BMW X2 - TopCarNews

BMW X2 (2018 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The BMW X2 is a small SUV/crossover that sits alongside the mechanically-identical BMW X1, and below the larger X3/X4 models. It was launched in early 2018, with a plug-in hybrid powertrain joining the range in early 2020.

The X2 is lower and sportier than the more practical X1, aiming at a narrow niche for those who want a sportier vehicle than an X1 but a higher-riding vehicle than the 1 Series hatchback. As such, it has very few direct rivals but a wide range of indirect competitors.

As of August 2021, the BMW X2 currently holds an Expert Rating of 68% based on 23 UK media reviews. That puts it in the midfield of the small SUV sector, but quite some way behind class-leading models like the Volvo XC40 and Range Rover Evoque. It has been praised for being better to drive than the sister X1, but is criticised for its compromised practicality, firm ride and high price tag.

Key specifications

Body style: Small SUV/crossoverEngines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £30,915 on-road

Launched: Spring 2018Last updated: Winter 2019/20
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The BMW X2 is an SUV that bucks convention with its sporty looks and low-slung seat position.”
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Model reviewed: M35iScore: 6 / 10“Price aside, the M35i headlines with a plethora of upgrades over the standard X2, including specifically tuned M Sport suspension and mechanical limited-slip diff, as well as a tweaked eight-speed gearbox with launch control.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7.4 / 10“The BMW X2 is a lower-slung and sportier partner to the more conventionally upright X1. If you’re willing to trade a little of the X1’s practicality for a tad more sportiness and style, this is the premium crossover you’re looking for.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The BMW X2 is a car intended to be either loved or hated; to trade in the usual crossover design cues at bolder and more eye-catching visual volume than most cars of its type, even in entry-level form.”
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Model reviewed: M35iScore: 7 / 10“This is a car that hits the heights in some areas and misses the mark in others, thus feeling as compromised as the brief suggests.”
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Model reviewed: sDrive 20i automatic M SportScore: 8 / 10“To its credit, the BMW X2 takes a good shot as dispelling the idea that crossovers have to be inherently worse than the hatchbacks on which they’re usually based. Not only does the X2 look rather sharp, it drives well and has comparable levels of practicality to a 1 Series.”
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Car

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic M35iScore: 6 / 10“It’d be easy to be cynical about the BMW X2 M35i but that would be doing a hugely competent car a sizeable disservice.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic xDrive 20dScore: 9 / 10“The BMW X2 comes with loads of space, stand-out looks and plenty of equipment. Even with the slightly higher starting price than its rivals, the X2 is a worthy competitor in the segment and should grab your attention if you’re after a new crossover.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The surprisingly practical BMW X2 fuses eye-catching SUV looks with hot-hatch road manners.”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“The BMW X2 is a compact SUV with a stylish body and a well-made interior but many alternatives are more comfortable and better at carrying lots of tall passengers.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic xDrive 20d M SportScore: 8 / 10“Another niche successfully filled by BMW. The X2 brings practicality and sporty SUV styling, along with BMW’s regular handling prowess and fun driving experience.”
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Daily Mail

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic xDrive M Sport“BMW really is going for gold with its new X2 sports utility vehicle that has younger drivers firmly in its sights by adding a fair bit of bling to its low-slung sporty looks and sizzling performance.”
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Evo

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“It wouldn’t be the first BMW you’d choose if you were looking for thrills, but the X2’s more enjoyable than you might expect.”
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Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic xDrive 20d M SportScore: 8 / 10“Other than the distinctive body style, the X2 is a fairly traditional BMW. The all-wheel drive system provides excellent grip, the engine delivers good efficiency, and the overall driving experience has the normal BMW genes, if not the agility that might be expected based on the appearance of the X2.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The BMW X2 handles much better than the X1 on which it is based, with less body roll in corners, sharper steering and better throttle response. The result is a crossover which is actually quite enjoyable to drive. Yes, you read that right.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic xDrive 20d“Sporty, swoopy and luxurious, the BMW X2 adds some fun and opulence into the otherwise monotone world of compact crossovers. Family buyers might take issue with the high price tag and lack of interior space, but the X2 makes a strong case for itself in an ever overcrowded SUV market.”
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Motors.co.uk

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Out on the open road, the BMW X2 proves to be a better driving car than the X1. It’s sharper and feels noticeably more agile. This is helped by a lower-mounted body, which allows the car to be more manoeuvrable, and, in M Sport form, it has a lowered ride height, too.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8.6 / 10“Stylish, jacked-up family car is good to drive, but expensive.”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: Range overview“BMW have oversold it as being ‘young and edgy’, but there was really no need — the X2 is a very good car.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic xDrive 20dScore: 8 / 10“Segment-buster it might be, but this new BMW feels surprisingly familiar and natural. Dynamically sound, it also benefits from BMW’s range of highly fuel-efficient and powerful engines. At heart this is a likeable car, though we’re at a loss to explain exactly why it’s an SUV.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The BMW X2 is refined, as good to drive as any small SUV, and decently made and equipped.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“Classy interior and tidy handling add to the BMW X2’s appeal, but a firm ride and compromised practicality detract from the overall package it offers.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The BMW X2 is a rare example of sporty compact SUV crossover. While you may think it might be a car of compromises, it handles remarkably well for a crossover and yet remains fairly practical.” Rated a BEST BUY.
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2017

90%

ADULT OCCUPANT

87%

CHILD OCCUPANT

74%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

77%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

No eco rating

The BMW X2 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP. As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP, and inevitably the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic.

If and when the X2 is tested by Green NCAP, we’ll publish the results here.

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