BMW iX2 review – upmarket electric coupe SUV

Verdict - Is the BMW iX2 a good car?

The BMW iX2 is a more expensive and less spacious version of the iX1, so you’d have to be a big fan of its coupe-style roof to choose one. Both models otherwise have pretty similar strengths and weaknesses, those being that the ride is a bit unsettled and bumpy when the road isn’t completely smooth, while their electric motors are powerful and the cars are nice and easy to drive. The iX2 interior is upmarket and high quality, plus there’s loads of standard equipment and a decent amount of storage space. The iX2 is pretty expensive for a smaller SUV, though.

BMW iX2 models, specs and alternatives

The BMW iX2 is an electric SUV that’s closely related to the BMW iX1 and MINI Countryman, but has a sleeker shape, particularly at the rear where the roofline slopes downwards more dramatically. There’s no practical benefit to that, it’s purely for cosmetic reasons, but BMW has seen success with the same formula for the X4 and X6, which are close relations to the X3 and X5 SUVs respectively.

The ‘i’ in the iX2 name also signifies that this is the electric version of the BMW X2, which is also available with petrol engines. The iX2 version is a rival for models such as the Polestar 2, Audi Q4 e-tron, Volvo EC40 and Mercedes EQA, although its sister car the iX1 is also a rival for the same models. The iX2 is a rather niche car and hard to place in the market, as it’s also quite expensive: the range spans from around £50,000 up to £60,000.

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There are two versions for now, the iX2 eDrive20 and the xDrive30. Both are available in M Sport specification only, so your only choice is whether to go for the longer-range eDrive20 or the faster, four-wheel drive xDrive30 model. We reckon the former is the better option overall, but neither version sets any records for range, performance or pricing.

That’s the main theme with the iX2: it’s not a terrible car in any way, but it’s also not really better at anything than any of the alternatives, especially the more practical and cheaper iX1 it shares so many parts with.
 

There are two models available, but both versions of the iX2 use the same 65kWh battery pack. This enables a range of up to 283 miles on a single charge according to the official figures, but if you choose the more powerful and four-wheel drive xDrive30 model, this drops slightly to 266 miles. During our testing of the BMW iX2 xDrive30 M Sport in the UK, we saw its efficiency drop to 3.3 miles/kWh, however, this did include some motorway miles.

That’s about the same as a Mercedes EQA but a bit less than you get from a Volvo EC40. The iX2 is nothing special in terms of range, and if you want something more versatile you could consider something like a Kia EV6 or Skoda Enyaq, which happen to be better value for money as well.

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Charging is available up to 130kW, which is about the same as the Skoda offers but is slower than the Kia. Topping up from a public rapid charge point takes about half an hour (that’s from 10 to 80 per cent). At home, a full charge from empty to full takes six and a half hours in both versions.
 

What will the BMW iX2 cost to insure?

The BMW iX2 is an electric car, which means it will be a little more expensive to insure than its X2 counterparts. Both models sit in group 38 for insurance, which is about what you’d expect. For reference, the Volvo EC40 spans from group 34 to 43, so the BMW is in the same sort of range.

There are two versions of the BMW iX2, the front-wheel drive eDrive20 and the four-wheel drive xDrive30. The former is our pick of the range, as it’s more than fast enough for most people: it gets from 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds and has plenty of performance for normal driving. It also has more range and better efficiency.

The xDrive30 is the model to choose if you really care about performance, as it has over 100bhp more than the eDrive20 and goes from 0-62mph in just 5.6 seconds. This model has motors at the front and at the back to deliver four-wheel drive, but it’s mainly used for performance rather than off-road ability.

Yet the added performance doesn’t add much to the driving experience for day-to-day driving, and it reduces the available range. 

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Is the BMW iX2 good to drive in town?

It’s nice and smooth from a standstill, and there’s a good view out, so the iX2 is easy to drive. The motors are nice and quiet too, so along with the impressive cabin, this makes the car feel upmarket and relaxing to be in. 

However, the suspension is quite hard. This means at low speed the car never feels completely settled along rough city streets, which upsets the sense of calm the rest of the car brings. The suspension does work well enough to soak up bigger bumps and potholes, however. The iX2 features 19-inch alloys as standard, and from our experience of this car with optional 20-inch rims (£700), we’d recommend sticking with the smaller size to help ride comfort.

Is the BMW iX2 good to drive on long journeys?

The iX2 is at its best on the motorway. The smoother surfaces on those roads and higher speeds mean the bumps are less noticeable as you drive, while the quiet motors are completely unobtrusive. Wind and road noise are kept down too, so it’s quiet and relaxing to drive the iX2 on longer trips. That’s a bit at odds with the middling range figures, but a rapid top-up only takes about half an hour in both versions.

Is the BMW iX2 good to drive on B-roads?

The hard suspension on the iX2 means that bumpy, twisty B-roads aren’t much fun. This is the opposite to some of BMW’s other electric cars such as the i4, which is excellent on those roads. The iX2 isn’t uncomfortable exactly, but many alternative models are better at absorbing bumps.

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The BMW iX2 costs over £50,000 no matter which version you choose, so you would be right to expect an upmarket, quality interior. Thankfully the iX2 delivers on this, and while it’s not our favourite interior design, the quality is there for sure.

The materials used inside the iX2 are good quality and look smart, plus there’s a good amount of storage and a wireless phone charging spot, USB-C connectors and two cupholders. The iX2 combines a 10.25-inch digital cockpit with a 10.7-inch touchscreen to create a single curved display that sits front and centre on the dash. The high-resolution screens look sharp, bright and colourful, but the four shortcut buttons that run vertically down the side of the touchscreen are obscured by the steering wheel for some drivers.

The materials used inside the iX2 are good quality and look smart, plus there’s a good amount of storage and a wireless phone charging spot, USB-C connectors and two cupholders. The iX2 combines a 10.25-inch digital cockpit with a 10.7-inch touchscreen to create a single curved display that sits front and centre on the dash. The high-resolution screens look sharp, bright and colourful, but the four shortcut buttons that run vertically down the side of the touchscreen are obscured by the steering wheel for some drivers.

There’s lots of functionality, with live services adding to the information on offer, although having to navigate through a number of app icons to find the option you need is one smartphone-style feature that is more frustrating to use in a car. If you’re parked, BMW offers video playback and games, too, while it’s possible to hook up a Bluetooth games controller or use your phone via an app.

The centre armrest has shallow hidden storage beneath it, but some obvious cost-cutting has gone on in the switch to right-hand drive, because the side-hinged lid opens towards the passenger seat.

Is the BMW iX2 infotainment and navigation system easy to use?

Unlike some BMW models, and the previous X2, you’ll be heavily reliant on using the touchscreen in the iX2. This is fine when you’re stationary, but it’s never helpful when you’re actually driving as you have to look away from the road to do simple tasks like altering the fan speed or temperature. There are shortcuts for the heated seats and climate system, but we always prefer real buttons. 

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Is the BMW iX2 well equipped?

Along with the 10.7-inch touchscreen, all BMW iX2s come with heated sports seats, Alcantara upholstery, air conditioning, a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and a leather multifunction steering wheel.

On the outside, you’ll find 19-inch alloy wheels, powered folding mirrors, a powered tailgate and glossy exterior trim elements. 

What options should you choose on the BMW iX2?

Your basic options on the iX2 will be whether you want the larger 20-inch alloy wheels, what upholstery colour you prefer and the exterior paint colour. There are also option packs available including the Technology Pack (Adaptive LEDs and keyless entry), the Tech Plus Pack (adds a head-up display and double glazing to the Tech Pack) and the M Sport Pack Pro (a cosmetic pack to make the car look sportier). The optional wireless phone-charging pad is located ahead of the twin cup- holders. It has a neat spring-loaded bar that holds your device against the pad to stop it moving. BMW’s standard seats are comfortable, but M Sport buckets with integrated headrests can be added for just under £700. Upgrading to the Harman Kardon surround sound system adds 12 speakers and boosts audio quality.

The iX2 is heavily related to the iX1, but despite having a higher number in the name, it’s actually smaller inside than its sister car. This is because of the sloping roof at the rear, which, as you might expect, has an impact on rear headroom.

There’s enough space back there for kids, but anyone at or around six-foot tall will find that the low roof means headroom isn’t very good. Legroom isn’t an issue, though, so with a bit of slouching, short trips in the back seats won’t be an issue even for adults. Three adults in the back could be a stretch, though, and the BMW’s cabin feels narrower than the Audi Q4 e-tron’s.

Does the BMW iX2 have a big boot?

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The BMW iX2 might be more cramped for passengers than the iX1 but it does technically have a larger boot. At 525 litres, it’s 35 litres larger than its sibling’s. However, that’s not a truly noticeable amount; you might be able to fit one small extra bag in the boot, for example. There’s a generous under-floor cubby hole for storing your charging cables, which is useful.

Still, the iX2 is more practical than some of its other key rivals including the Volvo EC40 and Mercedes EQA. These models have rather disappointing boot sizes of 413 and 340 litres respectively. It’s worth knowing that no matter which version of the iX2 you choose, it has the same 525-litre space. Fold down the rear seats and the total room is 1,400 litres, which is decent, but it’s a shame there’s quite a prominent load lip that heavy items need lifting over.

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Since the BMW iX2 is an electric car with fewer moving parts than the combustion-powered X2 it shares parts with, it’s likely to be the most reliable model in the range. Build quality inside is high and we don’t expect it to have any major issues that could put you off buying - but it’s still at an early stage in its life right now.

BMW came in a lowly 21st out of 32 brands in the 2023 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, suggesting that owners aren’t particularly happy with the brand once they buy a car. Nearly one in four owners reported a fault within a year of buying a new car, too.

How safe is the BMW iX2?

Safety kit on the BMW iX2 includes autonomous emergency braking, parking sensors, a reversing camera, a sound generator for low speed and child-seat Isofix points. It’s all normal to see on a modern car. Euro NCAP hasn’t tested the iX2 specifically but the 2022 test of the BMW X1, which it’s closely related to, had a five-star result with decent scores for crash protection and an excellent rating of 92 per cent for safety tech.

Should you buy a BMW iX2?

The only reason to choose a BMW iX2 is if you like everything about the BMW iX1 except the way it looks. While the iX2 is just as good - and has the same drawbacks - as the iX1, it’s less spacious in the back and costs more to buy, so we’d recommend the more practical option to nearly anyone.

What is the best BMW iX2 for low running costs?

The BMW iX2 eDrive20 M Sport is the best option for low costs with its lower power output and longer range from the same battery.

What is the best BMW iX2 for keen drivers?

With 100bhp more power, the BMW iX2 xDrive30 M Sport is the one for keen drivers but we haven’t been overly impressed by the iX2’s dynamic abilities so far. 

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What is the Carbuyer pick of the BMW iX2 range?

Given that the strengths of the BMW iX2 are its interior quality and general ease of use, the more affordable eDrive20 M Sport version seems a better pick than the faster xDrive30 model

BMW iX2 alternatives

There aren’t many rivals for the BMW iX2, but models such as the Mercedes EQA and Volvo EC40 are the closest ones. The Kia EV6 might not be on your radar, but it’s one of the best electric SUVs around and is certainly also worth considering. The main rival for the iX2 is actually BMW’s own iX1 and the trendy MINI Countryman.

How we tested the BMW iX2

So far we’ve driven the BMW iX2 xDrive30 M Sport, both at its international launch and extensively on UK roads, where we put it head-to-head with the Audi Q4 e-tron.