save the smartphone and that has induction charging for these devices. There are also two practical coasters or a central tray where you can leave personal items. On this is situated a floating design armrest and that includes the gear dial, as well as the driving mode selector.

Its seats are newly developed and have a renewed design. There are alternatives to sports seats, with integrated headrests, or more conventional but still with the classic sports orientation within the brand. These may be upholstered in fabric, synthetic leather or real leather.

The interior is already an old acquaintance, since it is the same one that the X1 also adopts.

The second row of seats has a More than enough space for two adult passengers of medium or tall height to travel in comfort. However, despite the loss of a few centimeters due to the roof falling itself, there will be no problem for people up to 1.90 meters to travel comfortably. The central seat, for its part, as is usually the case, is more designed for occasional use, since its padding is harder and it is much narrower.

Finally, moving to the loading area, The BMW X2 has 560 liters minimum capacity (525 liters in the iX2). If greater volume is required, its rear seats can be folded down in a 40:20:40 ratio until reaching 1,470 liters (1,400 liters in the electric one).

Available mechanics and prices in Spain

As we have already mentioned previously, the BMW X2 boasts a very diverse range. As A more accessible alternative is the so-called sDrive18d (150 HP) powered by diesel and which has a price starting at 45,800 euros.. One step above is the first gasoline alternative, the sDrive20i with 170 HP and a starting price of 47,300 euros.

For the first time, the BMW X2 has a 100% electric alternative (iX2).

Above, again, a diesel alternative (xDrive20d) with 163 HP from 49,400 euros. Finally, The sportiest option is represented by the M35i xDrive with 300 HP and 72,000 euros starting. Both the sDrive20i and the xDrive20d have support in the form of microhybridization, which gives them the coveted ECO label from the DGT. The rest have the C label.

As we well know, the iX2 comes with two power alternatives: eDrive20 (204 HP) and xDrive30 (313 CV). Both options start at 50,700 and 58,200 euros, respectively. In both cases, these motors are powered by a battery with a gross capacity of 66.5 kWh and can be recharged to a maximum power of 130 kW, which translates into going from 0 to 80% energy after 29 minutes of plugging in.

This is how the BMW X2 and iX2 move

Our first contact, both with the X2 and with its 100% electric variant (iX2), has been brief, although enough to be able to draw conclusions about its dynamics. Specifically, our route during the presentation of the model began aboard the “zero emissions” version together with the xDrive30 engine (313 HP).

Dynamically, the BMW X2 is a model that seeks convenience and comfort over sportiness.

The first general impression of the car is more than good (much better than through photographs). The same can be extrapolated to the interior, where all the finishes and materials feel of very good quality, both in sight and touch. But when it comes time to start driving, How does the BMW X2 move?

The driving position is lower than one would expect, thanks to a seat that gives a lot of effort in terms of regulation and can lower its height considerably. In general terms, It is a car in which you can feel in an environment with sportiness: low seat (if you want) or a steering wheel in a fairly horizontal position. We turn on the electric model and leave.

As I say, the route is not too long nor does it cross complicated roads. We travel the first kilometers on the highway, where the iX2 feels really settled. Its suspensions provide high comfort and soundproofing is outstanding, since hardly any type of noise (aerodynamic, rolling or mechanical) can be heard. The comfort of the iX2 for highway routes is more than notable.

It has very striking sports seats with an integrated headrest.

Once out of this high-speed territory we went out onto secondary and twistier roads. The general feeling is more than good, but we must also emphasize the fact that The BMW iX2 xDrive30 is not a sports car. It moves very well and has that classic dynamic touch that always characterizes BMW, but It is not a car that seeks to be a sports car as such; rather its focus is more based on comfort for its passengers. For this there is the M35i xDrive variant, although, yes, only in the thermal variant.

Its suspensions are somewhat softer than perhaps one would expect., which makes it roll a little more than imaginable on a curved road. So is its steering, although it conveys very well what is happening beyond the wheel rim.

On the other hand, as a good electric car that it is, Its acceleration is always impressive, as is its ability to gain speed. All of this always accompanied by dynamic sound transmitted through the speakers. Both electrical mechanics have a “B mode” function in its gearbox, which causes the system to hold slightly when releasing the accelerator, which is sometimes remarkably comfortable, especially for urban trips. With this we also gain an electrical energy regeneration point.

The trunk of the X2 adopts a volume of 560 liters (525 in the iX2).

Next we were able to put the sDrive18d mechanics to the test, that is, the most accessible engine in the catalogue. Let’s remember, a diesel-powered alternative, with 150 HP and the promise of ridiculous fuel consumption. In purely dynamic terms, the similarity is very high with the 100% electric variant, although, it is true, that the soundproofing typical of “zero emissions” disappears here (something quite logical due to its own conception).

Here the diesel engine is heard, especially when the car is stopped and with its mechanics active. The thrust is also less evident, although quite progressive and more than enough to face trips and complete a common route. High speeds can be achieved aboard this engine, although, as we mentioned previously, we should not expect sporty performance or tuning, but rather we could call it a “dynamic approach.”

The BMW X2 is now available in Spain for a starting price of 45,800 euros for the sDrive18d.

As might be expected, in a presentation we cannot obtain specific data on the consumption of cars. At the end of the day, there are many things that have to be tested and time is very limited. To draw conclusions about this section, we will have to wait for a more exhaustive test of these mechanics. Nevertheless, To be a first contact, it has been more than positive in all aspects and surprising in others. In general terms, a more than thumbs up for the BMW X2 and the iX2.

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