New BMW X2 and iX2 Coming Soon: Specs, price and release info

BMW has confirmed details of its new X2, revealing a decisively more aggressive and harder-edged look than the existing car and option of a fully electric iX2 version for the first time. What the rest of us might describe as a coupe crossover BMW calls a ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’, but however you cut it the X2 combines the on-trend raised ride height of an SUV with the sleeker roofline of its X4 and X6 big brothers. It’s also bigger than the outgoing X2, while sharing much of its technology, engines and other engineering with the new Mini Countryman.
• The X2 may be at the junior end of the BMW model range all things relative but comes brimming with all the tech and performance of its bigger relatives • Choice of two petrol engines (one with ‘mild’ hybrid assistance) and fully electric iX2 • Petrols comprise front-wheel drive sDrive20i and high-performance M35i, with all-wheel drive and 300 horsepower • Twin motor iX2 has drive to all four wheels, similar power and performance to M35i and an official range of 266 miles • All models in UK supplied in M Sport trim, with sporty bodykit, black exterior elements, sports suspension and M-trimmed interior • Prices start at £39,365 for the sDrive20i and £56,540 for the iX2

Whether powered by electric motors or an internal combustion engine all new X2s have the same exterior look, with a blockier, more aggressive appearance than the current car. It’s also bigger in every direction, while the unapologetically assertive BMW grille can be upgraded with additional illumination for those really craving extra presence in the mirrors of other cars. Standard M Sport trim for all models includes ‘Shadowline’ black window surrounds, side skirts, a rear diffuser style trim on the back bumper and lower suspension.

BMW’s ‘Curved Display’ is familiar from other models in the range and combines a large digital instrument cluster with big central screen into a single, integrated unit sweeping across the dash. Navigation is standard along with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, previous experience of the system showing BMW’s mastery of combining phone apps and its own operating system. Subscription-based BMW Digital Premium opens up additional functionality like additional driver modes, streaming for music and video and the AirConsole gaming system to pass the time when plugged in and charging – fire it up, connect via the on-screen QR code and your smartphone becomes the controller. From a practical point of view BMW promises a proper three-seat rear bench and a bigger boot than the related Mini Countryman, though you lose a bit of space in the electric iX2.

While the Countryman launches with a choice of electric models there’s only the one, more powerful, version with the iX2. With over 300 horsepower it’s got plenty of grunt, while a clever ‘Max Range’ mode uses a combination of navigation and sensors to predict when you need to slow down for corners, junctions and traffic and use this to put charge back into the battery. BMW says you can go just over 260 miles by official stats. Not ready to go electric quite yet? No problem! The sDrive20i uses a small and efficient petrol engine with a ‘mild’ electric boost while the M35i is a more performance-oriented model with a 300 horsepower combustion engine.

While bottom line prices don’t necessarily reflect the way most people buy cars these days they remain a useful comparison point, the £39,365 entry point to the X2 range suggesting it will be a bit more expensive than its Mini Countryman relative. A starting price of over £55,000 for the electric iX2 looks hefty as well.

While it’s pitched at a more traditional BMW customer the new 5 Series and its i5 electric variant are both important new models for the brand, the X2 slotting in below and designed to appeal to a younger crowd.

There’s no shortage of sporty crossovers at this pricepoint, electric alternatives like the Volvo C40, Q4 e-tron and Hyundai Ioniq 5 all strong players in the field. While a little smaller new arrivals like the related Volvo EX30, Zeekr X and Smart #1 trio will also be on the shopping lists, their respective performance variants all giving the iX2 a run for its money.