2024 BMW X2 and iX2 revealed with daring new look

BMW has revealed the all-new X2 and iX2 compact SUV coupes, ahead of an anticipated Australian launch in the new year.

Scheduled to launch globally from March 2024, the next-generation BMW X2 range will be led by the electric iX2 xDrive30 and X2 M35i xDrive performance hero, alongside the sDrive20i base petrol and sDrive18d diesel.

It’s unclear which variants are coming to Australia at this stage.

BMW has also confirmed a second iX2 variant will join the global range from around mid-2024 (northern hemisphere summer), as well as another diesel-powered variant.

All versions of the new BMW X2 and iX2 will be produced on a single assembly line at BMW Group Plant Regensburg, with the iX2’s high-voltage batteries also produced at the Regensburg site.

Compared to its ageing and more hatchback-style predecessor, the new X2 bears a strong resemblance to the larger X4 and X6 SUV coupes, which BMW calls Sports Activity Coupes (SAC).

The new-gen X2 has grown by a significant 194mm to 4554mm in length, widened by 21mm to 1845mm, and is 64mm taller at 1590mm.

BMW says the wheelbase and track width have been increased to allow more room for passengers and luggage. The X2 boasts 560L-1470L of luggage capacity, while the iX2 quotes 525L-1400L. By comparison, the outgoing X2 quoted luggage volume of 470L-1355L.

Design-wise the BMW X2 sports a distinctive front-end treatment with an “almost hexagonal” kidney grille, which for the first time can be optioned with the BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting like more expensive models in the marque’s portfolio.

The angular headlights feature LED technology as standard, and can be specified as adaptive LED units with Matrix high-beam technology.

Up top the X2 and iX2 feature a more coupe-shaped silhouette than before, with flared rear wheel arches and prominent shoulder lines in keeping with BMW’s other SUV coupe models.

The rear-end treatment is quite distinctive, with LED rear lighting that isn’t really in keeping with either the X4 or X6, while the gurney-style rear spoiler and rear apron treatment lend an athletic stance.

For the M35i xDrive, there’s a quad-tipped exhaust treatment like the related X1 M35i, while the optional M Sport Package Pro brings blacked-out M High-gloss Shadowline elements including the usually chrome accents, headlight surrounds and rear spoiler, as well as an M Sport brake system with red-painted calipers.

There are two solid and eleven metallic paint finishes on offer in the global portfolio, including the new Fire Red metallic seen here. Two BMW Individual Frozen satin finishes are offered, as well as finishes from the BMW Individual special paint program.

Inside, the new BMW X2 aligns itself with the related X1 compact SUV, including a more modern and premium cockpit design incorporating the BMW Curved Display running the latest Operating System 9.

There’s a floating armrest with control panel, as well as a smartphone tray with “indirect illumination” which also features wireless charging.

As we’re seeing across the BMW line-up, vegan-friendly Veganza upholstery is offered alongside conventional Vernasca leather and cloth upholstery options.

Sport seats are available, as are electric seat adjustment with memory, lumbar support and massaging functions. BMW says improvements have been made to acoustic comfort and occupant protection – including an airbag between the front seats.

BMW has confirmed standard equipment for the X2 and iX2 globally includes dual-zone climate control, BMW Maps navigation and a sport leather steering wheel; as well as a power tailgate, four USB-C ports and a pair of 12V power sockets – one in the centre console and another in the boot.

The Bavarian marque has also detailed some of the available options for the European market, including steering wheel heating, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, and the mirror package.

Also available will be a panoramic glass sunroof, “whose dark-tinted glass surface extends right up to the windscreen and the roof frame on either side, and a long way back in a single section into the rear part of the roof”.

Rounding out the confirmed optional equipment for global markets is an electronically operated trailer hitch.

BMW iX2

For the first time, the X2 will offer an all-electric model variant in the form of the iX2.

At launch there will be a sole dual-motor xDrive30 offering, with a second variant to be added in 2024 – likely a single-motor eDrive20 as has been confirmed for the iX1 range in Australia.

With one e-motor on the front axle and another at the rear, the iX2 xDrive30 offers system outputs of 230kW and 494Nm, good for a 0-100 sprint time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 180km/h.

Under the skin is a 64.8kWh (usable) lithium-ion battery pack which the company says quotes official WLTP driving range of 417-449km depending on specification.

Special features include adaptive energy recuperation modes (regen braking) and a Max Range function which optimises vehicle systems to achieve the best possible driving range.

Globally, there’s also Max Performance Charging software that optimises charging efficiency, while the Plug & Charge Multi Contract function available on other BMWs overseas like the larger i5 will also be offered with the iX2.

BMW X2 M35i xDrive

At the top of the tree alongside the all-electric iX2 is the petrol-fired M Performance variant.

Under the bonnet of the X2 M35i xDrive is a high-output 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine developing 221kW in European specification, and 233kW for the US and other markets – likely Australia too as the X1 M35i xDrive for our market gets the beefier tune.

BMW claims a 0-100 dash of 5.4 seconds for the X2 M35i xDrive, with the performance model underpinned by a specific chassis tune, xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive and adaptive M suspension that “enhances both agility and long-distance comfort”.

Highlights of the M Performance model include model-specific body elements like a front splitter and rear spoiler, M-specific mirrors and an illuminated M kidney grille with horizontal bar, as well as the availability of exclusive 21-inch alloy wheels. Quad exhaust tips also feature.

M Compound brakes will be available as an option, while M-specific equipment items like a sportier steering wheel, Alcantara interior trim and optional M Sport seats with backlit M logo will all be available.

BMW X2 sDrive18d and sDrive20i

Standard versions of the BMW X2 will be available with a three-cylinder petrol engine or four-cylinder turbo-diesel depending on market.

The X2 sDrive20i runs a 1.5-litre turbo triple with 48V mild-hybrid technology – at least for Europe – offering outputs of 125kW. BMW says the combustion engine makes 115kW on its own, while the integrated electric motor from the MHEV system contributes 14kW.

Fuel efficiency for the mild-hybrid petrol is rated at 6.5-6.0L/100km on the combined cycle, with emissions quoted at 148-136g/km based on WLTP figures.

Meanwhile the X2 sDrive18d is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel with 110kW, and is claimed to have “undergone an extensive upgrade” in the name of efficiency. Official efficiency figures are quoted at 5.5-5.1L/100km, with emissions rated at 145-133g/km.

Both the sDrive18d and sDrive20i are front-wheel drive only, and all combustion versions of the BMW X2 send drive to the road via a seven-speed dual-clutch Steptronic transmission.

Technology

As touched on earlier, the new-generation X2 gets a much-needed boost in assistance and infotainment technologies compared to its ageing predecessor.

Standard features across the range include front collision warning, cruise control with braking function, Speed Limit Info and lane departure warning “with lane return”. BMW’s Parking Assistant package is fitted as standard, including a reversing camera and Reversing Assistant sensors.

Optionally available features include the Steering and Lane Control Assistant – effectively a semi-autonomous highway mode incorporating adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function as well as lane centring assist – in addition to Active Navigation, exit warning, a head-up display, surround-view camera with a remote 3D view, BMW Drive Recorder, and Remote Theft Recorder functions.

The X2 and iX2 will offer over-the-air software updates, which means existing driver assistance functions can be upgraded remotely, as well as the capability to add new functionality.

BMW Operating System 9, meanwhile, is the company’s latest Android-based infotainment interface and is fitted as standard to the 2024 BMW X2 and iX2 in conjunction with the BMW Curved Display.

Headline features include access to digital applications via the BMW ConnectedDrive Store, as well as subscription-based online services.

BMW Digital Premium gives owners in-car access to all available applications in their market, such as music and video streaming platforms, as well as news and gaming apps on a subscription basis.

An Augmented View function is available as an option for the cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system, with other available features including a 5G-capable eSIM which enables BMW Digital Key Plus and BMW ID functions. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also feature.

Stay tuned to CarExpert for an update with Australian-market details for the new BMW X2 and iX2.

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