BMW X2 Review 2025

BMW’s approach to its SUV range has followed the same path for some time — the odd-numbered X models tend to have a more practical focus than the sleeker, coupe-like even-numbered iterations. Newest of the latter type is also the smallest, but is it the best? Find out with our comprehensive BMW X2 review.

Just as with the first-generation BMW X2, the latest incarnation is essentially a slinkier-looking take on the more family friendly BMW X1 formula. This time around the X2’s design is more divisive, ensuring there’s a far greater chance of it being noticed.

It’s not a car for shrinking violets, clearly, but being a more distinctive shape means there’s a greater chance of it standing out, an important factor when it comes to an area of the market that consumers haven’t exactly rushed to embrace.

Most immediate of the BMW X2’s rivals is the Audi Q3 Sportback, a range that’s already had its mid-life facelift and isn’t that far away from being superseded itself. Interestingly given they normally copy each others’ homework, there’s no direct alternative from Mercedes, although its GLA range comes closest.

A close cousin of the Audi’s is the Cupra Formentor which ably demonstrates that sportier styling and a high-rise driving position can be well-integrated without looking unnecessarily contrived.

Far less common a sight than it once was, the Range Rover Evoque could also be considered an X2 alternative if one considers it a rakish take on the Land Rover Discovery Sport. Next to the BMW the Range Rover nevertheless appears rather perpendicular.

It’s not hard to tell the new BMW X2 from its predecessor, especially from the side where its rear end is far more sloping in shape this time around. It’s certainly not short of presence, particularly in M35i guise, but whether it hits the spot is probably a matter of personal taste. What has been achieved is a greater visual distance between the X2 and its X1 sibling — an important factor when it comes to status or whether your neighbours will notice.

On a more practical note, the BMW X2 is now over 50mm longer than the X1, which means more space in the rear seats as well as almost 100 extra litres of boot capacity over the old model. Taller adults may struggle with headroom in the rear, so there is still a price to pay for choosing it over the more sensible X1.

At launch the BMW X2’s engine range is limited to just two options, with the sDrive20i producing 170PS from its 1.5-litre petrol engine, while the M35i xDrive which has a sizeable 300PS from its 2.0-litre petrol, with the additional benefit of all-wheel drive. Both engines are pared to seven-speed automatic gearboxes.

For those who want a fully electric SUV there's the standalone BMW iX2 range — we’ll review that separately in the coming weeks.

The BMW X2 delivers a fun driving experience, with adaptive suspension as standard. Responsive steering and high levels of grip also play their part. The downside is that the ride quality, particularly on the M35i version, which is too firm to appeal broadlyt.

SUV buyers looking for a compact model that makes a strong style statement will find plenty to like in the BMW X2, but as with the larger X4 and X6 models, the coupe-inspired design comes at a price, both practically and financially.

BMW’s reputation as a manufacturer of cars for driving enthusiasts is well deserved, even going back as far as the original X5, which was far more fun than a car of that size and weight had any right to be.

The BMW X2 is a good deal smaller than that and although it has a taller body and higher ride height than a 1 Series hatchback it does a good job of restricting body roll when cornering, making it feel more capable and composed.

It’s the same for the steering which is responsive and well-weighted, giving confidence to the driver and keeping them informed of what the front wheels are up to.

The downside is that the ride quality is too compromised as a result. The sDrive20i is better in this respect but the M35i xDrive wears 20-inch wheels as standard that it pick up imperfections on smoother roads, while rougher stretches equate to discomfort. Don’t be tempted to opt for the larger 21-inch rims or it’ll become worse still.

At launch the BMW X2’s engine range is restricted to just two petrol options but plug-in hybrid versions of the X1 suggest those might appear in the future if demand is sufficient.

Entry-point for the range is the sDrive20i which via some sleight of hand badging is actually a 1.5-litre engine. It produces 170PS and sends all of its power to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It delivers good acceleration when required, as evidenced by an 8.3-second 0-62mph time.

At the other end of the scale is the M35i xDrive, producing 300PS from its 2.0-litre petrol engine and sending drive to all four wheels via the same kind of gearbox. It will reach 155mph where inclination and legalities permit, but more impressive is its 5.4-second 0-62mph time.

There’s never a shortage of power available, with the dual-clutch seven speed gearbox delivering rapid and seamless shifts as well as the option for the driver to choose the shift points themselves.

It also features a switchable driving mode which uses a sound generator to boost the engine note through the speakers but for most buyers the standard exhaust note will sound better.

Euro NCAP crash-tested the BMW X2 in 2024 and awarded it a full five-star rating.

It achieved strong scores of 85% for adult occupant protection and 88% for child occupant protection. While a score of 76% for pedestrian mitigation is a little lacklustre, the score of 92% for safety assist is highly impressive.

The BMW X2 sDrive20i has a braked weight of 1,800kg, which is good for a car of this size.

However BMW do not quote a towing capacity for the X2 M35i xDrive, despite it having more torque and the bonus of four driven wheels.

Choosing the BMW X2 over the more sensible X1 alternative suggests the buyer is happy to give up some practicality in the name of style but overall it still makes decent use of its footprint and tall body.

The driving position is raised compared with a conventional hatchback but it doesn’t offer the commanding view you might expect from an SUV. It’s easy to get comfortable with plenty of adjustment in the seats and steering wheel position. Head, elbow and legroom for the front seat passengers are all good, so even occupants over six feet in height should feel at home.

In the rear it’s a similar story, although the middle seat occupant inevitably has to live with a narrower seat as well as less legroom to play with. The tapered roofline of the X2 means less headroom compared to the X1 meaning taller teens and adults will find it less than ideal back there.

The boot offers 560 litres of space with all rear seats in place, amplified by a sensible shape to the load area. With the rear bench folded over the space up to roof height used, there’s a total volume of 1470 litres available.

The interior of the BMW X2 is finished to a high standard, with attractive materials used throughout and a reassuring solidity to the controls.

Although there’s still plenty of plastic in the cabin, for the most part it feels good to the touch and well constructed, so it should stand up to the rigours of family life.

Even so, the X2 feels a little less plush on the inside than the Range Rover Evoque but is close to the finish of the Audi Q3 Sportback.

All versions of the BMW X2 come with a 10.7-inch central infotainment screen as well as a 10.25-inch digital instrument display as standard. Features such as Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also part of the package, while M35i xDrive models get a Harman-Kardon audio system.

The central screen and digital instrument display are effectively sat behind the same piece of glass which looks smart and also doesn’t intrude on the driver’s view out. The system itself is slick, with good response times, smart graphics and plenty of features, including access to an app store so you can add additional features.

The biggest grumble about the system is that the climate controls are only accessible through the touchscreen — unless you use voice commands — but there is at least a physical control for the audio volume.

Prices for the BMW X2 start at £42,470 for the sDrive20i in M Sport trim, while the X2 M35i xDrive starts at £51,735. From launch these are the only two combustion-engined models available.

This compares well with the Range Rover Evoque which starts at £43,700 but is considerably more expensive than the Audi Q3 Sportback which can be bought for £37,280.

It costs even less to get into an entry-level Cupra Formentor at £34,150, although that version only has 150PS and a manual gearbox.

The BMW X2 is still relatively new so used examples are only recently coming on to the used market but there are some nearly new models appearing for sale showing useful discounts over the new list price.

Of the two models in the range, the BMW X2 sDrive20i should be considerably cheaper to run than the M35i  xDrive.

With a official WLTP Combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 44.8-48.7mpg depending on equipment, a real-world 35mpg should be achievable without much difficulty. Emissions range from 131-143g/km of CO2.

Courtesy of having almost twice the power as well as two extra driven wheels, the M35i xDrive’s official economy figures take a dent with the a WLTP Combined claim of 34.0-36.2mpg. Similarly, CO2 emissions are notably higher ranging from 174-183g/km depending upon the car’s final specification. That could equate to a first-year VED bill north of £1000.

Insurance costs should also be reasonable for the sDrive20i version in Group 25, jumping to Group 34 for the M35i.

From launch the BMW X2 is restricted to two trim levels, although they’re also engine-specific with M Sport being the sole option for the sDrive20i and the M35i xDrive effectively being an equipment grade in its own right.

Standard kit on BMW X2 M Sport models includes 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights and wipers, electrically folding door mirrors, dynamic brake light that glow brighter when the pedal force is increased, an automatic tailgate and adaptive suspension.

Inside there’s LED ambient lighting, climate control, Alcantara faux suede upholstery with heated front seats, a leather steering wheel, cruise control with speed limiter, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, a 10.7-inch multimedia display with smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB radio, two 12V power sockets and a pair of USB-C ports.

As well as the punchier engine and four-wheel drive the BMW X2 M35i adds to the M Sport grade’s equipment with an illuminated front grille, a beefier M model-specific bodykit, uprated M Sport brakes with blue callipers and a Harman-Kardon audio system.