Overview

What's New for 2021

The BMW X2 is offered in two trim levels: 28i and M35i. All-wheel-drive is available on both trims, with front-wheel-drive included on the 28i. The two trims share the same body and chassis, but each has its own engine and suspension, with the M35i being the sportier choice.

The X2 28i retails for around $37,000, coming with a well-rounded feature set for the price. An all-wheel-drive variant is offered for about $39,000. Standard four-wheel ventilated disc brakes provide excellent stopping power, concealed behind sleek 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires. The X2 gets advanced driver technology like automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning for more peace of mind in dense traffic. Sophisticated LED headlights include automatic high beams and the ability to curve around corners as the driver steers. Other amenities include rain-sensing wipers, fog lamps, LED tail lamps, heated memory mirrors, and a power-operated liftgate.

Stepping inside the cabin, you will find soft ambient lighting and leatherette upholstery with power-adjustable front seats. The back seating row split-folds in a 40/20/40 configuration for more cargo options. Tech features include keyless entry, push-button start, dual-zone climate control, a seven-speaker audio system, an 8.8-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth.

The M35i takes the X2's performance and sporty styling to another level for an estimated $46,500. Not only does it get a more powerful engine, but the M35i also has a specially-tuned suspension and limited-slip differential for better handling. Its bigger brakes are wrapped in 19-inch wheels. The body gets color-keyed bumpers and skirts, plus power-folding mirrors and a hands-free liftgate. The exclusive styling extends into the cabin, with special materials for a more race-inspired look.

The BMW X2 can be equipped with a range of high-end optional features to meet owners' needs. This can raise the vehicle's price tag, leading the X2 to compete against larger and more expensive vehicles. Carefully choosing will help you keep the little BMW's value intact. Many of the options deal with improving the vehicle's performance, like summer tires and a driver-adjustable suspension. A range of comforts and conveniences allow you to make the X2 the ideal commuter, such as adaptive cruise control, wireless smartphone charging, a heated steering wheel, and automatic parking. Need even more personalization? BMW lets buyers choose interior colors, upholsteries, and accents like oak wood and brushed aluminum.

Each trim level employs its own engine, giving the 28i and M35i unique driving characteristics. The 28i is built more for everyday commutes and maximum fuel economy. Its turbocharged four-cylinder motor makes 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty for the SUV's light curb weight. An eight-speed automatic transmission is included. The 28i’s quick acceleration is matched by agile handling, plus prompt braking when it's needed. The EPA estimates it'll get up to 32 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg in the city.

Those wanting BMW's race-inspired magic in their daily driver will find a lot to like in the M35i. Its turbo-four motor produces a generous 301 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, giving it rapid acceleration and more driving excitement than the average sports car. The suspension, transmission, and brakes have also been upgraded. The M35i has a noticeably firmer ride than the softer and more compliant 28i, but the ride quality is rarely uncomfortable.

The X2 shares its interior style with the Bavarian automaker's many larger sport utilities. It's elegant, athletic, and comfortable. The cabin has good front and rear legroom, though top European rivals offer more space. The X2 feels more intimate and driver-oriented, with supportive seats and a thick leather-wrapped steering wheel. The simple dashboard and subdued color scheme keep distractions to a minimum, letting the driver remain focused on the task at hand.

BMW's iDrive infotainment system had seen many revisions since its debut decades ago, and the current version is one of the best in a luxury vehicle. It offers users many vehicle settings to adjust, formatted in easily understood menus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto give smartphone users the ability to connect to the X2's 8.8-inch touchscreen to use their device's familiar interface. It makes things simpler while opening up tons of multimedia options. Users can access their phone's navigation, music-streaming, text messages, and other apps with the convenience of their SUV's infotainment system.

The X2 is pricey for a subcompact SUV, especially when you factor in optional features. But its standard set of amenities is quite impressive, and interior build quality is top-notch. The cabin feels solid and high-quality. All of the surfaces passengers interact with are nicely textured. The X2 remains quiet at speed, with ride stability that is virtually unique to well-engineered German vehicles.

One of the benefits of choosing an SUV over a car is the added cargo capacity and versatility that come with it. The X2 has a power-operated liftgate that opens up to 21.6 cubic feet of luggage space. That can be expanded to 50.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. This lets you store bicycles, skis, and other bulky items when not transporting rear-seat passengers.