BMW

iX2

The BMW iX2 is a fully electrified, five-door family car that looks dynamic in its styling when approached from any angle. Packed with tech and boasting a decent driving range, it’s certainly a clear sign that BMW can deliver the goods on the EV front.

Test Drive

BMW iX2 – First Drive (2024)

Boasting bold styling and a wealth of on-board tech, the all-new BMW iX2 is a fully electrified family car that, as you may have guessed, is the EV version of the new second-generation X2.

And it’s certainly a head turner thanks to its couple-like silhouette, tapering roofline and sleek streamlining. With prices starting from £51,615, the iX2 is available in two flavours, the eDrive20 M Sport with 204hp, or the more powerful 313hp xDrive30 M Sport.

We opted for the iX2 xDrive30 M Sport with a starting price of £57,445, but this climbed to £64,675 thanks to the addition of a number of optional extras and packs. These included the M Sport Package Pro (£1,710) that introduced M Sport Brakes with red calipers, an M Sport spoiler, model-specific lights, plus M Sport seatbelts.

In addition, there was a heated steering wheel (£175), a Harmon Kardon surround sound system (£660), interior camera (£170) and a Technology Pack that added a head-up display, wireless charging storage, an iconic glow kidney grille, adaptive LED headlights, high beam assistant, Parking Assistant Plus and Live Cockpit Professional amongst other features. This Technology Pack cost £2,890.

The five-door iX2 looks almost identical to its sibling X2, but has the smoothed out front grille and different badging. Eye-catching features include an upright front end with long bonnet, vertical LED lights with a subtle arrow shape that include the daytime running lights and indicators, adaptive LED headlights with non-dazzling matrix high-beam assist, deep lower air intakes, heavily raked pillars and stunning 20-inch alloy wheels.

Moving inside, the interior is pure class with high-end fixtures and fittings throughout, top quality upholstery and soft touch, padded surfaces. Getting the perfect driving position is a simple process with powered seats and all controls, dials and readouts are ideally positioned in this exceptionally driver-focused cockpit.

The main focal point is BMW’s stunning curved display which sees the 10.25-inch information display and 10.7-inch control screen merge into a single unit behind a glass surface that is curved towards the driver.

Creature comforts, as you would expect, are plentiful and include navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, along with a range of apps that bring the likes of music streaming and gaming to the mix on a subscription basis. And special mention to the optional Harmon Kardon audio system that delivers pitch perfect sounds.

It’s easy enough to navigate the many on-board features, but die-hard BMW fans may still harp on about the traditional rotary iDrive controller that was so easy to use on the fly.

Powering our iX2 xDrive30 M Sport test car was a 64.7kWh battery with a single electric motor delivering 313hp and 494Nm of torque. With instant acceleration through the one-speed automatic transmission, the car could power its way to 62mph from a standing start in just 5.6 seconds and maxed out at 112mph. But probably the most important stat for any EV owner is the driving range between charges. The iX2, as tested, has a combined range of 267 miles, increased to 282 on the iX2 eDrive20 version.

When it comes to performance, the iX2 is a real powerhouse of a car with excellent grip through tight bends and the reassurance of all-wheel drive. It’s perfectly balanced with minimal sign of body sway and can be pushed on with confidence.

The steering is nicely weighted and delivers good levels of feedback, and while the ride is quite firm, it’s not too severe. Refinement levels impress further with a beautifully hushed cabin that protects occupants from any outside noise.

This iX2 can cruise with ease at 70mph on motorways and there is all manner of modes to change the dynamics along with the display layouts. An additional B mode will strengthen the regenerative braking force and there is an irresistible Boost button that gives the car the full beans for 10 seconds.

All-round visibility is good, but not great due to the narrow rear window and wide pillars obstructing the over-the-shoulder view. But in its defence, the iX2 boasts a wealth of safety aids to assist the driver, especially when parking.

The vehicle has grown compared to its predecessor too stretching an extra 194mm in length to 4,554mm. The wheelbase has also increased by 22mm and that means extra cabin space. There is room for five occupants and the boot can swallow 525 litres of luggage, increasing to 1,400 litres with the rear seats dropped flat.

Elsewhere, there is a glovebox, deep door bins, a large storage area beneath the centre console, a cubby box, cup holders, seat back nets and some practical trays to keep bits and pieces safe and secure.

Boosting the car’s battery at a 130kW fast charger takes 29 minutes from 10 to 80 per cent, or 6 hours, 30 minutes from 0 to 100 per cent if plugged into an 11kW unit.

Factor in a wealth of safety systems and driver assistance aids and the iX2 is a very appealing premium EV. But if you’re not quite ready for the leap to full electrification, the X2 line-up could be worth a look especially as the entry-level model comes in at £40,515 which is £10k-plus less than its EV sibling.