When you’re wishing for an SUV that doesn’t look the same as every model on the road, the BMW X2 might not be what you expect. Sometimes the answer to a wish isn’t expected or desired, as in the online joke about the person who wished for “one million bucks” and got one million male deer instead of actual money. Thankfully, the X2 is like realizing you can turn lemons into lemonade, although the X2 is certainly no lemon.
This little BMW takes what made the larger X6 popular and shrinks things down. It’s a coupe-like SUV that looks sportier than its platform mate, the X1, but also appears like a lifted, bloated sports coupe on wheels. This gives it a bit of an odd appearance, but that oddity can certainly become part of its charm when given the chance.
The “Odd” Styling Grows On You Over Time
Coupe-Inspired Styling Stands Out In A Crowded Segment
BMW hit the sweet spot of coupe styling for crossovers with the X6, and also used this design to create smaller models, which is where the BMW X2 comes from. As BMW has done for years, odd numbers signify traditional models, and even numbers indicate coupe-style vehicles. You can find this naming scheme on BMW cars and SUVs.
The sloping, coupe-like profile gives the X2 a distinctive look compared to other subcompact crossovers. No matter how you feel about this styling, it’s hard to deny that it stands out in the crowded segment, which is pretty much the point.
Bold Exterior Choices Create Long-Term Appeal
The unique look gives the X2 an appeal that can stand the test of time. Its raked roofline cuts into the interior space, but only slightly, allowing the X2 to be just as comfortable and fun as the X1, but with a much more attention-grabbing shape. For comparison, the cargo space in the BMW X1 measures 25.7 cubic feet, while the X2 has 25.3 cubic feet. How many drivers will actually miss this minuscule difference?
Power Feels Stronger Than Expected in Real-World Use
More Fun-To-Drive Than Most Small SUVs
- Base Trim Engine
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2L I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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7-speed auto-shift manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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241 HP @4500 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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295 lb.-ft. @ 1500 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
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24/33/28 MPG
- Make
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BMW
- Model
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X2
- Segment
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Subcompact Luxury SUV
Every X2 comes with standard AWD, giving you direct power and control at all four wheels. The standard setup for the xDrive28i model includes a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This powertrain produces 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, which doesn’t sound too impressive, but it’s good enough to send the X2 to 60 MPH in 6.2 seconds.
This peppy powertrain is great for more than straight-line sprints. It is the heart of an SUV that comes with BMW’s impressively engineered steering and handling, which allows the X2 to feel confident around corners and during highway passing maneuvers. For $42,995, you can experience what this base X2 offers, which is a pretty good entry point into luxury SUV driving.
Strong M35i Performance Adds Everyday Enjoyment
If you want a bit more excitement and power from the BMW X2, the M35i model is tuned to produce 312 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It has the same basic setup as the base model, but delivers more of the power you want to drive faster and harder. The M35i also rides on a sport-tuned suspension, making it the more competitive model when speed is a must. BMW claims the higher-tuned model can hit 60 MPH in 5.2 seconds, which puts it in line with some sports cars. The M35i requires a bit more from your pocket, posting a starting MSRP of $52,395, which is nearly $10,000 more for a bit more power.
An Acceptable Alternative
When paying over $40,000 for the small and polarizing X2 seems like too much, there’s an alternative. This generation of the X2 began with the 2024 model year. That means you could choose a 2024 BMW X2 and still enjoy the same equipment and options as the 2026 model. So far, BMW hasn’t made any major changes to the SUV, and the 2024 model averages $32,300 for the xDrive28i and $38,000 for the M35i in the current market. The X2 received an overall JD Power score of 76/100, placing it in the middle of its class.
Premium Interior Quality Exceeds Expectations
Upscale Materials And Fit Elevate Daily Driving
Your spirited driving manners won’t toss you around in the BMW X2. It features well-bolstered seats that hold you and your passengers firmly, even when pushing hard through a turn. The expected high-class materials are present, and the interior style is modern, upscale, and comfortable. The M35i features sportier faux suede front seats than the base model. The rear seats split in a 40/20/40 configuration for versatile storage. When the seats are folded down, the BMW X2 has 51.7 cubic feet of cargo room, which is near the top of the luxury subcompact SUV class.
Modern Tech And Layout Enhance Usability
Two large screens dominate the X2’s dashboard: one measures 10.3 inches for the digital gauge readings, and the other measures 10.7 inches for the infotainment. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the M35i comes with a wireless smartphone charger, which is available for the xDrive28i. The sound system can be upgraded to include a Harman Kardon audio system when the Premium package is added to the X2’s equipment.
The BMW X2 lets you play built-in video games on the infotainment screen. This can only be done when the vehicle is stationary, but the AirConsole feature allows you to use your phone as a controller. This is a great way to pass time when waiting for others to join you in the X2.
Compact Size Becomes A Major Advantage
Easier To Maneuver And Park Than Larger SUVs
The small footprint, which is slightly less than 180 inches in length, gives the BMW X2 a serious advantage over larger SUVs on the road and in parking lots. If you’ve ever had to try to park a full-size SUV or massive pickup truck, parking the X2 will be a breeze and even a bit of a pleasure.
On the road, the small size makes it easy to zip in and out of traffic. This little SUV feels more like a nimble sports coupe than an SUV when you’re working your way through traffic to leave the busy road behind.
Practical Enough For Everyday Needs
Critics may claim a coupe-styled SUV cuts off too much cargo space, but that certainly isn’t the case for the X2. While you won’t have the cavernous cargo area of a Chevrolet Suburban, this little BMW is spacious enough to be useful and versatile enough to fit passengers and cargo as needed. It also comes with a standard hands-free powered liftgate to make things much easier, ensuring you can open the rear and load cargo without putting items on the ground first.
A Lifestyle-Oriented SUV That Rewards The Right Buyer
The X2’s Design Makes It Feel Special
The BMW X2 isn’t for every driver, but those who gravitate towards it are rewarded. The X2 gives up some cargo room and headroom compared to much boxier rivals, but it makes up for these things with a much more driver-focused experience than you’ll find in one of the many carbon-copy appliances on the road. In reality, it’s a well-rounded subcompact SUV that compromises very little for its edgy styling, which makes it appealing.
The Unexpected Payoff
Some might look at the X2 and never give it a second glance, but those who take the time to see what it offers are often rewarded with engaging driving dynamics, usable cargo space, high-class materials, and modern tech features. The X2 is like a guilty pleasure, but once you get behind the wheel, you’ll realize there’s no need to feel guilty about it at all.
A Luxury SUV You Didn’t Want To Love
Widespread stories of parents eventually falling in love with unwanted pets that their children bring home are heartwarming. The BMW X2 is a bit like that. It isn’t made to be impressive on paper, but to win you over when it’s driven. Everything good about it might not click at first glance, but the longer you drive it, the more rewarding it becomes.
Sources: Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, BMW, JD Power