BMW X2 SUV (2017 - ) review

There’s the usual price hike for something bearing a BMW badge. But, beyond that little hitch, the engines all offer pretty frugal figures compared with the competition, so running costs aren’t bad for a premium German car. As ever, front-wheel drive versions and smaller engines equal better fuel economy and cheaper fixes should something go wrong. However, the plug-in hybrid xDrive 25e that joined the range in a 2020 model year update is our pick for low running costs. If your regular daily journeys are within the claimed 32 miles it can do on electric power alone – and you can charge it at home every night – you’ll pay very little beyond your Finance monthly finance costs. It’s also the best bet for company car drivers paying Benefit In Kind tax. Just beware high servicing costs, which BMW owners tend to complain about frequently.

It’s a mixed picture. The standard three-year warranty - average for the industry - is improved by an unlimited-mileage clause. Although BMW as a brand fares badly in many reliability and owner satisfaction surveys X2 owners rate their engines, transmissions and infotainment systems, with few reported problems. That said, X1 owners aren’t a very happy bunch due to slightly higher than average recorded faults, and the X2 is basically the same car under the sleeker skin. You’d hope the brand is on its way to sorting everything, give the BMWs and closely related Mini Countryman are all based on the same foundations and have been around for a while now.

The X2 achieves a similar excellent safety rating for adult and child occupants as its X1 sibling. However, we’re a little disappointed by the standard safety kit on offer. You get rear parking sensors and cruise control but must pay more for front sensors. Meanwhile, ‘Active Guard’ prepares the brakes if it senses a possible collision but doesn’t do the full autonomous braking - you have to upgrade to the Driver Assistant Plus pack for that, which also gives you lane-departure warning, if not actual interventions. For a price this also includes active cruise control and traffic jam assistance - you just need to keep your hands on the wheel and the car will brake and accelerate for you.

Don’t be taken in by the ‘X’ badge shared with the rest of the BMW SUV range, because the low roofline and length of the X2 means it has more in common with a VW Golf sized hatchback than the X1 or X3, so you don’t have that boost in height that an SUV gives you. Still, it’s a very good-looking car, so you pays your money and all that. There’s still enough headroom and legroom for four adults, although six-footers may struggle in the rear. Boot space is fairly shallow, especially if you choose the hybrid version and are lugging around a charging lead. But it’s on a par with the equivalent Mercedes-Benz GLA. There’s a lot of useful storage up front between the two seats for those who get into cars with their hands full of keys, phones, glasses and wallets.

There isn’t much flair inside the X2, which favours German minimalism and reflects the lower price point of the X2 over more expensive BMW models. A familiar mixture of digital dials, buttons on the dash and a floating touchscreen with optional rotary knob makes up the user experience. The base Sport trim level gives you all the basics, including BMW’s useful sat-nav and dual climate-control as well as smartphone connection and charging points. Those choosing M Sport get more controls on the steering wheel and electric boot lid. You have to upgrade to the tech pack for a head-up display, reversing camera or wireless charging.

A great selection of power options give the X2 the edge over immediate rivals. We loved the xDrive 25e plug-in hybrid and found its electric-only range covered our daily needs from Monday to Friday by plugging in at home each night. As such we never even tapped into the petrol tank, which is a boon given current fuel prices. If electric assistance isn’t your bag yet the standard 18i and 20i petrol engines should both see 40mpg or so while the modest power outputs will help keep insurance costs reasonable as well. Sounds harsh but we’d ignore the M35i. If you want a fast, expensive BMW we doubt you’ll be looking at the X2 anyway, and the M-badged version doesn’t feel fast enough to warrant the extra money. What you do get across the board is that brilliant, rewarding BMW driving experience, with firm steering, supple suspension and plenty of dynamic character.