BMW iX2 xDrive30 First Drive Review

As we've now come to expect from BMW’s latest product offerings, every new ICE model comes together with its electric twin.

Hence, with the launch of the new second generation X2, we also now get the first every all-electric iX2.

The brand new all-electric iX2 shares plenty with its petrol X2 twin, including the design and interior equipment 

What is it?

Is this as simple as an all-electric variant of the X2? Well, the simple answer is yes. That's sort of the entire point.

However, it is worth highlighting that different variants and trims will look and behave slightly different. For example, the X2 I drove was an M Performance model, so on top of more sporty styling, you also get a chassis that's tuned for more dynamism.

This iX2 that you see here, incidentally, is the M Sport variant, so it gets a lot of the same styling touches as the X2 M35i.

Yes, it may have the iX's triangle motif and the Iconic Glow illumination first seen in the 7 Series, but the new kidney grille shape on the iX2 (and X2) is quite tastefully executed

However, one exterior element is notably different - the grille. This is an EV, so there’s no need for a functional front grille. Instead, you get one that draws obvious inspiration from BMW’s more lavish offerings - not just the internal triangle motif from the iX, but also the Iconic Glow illumination (optionally available) first seen on the 7 Series. And, I do think this new grille shape on this current generation X2 is one of the more visually pleasing ones in recent memory.

Inside, the iX2 is effectively and essentially identical to the X2 M35i that I drove, sports seats and all. Other than colour, I only spotted three differences: No Alcantara trim, no red centre marker on the steering wheel, and the iX2 only gets a left paddle on the steering wheel that lets you engage the Boost mode (there are no gears to change, after all).

The interior bears the same kind of equipment, clean design and functional minimalism that we've come to expect from BMW's compact class models

Overall, it's a nicely sorted space. I like the overall sense of spaciousness, and it's definitely par for the course for a modern Bimmer.

With the iX2, you also get the updated Operating System 9. It is an improvement over OS 8/8.5 (primarily because the functions on the main page are tiled vertically and on the driver's side, rather than horizontally in previous iterations), but remains quite a dense system, with some functions requiring too many keystrokes. Luckily, some often used functions like the My Modes and vehicle settings can be more readily accessed from buttons on the centre console.

On the road, the iX2 impresses with its smooth and refined drivetrain, as well as excellent road manners

So just electric power, then?

On the road, the iX2 feels immediately different from the X2 M35i I drove. It starts with the steering, which is notably lighter. The car also immediately feels softer sprung than the X2 M35i. Of course, that being a M Performance model, it wants to be more sporty and dynamic (which it admittedly is). However, it can be rather harsh and tiring for long, everyday drives.

You want the iX2 for that instead. It's plenty quick (0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds), but more importantly it balances refinement, comfort and enough dynamic capability. There's not much in steering feel, but it's a much more pleasant and forgiving car to drive. I will point out, however, that at speeds noticeably beyond Singapore legal limits, there is a fair bit of wind noise (perhaps more noticeable because there wasn't a 2.0-litre engine soundtrack, as is the case with the X2 M35i). 

The iX2 supports 130W DC charging, which can get you from 10 to 80% in 29 minutes

In terms of range, BMW claims around 430km on a full charge. While that might be on the optimistic side, my experience with the newest fifth generation eDrive powertrains is that they are quite efficient, and can get reasonably close to the claimed figure. I would say the high 300s, or even 400 with efficient driving, should be quite achievable.

The iX2 also supports 130kW DC charging. Hooked up to the right charger, you can get the battery from 10 to 80% in 29 minutes. Charging from 0 to 100% on a 11kW AC wall box will take 6.5 hours.

Because of the significant increase in the overall dimensions of this new generation X2 model, the iX2 in fact has more boot space than the iX1

Any big difference?

While the X2 and iX2 may fundamentally be the same car with different powertrains, they are in fact quite different in personality (especially the case with the two variants I drove). The X2 M35i is much more aggressive and sharp, but struggles slightly to settle down.

This iX2, while plenty quick, doesn't have the same sharpness. What it does have, though, is the everyday refinement and smoothness that I suspect more drivers need. It's certainly the variant I prefer.

Here, it’s important to point out that Singapore won't be getting this particular xDrive30 variant. While there's no official word of it yet available within the press materials, it's pretty obvious which variant we will get - the eDrive20, with the same powertrain found in the recently launched iX1. The reason is of course very simple: Cat A COE.

Singapore may not be getting this higher-performing xDrive30 variant, but the variant we will likely be getting, the eDrive20, may in fact be the pick of the entire X2 range

It's probably the right choice, too. While this xDrive30 models gets more oomph and more traction that flatters more vigorous driving, the eDrive20 will be the more practical and sensible choice and have slightly more range, not to mention notably more affordable as well.

And with its easy-going character, good refinement and excellent EV manners, I reckon it's the X2 to have.