The BMW X2 has entered a second generation with an all-new design inside and out. Most of the changes are good improvements, with high seat comfort, all-wheel drive as standard, new infotainment and instrument cluster techs, and more.
As an even-numbered BMW X model, the X2 is an “SUV coupe” or “sport activity vehicle” rather than a traditionally-shaped sport utility. These fastback-style SAVs are popular in the luxury realms, but lose a lot of practicality thanks to that sleeker shape. The looks aren’t for everybody, but the similarly-sized BMW X1 offers a more traditional sport utility look.
The 2024 BMW X3 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that outputs 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This is attached to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with all-wheel drive as standard. All of those numbers translate to a punchy little ride that feels confident and ready to fly at any moment. The transmission shifts very quickly and the AWD system keeps all four wheels moving seamlessly. This is a great design and something that only BMW could pull off with this kind of aplomb.
There is also an upgraded M235i model option that upgrades the engine to boost output to 312 hp and 295 lb-ft. Though we haven’t driven it, this seems like a fun, but wholly unnecessary upgrade in power output. So we think it’s an awesome idea.
The interior of the 2024 X2 is very well done for an entry level luxury ride like this. Front and back seating is comfortable and well-positioned. Rear legroom is good for most people and headroom is surprisingly tall for a coupe-styled vehicle like this. The cargo space, while not as large as some SUVs in this class, is still bigger than might be expected.
Also new to the 2024 BMW X2 is the German automaker’s latest iDrive 9 operating system for its instrument cluster and infotainment. This design integrates your smart phone, allowing it to be a controller via the Air Console app. When the vehicle is parked, one can play video games, stream movies, and a lot more with this setup. It’s also standalone while driving and with a subscription to BMW’s 5G network connection, streaming can be done directly. This means podcasts, audiobooks, music services, and more are all available. And the interior camera allows selfies, QR code scans, etc. Pretty wild. And to top it off, BMW’s voice recognition and natural language system is getting better every time it updates. It’s not quite on par with Mercedes-Benz yet, but it’s close.
Out on the road, the 2024 X2 is a great little drive. It’s tight in steering, smart in body balance, and loves kicking in the turbos for power output. The usual turbo lag is present, of course, but that’s about the only downside.
Overall, we like the 2024 BMW X2. It’s a fun driver’s car with the convenience of an SUV. Pricing starts at $42,995 plus delivery.
This review originally published on DriveModeShow.com.
