BMW X2 Review 2023 | Performance & Pricing
The BMW X2 feels great to drive, but it’s not the most comfortable of cars on bumpy roads
In town
The X2 is a compact size but your ability to nip around town is hindered by visibility that isn’t great. The view out of the front is fine, especially as you’re sat higher up than you would be in a hatchback. However, the huge rear pillars create a large blind spot and the back window is tiny. Seeing what’s behind you when manoeuvring is tricky. Standard front and rear parking sensors help; a reversing camera is optional.
It’s easy to find a good driving position. The driver’s seat and steering wheel adjust forwards and backwards, and up and down, so you can position them exactly where you want them. The seats are good and comfy, too, although the suspension is rather firm in M Sport models and the M35i performance model. They thump over bumps and holes in the road, rather than ride over them, so you get jiggled and bounced around. Sport models have softer suspension, giving a smoother ride. If you really value comfort, the Lexus UX or Volvo XC40 may suit you better.
If you drive in town a lot, the plug-in hybrid X2 25e is the best bet. It can go up to 33 miles on battery power so you can ride around in silence while creating no emissions. If you can’t stretch to that, the front-wheel-drive sDrive18i will be an efficient choice. Spec it with an automatic gearbox for really easy driving.
On the motorway
The firm ride of M Sport and M35i models can still be an issue on motorways. However, if you get the optional adaptive dampers, you can soften the suspension at the touch of a button for a much more settled journey.
Other than that, the X2 is a fine car for travelling long distances. It’s nice and quiet, and the seats are unlikely to cause aches, although the Jaguar E-Pace and Range Rover Evoque do feel a little more luxurious.
All of the available engines have enough power to rapidly get up to 70mph, though the more powerful options feel less strained maintaining that speed.
On a twisty road
BMWs always feel great to drive on a winding country road and the X2 is no different. It’s certainly better than any of the alternatives. The steering is responsive and accurate, there’s loads of grip, the body stays resolutely upright in corners and the suspension doesn’t bounce off bumps, especially if you get the optional adaptive suspension.
All the engines are powerful enough to make rapid progress cross-country, and both the manual and automatic gearboxes help you get the best out of the engine. The high-performance M35i model is inevitably the fastest and most fun to drive. You can have a really good time driving the X2, but you might have a better time driving the BMW 1 Series hatchback thanks to its lower centre of gravity.
