Review of the Australian first-drive 2024 BMW iX2

The elegant BMW X2 returns to Australian roads with a second generation, now supplemented by two electric options.

BMW was one of the first companies to popularise the distinctive coupe-type SUV with the X6 back in the noughties, but the body design has now expanded throughout the German car maker’s portfolio with models such as the X4 and X2.

That later model is returning for a new generation and we were allowed to have a look down in Hobart. Obviously, the style is radically different compared to its predecessor, which we’ll get into, but the key difference is the fact that you can now purchase an electric one.

While the BMW X2 line is available in four variations – two petrol and two electric – I spent the most time with the top-spec BMW iX2 xDrive 30.

With that electric option front of mind, let’s dig into all things BMW X2.

How much is a BMW iX2?

The iX2 joins a developing line-up of BMW electric SUVs, which also includes the comparable iX1 and the flagship BMW iX big SUV. In told, the auto company currently offers 16 unique model versions throughout its line-up of electric cars.

However, the German manufacturer is big on providing electric vehicle consumers alternatives, particularly below the fringe benefits (FBT) and luxury car (LCT) tax thresholds. BMW currently offers six electric variations priced below $89,332, including both electric iX2 model grades.

To explain the full line-up, the petrol-powered entry-level BMW X2 xDrive 20i costs $75,900, while the performance-oriented X2 M35i xDrive costs $92,900. These rates are before on-road charges.

Going electric, the base-spec BMW iX2 eDrive 20 costs $82,900 and is front-wheel drive, while the premium iX2 xDrive 30 costs $85,700 and improves with all-wheel drive.

It’s pricy for a compact SUV, but as a luxury electric experience, the BMW iX2 matches up well against competitors like the Mercedes-Benz EQA.

That high-spec iX2 xDrive 30 is the one that this review primarily focuses on – and, in fact, the only electric variant available at launch, though there’s plenty of similarity between all variants (even petrol and electric), so this review should give you a good insight into what the BMW X2 is like.

The petrol-powered BMW X2s are powered by 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engines in differing stages of tune, but notably both have all-wheel drive as standard.

The iX2 xDrive 30 is powered by dual electric motors and all-wheel drive. Combined electric power totals 230kW/494Nm. The iX2 xDrive 30 delivers up to 395km of driving range owing to a 64.8kWh battery.

It can charge at a rate of up to 130kW using a DC fast charger, estimated to offer a 10–80 per cent charge in less than 30 minutes.

In my perspective, it’s perhaps one of the more fascinating BMW designs of late. Up front, it features a closed-off huge ‘kidney’ grille, but it’s enhanced by LED lighting around it that makes for a spectacular appearance at night.

Some fascinating crease lines on the bonnet run towards the BMW emblem, while the option of 19/20-inch wheels is offered.

At the side, you’ll observe the X2 receives flush door handles that assist this vehicle cut through the air as effectively as possible, but the rear end has a touch of creative flare too. There’s a curved roof line that underlines this car’s sportiness, but there are also new-design tail-lights and a stand-out rear spoiler.

How large is a BMW iX2?

Inside the interior, the area is dominated by a curved display spanning 10.7 inches for the digital cluster and 10.25 inches for the infotainment screen.

But there is remarkable design wherever you look. There are metallic accents to the door panels and console, the soft-touch features surrounding the glovebox are gorgeous, and I adore the quantity of light allowed in by the panoramic (fixed) sunroof.

The steering wheel is the single feature I don’t adore about the front-row experience. It’s excessively thick and seems too wide in diameter too.

BMW went with a floating centre console design that is visually striking. It mightn’t be the most practical option since the lidded centre console bin is quite shallow, but there’s excellent storage space below the console for phones, wallets and keys.

As well, there are two cupholders and a wireless phone charger under the dash.

Seated in the front seats, I felt really comfortable and readily able to organize myself into a nice driving posture.

The cabin looks visually spectacular with bright silver highlights on the door panels and elegant trim on the dashboard, while the leather feels quality and durable enough to go the distance.

One thing I loathe about contemporary BMWs is the air-conditioning controls. They’re embedded into the infotainment system and it’s extremely tough to change air on the fly.

The second-row atmosphere is excellent in terms of light and airiness, but it’s far from the most comfortable once you’re sitting. There’s an uncomfortable hump in the center (where the transmission tunnel would be in petrol-powered vehicles), but my legs were confined behind the seat back. My head was likewise firmly wedged in the headliner. I am a tall 194cm, however if you routinely use the second row I’d choose the BMW X1 instead.

There are USB outlets, air vents, and a fold-down central armrest surrounding the second-row seat.

oes the BMW iX2 feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
There is lots of similarities between BMW iDrive 8 and iDrive 9, which is both good and terrible. Still, the system features a maddening quantity of icons and menu systems to complete activities.

But , there are now touch-sensitive buttons located between the infotainment and digital driver’s cluster to conveniently navigate between items like navigation and music settings.

The home screen now has more material and it’s significantly simpler to go right to the feature you need faster.

Handily, iDrive 9 receives over-the-air updates for simple upgrades, while the vehicle may be managed using the BMW app.

Of course, the vehicle comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. I considered the previous system simpler to use than BMW’s own infotainment software, but that’s just my choice.

Is the BMW iX2 a safe car?

The BMW X2 has not been safety-rated by ANCAP and is unlikely to become so.

However, the identical BMW X1 was last awarded five stars in 2022.

What safety technology does the BMW iX2 have?
BMW’s suite of safety features featured, with lane-centring assist, adaptive cruise control (with stop-and-go), blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera, parking aid and drive recorders as standard. A comprehensive list may be seen below.

All systems appeared to work without problem when I was driving the vehicle at launch. The adaptive cruise control performs a superb job of keeping behind traffic ahead and the lane-centring system keeps you situated perfectly inside lane markers.

One of the incorporated energy-recuperation modes is the Adaptive function, which simply watches the vehicle ahead and brakes as required behind it, all the while recovering the lost braking energy back into the car’s 64.8kWh battery.

How much does the BMW iX2 cost to run?

BMWs come with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre guarantee, and the battery itself is protected for up to eight years (unlimited km). Roadside assistance coverage runs for three years.

BMW service intervals are characterized as 'condition-based'. In actual terms, the vehicle will notify you when it wants a service, although it’s normally yearly, possibly more often if the car goes lots of km.

For the iX2, BMW provides a six-year-long service package that costs $2200. This averages out to be $367 per annually.

What is the range of a BMW iX2?

While we didn’t have the opportunity to self-charge the iX2 at launch, BMW claims the car will fast-charge at a max 130kW pace. In addition, it can accommodate up to 22kW AC charging from a home or business wallbox.

As for how much energy it uses, BMW cites 18.5kWh per 100 km on a mixed driving cycle. That’s somewhat more than what you’d anticipate from a compact electric SUV, but it’s fairly bang-on for what I experienced during my test drive.

At different times, I observed 17.9kWh/100km displayed on the computer until it increased to 19.8kWh/100km at the conclusion of my driving session.

BMW says the iX2 xDrive 30 will travel up to 395km before requiring a recharge, according to ADR requirements.

What is the BMW iX2 like to drive?

Despite 230kW and over 500Nm on tap (which is equally divided between front and rear motors), the iX2 doesn’t seem like a dynamic electric SUV. There’s no quick shock of acceleration when you push the throttle, and it doesn’t force you hard against the seat back.

Whereas passionate customers could be better served by the petrol-powered X2 M35i xDrive, the iX2 xDrive 30’s modest performance is welcomed for quiet and pleasant driving.

It’s incredibly silent, even at high speeds on rural roads, particularly since there’s no combustion engine to hide wind or road noise. It seems incredibly solidly made and there were no evident rattles or creaks from trim elements.

There’s plenty overtaking thrust when you do lean on the throttle, and it makes getting up to a speed limit incredibly simple. But it doesn’t feel as speedy as some other electric cars, such as a Tesla. Outputs are smooth and wafty by contrast.

You tend to get a strong, firm steering feel from BMWs typically - but this was one model with a strangely light feel and limited input. I also didn’t like how huge the wheel’s diameter was — it seemed much too large for the automobile it was directing.

Despite the extra 20-inch wheels attached to our tester, the ride comfort over rural Tasmanian roads was excellent. The dampers chew up all types of road junctions and fractures in the asphalt, while the adaptive aspect hardens up the dampers for aggressive driving and maintains the vehicle level through corners.

When driving faster around curves, it’s easy to appreciate the iX2’s large, high-backed seats that give plenty of shoulder support for taller drivers.

It is frustrating having to alter your driving mode on the infotainment screen, however. There’s a little button next to the gear shifter to bring up driving controls on the main screen, but I much like being able to change using a dial or switch.

There are artificial automobile noises (called Iconic Sound) that you can enable on the infotainment system to offer a little of auditory input, but I loved driving the iX2 in total quiet.

Can a BMW iX2 tow?

The BMW iX2 is rated to tow 1200kg with a braked trailer, or up to 750kg without one. Electric cars aren't the greatest option for towing jobs due to the increased weight significantly influencing the electric vehicle's range.

Should I purchase a BMW iX2?

There are two perspectives to sum up the BMW iX2 experience. It’s a wonderful visual show inside the cabin and it would certainly make you feel unique if you got to drive one every day. Even on the outside, it’s guaranteed to draw attention for its crazy appearance and sleek silhouette.

The driving experience may lean more towards moderate tourer than sports SUV, but there’s still plenty of performance on tap and it’s a delightful tourer on country roads.

Personally, I’d be better served by its BMW iX1 sibling beneath the skin owing to its friendlier rear-seat room and traditional SUV appearance. As well, it’s more inexpensive.

Though the previous-generation X2 was something of a niche product, there’s little question this new X2 will find larger appeal in the Australian market.

How do I purchase a BMW iX2? The next steps.
As of now, the only electrified BMW iX2 model on sale is the premium iX2 xDrive 30. While it’s spectacular in its own right, I can’t help but be fascinated in what the entry-level, single-motor iX2 will be like when it reaches here around July 2024.

Given that dual-motor power isn’t really essential in this compact SUV application, and the fact that it’s more inexpensive, I believe it could be the sweet spot in the range – but we’ll get one through the Drive garage later this year and let you know for sure.

The next step on the purchasing path is to check the BMW website for stock of your selected X2 version. You may also discover BMW automobiles for sale at Drive Cars For Sale.

We highly suggest getting a test drive at a dealership before committing since personal requirements and preferences might vary. Find your local BMW dealer using this link.