Fast but not that intense

The BMW iX2 is a fully electric SUV based on the same underpinnings as the BMW iX1. As with many of BMW’s latest models, the exterior design divides opinion, but I like it, even if the slightly more practical BMW iX1 is more attractive. The iX2 also faces competition from rivals such as the Tesla Model Y, Audi Q4 e-Tron Sportback, Polestar 2 and Volvo C40.

Even though the BMW iX2 has the same floor plan as the BMW iX1, it feels like a larger car to drive – even though the dimensions aren’t that different. The sloping roofline gives it a slightly different visual identity, but if you’re after practicality it’s less appealing as the iX1 offers a more accessible boot area.

The BMW iX2 xDrive30 M Sport is also more expensive, and the material benefits don’t seem particularly beneficial. Still, there’s a lot to like about the iX2, which offers plenty of electric power if bought in all-wheel-drive BMW iX2 xDrive30 M Sport specification.

Prices, specifications and availability

The BMW iX2 xDrive30 starts at £56,540 (approximately US$72,700). Opt for the BMW iX2 xDrive30 M Sport model I’m reviewing here, and the price rises to £66,569 (about $85,710), as it comes with options worth no less than £9,124 ($11,700). The BMW iX2 will be launched starting this month.

design and build

Cool cosmetic touch

If you care more about looks than practicality, you might prefer the BMW iX2 to the iX1. The trade-off for the sexier roofline is less space inside the rear end. The good news is that BMW hasn’t sacrificed quality, and the iX2 can seat four adults comfortably.

The good news is that BMW hasn’t sacrificed quality, and the iX2 can seat four adults comfortably.

I preferred the car I tested’s Portimão Blue metallic finish, with its 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels. My car also came with a host of extras, including the M Sport Pro bundle, which added red M Sport brake calipers, a spoiler and seat belts to the interior. It also features a panoramic glass sunroof that helps illuminate the impressive interior. For example, my test model was made from Atlas Gray and Smoke White vegan leather.

refreshing interior

Overall appeal of the cockpit

The BMW iX2 xDrive30 M Sport is a premium SUV, which means I expected no shortage of frills in the interior. It certainly lives up to those expectations, and I found it to be largely satisfactory, from the color and finish of the seats and door cards to the features and functionality within the dash. It also comes with all the basic necessities, with cup holders and USB charging ports where you need them most.

I found the cockpit area welcoming, with plenty of options for adjusting the seat, although I was surprised to find that I had to use a hand lever to make any adjustments. I also like the BMW iX2’s driving position, which isn’t too upright compared to some high-flying SUVs. Front-seat passengers will also find this car a lot of fun, although anyone who’s particularly tall may find the back seat less appealing. Legroom is decent, but the roofline does encroach on the cabin.

The trunk is roomier than the iX1’s, but at 18.5 cubic feet, it doesn’t feel too roomy. I think this basically boils down to the bodywork, which makes the trunk opening look less practical than the iX1. Thankfully, you can access the charging cable via the underfloor storage section.

Technical breakdown

Multifunctional infotainment system

Anyone who wants a high-tech interior will find the BMW iX2 xDrive30 M Sport fits the bill. The instrument panel is dominated by a 10.7-inch touch screen, supplemented by a 10.25-inch digital instrument display. BMW designed the two to be connected, so the overall visual effect is impressive. My only issue is that a lot of the controls are touch-based, which means it’s easy to get distracted if you’re trying to make adjustments on the go.

However, I do like the thick leather steering wheel, which not only feels great to hold but can also be used to perform a number of functions.

Interestingly, my test car seemed to have issues with the voice output when I tried to use the sat-nav. All I could hear was a confused robotic voice and a series of unintelligible commands. Thankfully, the map instructions appear right in front of you as well as the central screen, so when I was navigating unfamiliar territory I found it easy to figure things out without the spoken part of the equation.

Battery, range and performance

More than enough power

As you’d expect, the BMW iX2 xDrive30 M Sport spec car offers more performance muscle than the lower iX2 eDrive20 model, but both are available in M ​​Sport spec. If you’re not interested in four-wheel drive, the eDrive20 variant makes a lot of sense, while performance enthusiasts will naturally prefer the grippier eDrive 30, especially with its dual-motor M Sport qualification.

Like most electric cars, the BMW iX2 xDrive30 M Sport is an easy car to drive, although its SUV size makes it challenging in smaller parking spaces and urban environments. I like it best when I’m driving on secondary roads, where I can toss the car around, although the iX2’s high ride height and rough suspension can make it feel a bit lumpy on rougher roads. . Main roads aren’t an issue, though, and if you keep your feet on the ground, the BMW iX2 xDrive30 M Sport rides and stops just as you’d expect from the badge.

With performance comes a trade-off in efficiency, so if range is more important than getting everywhere quickly, I think the iX2 eDrive20 is an ideal compromise. I found the BMW iX2 xDrive30 M Sport to be as quick as expected, especially when I pulled the power lever on the steering column. This provides ten seconds of extra power for overtaking etc. Even without that feature, the iX2 accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.6 seconds, which is more impressive than the eDrive20. Granted, the car has about 100 less horsepower, so it’ll do the same task in 8.6 seconds.

There’s not a huge difference in range considering both models use the same 65kWh battery pack, but the iX2’s 283 miles compared to the iX2 I’s around 266 miles will probably make it home without stopping to charge. different. Always driving. If charging can’t be avoided, the good news is charging rates of up to 130kW. It’s not amazing, but it’s fast enough to go from ten to eighty percent in thirty minutes or so.

judgment

The BMW iX2 xDrive30 M Sport left a positive impression on me, although after driving the iX1 back-to-back, I still think I prefer the latter. It most likely uses the same floor plan but feels more flexible for some reason. I’d like to spend more time with the iX2 to see if my opinion changes. Nonetheless, the BMW iX2 xDrive30 M Sport is packed with interesting technology, offers plenty of comfort, and has plenty of performance.

It’s basically a success story, but the price point might convince me to move in the direction of the aforementioned competitors, which offer just as much, if not more, often for less. For example, Tesla’s Model Y in the United States starts at about $43,000, but the price does go up by about $10,000 if a similar level of additional features is added. Even the similar Audi Q4 e-Tron Sportback starts at $50,000, which is still less than a Beemer with all the options.