New BMW X2 Review

The BMW X2 Motability range now starts at £1499 Advance Payment for the X2 SE sDrive, which comes with 17 inch alloy wheels, rear park assist, LED headlights, satellite navigation and an automatic powered tailgate. Automatic models are £250 extra, and if you want to order your X2 with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system it's now a minimum of £1999 (section updated July 2020).

BMW X2 Motability Advance Payment Offers

We're now pretty used to the idea of 'coupe'-style versions of mid-sized and large-segment SUVs. Witness the success of models like the BMW X6 and the Mercedes GLE Coupe in the large segment. And the BMW X4 and the Mercedes GLC Coupe in the mid-sized category. BMW's X2 was the first model that could really be called a 'coupe' in the smaller SUV 'C'-segment, popularised in the volume end by crossovers like Nissan's Qashqai and at the premium end by models like BMW's own X1.

Predictably, it's the X1 that provides almost everything for the X2 under the skin. But this sleeker design packages those mechanicals up more dynamically in a way that's sure to appeal to many Motability Scheme customers.

Being based on the X1's MINI-derived 'UKL2' platform, the X2 primarily uses BMW's efficient generation of four-cylinder engines. The most affordable sDrive variant is front driven, while the other xDrive derivatives use the brand's intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which distributes the engine's power between the front and rear axles as the situation requires. There's also a wide track, short overhangs and the usual 50:50 weight distribution. Obviously, the X2 is not intended for off road use, but it does have an integral Hill Descent Control feature that enables you to automatically maintain a desired speed on steep descents by taking care of brake control.

Engine-wise, Motability currently only offer two petrol versions or the X2 with 140 or 192 BPH. Only the 2.0 192 BHP version can be specified with the firms 4WD xDrive system and an automatic transmission. The car's driving responses can be adapted by using the Driving Experience Control switch, allowing the driver to choose between default COMFORT mode, efficiency-enhancing ECO PRO mode and a SPORT mode which gives the car even dynamic steering and powertrain responses. The optional Dynamic Damper Control system works via these same settings.

Even next to its bigger coupe-SUV BMW range stablemates, the X4 and X6, the X2 makes a distinctive impression. It's 2cm shorter and more than 7cm lower than the MINI-derived X1 crossover model it's based upon, yet has the same wheelbase. Featuring short overhangs, it also has a stretched, coupe-style roofline and slim window graphic. The kidney grille has always been an identifying feature of the Munich marque but on this car, it's wider at its base than at the top, which gives the nose a broader, more distinctive and sportier appearance. At the rear, horizontal design lines emphasise the car's width, with these creases continuing into high-set LED rear lights that feature an 'L' shape familiar from BMW coupes.

Lower down, the car hints at the power of its BMW TwinPower Turbo engines through the design of the tailpipes, all X2 models coming with a twin exhaust arrangement that's 90mm diameter. A spoiler provides a flourish to round off the roofline and contributes to a drag co-efficient of just 0.28Cd. Inside, there's a driver-focused cabin and a soft-finish instrument panel with contrast decorative stitching. As for practicality, well the cabin has plenty of storage, including a door design featuring large storage pockets. There's also a generous 470-litre boot.

Motability customers currently get a choice of the SE or Sport variant. Across the range, standard specification includes a 6.5-inch Touch Control Display with navigation system, automatic powered tailgate, rear parking sensors and 40:20:40 split folding rear seats. 

The standard rims for the SE model are 17-inch V-Spoke style light alloy wheels, but many other rim designs can be specified as an option. The Sport gets nicer 18-inch double spoke alloy, together with full-LED cornering headlights, sports seats and a sportier trim. The Media Connectivity has been prioritised, to suit the prevailing trend, the 'BMW Connected+' package providing a digital bridge between smartphones and the car. You can specify WiFi hotspot preparation, which equips the X2 to host a built-in WiFi hotspot with LTE speeds, and the optional telephony with wireless charging for compatible smartphones. Surprisingly, 'Apple CarPlay' smartphone-mirroring connectivity is an extra.

As you'd expect from a current BMW, emissions are low and fuel economy is excellent. The 140 BHP model will get around 42 mpg from a gallon of fuel and 122g/km of CO2. The more powerful 192 BHP will do a little bit less, and it drops further if you choose a xDrive version.

Of course, the driver must also play his or her part. So there's an Optimum Gear Shift Indicator on the dash and an ECO PRO mode you can select in the Drive Performance Control system that'll focus all the car's systems on ultimate frugality. The extra economy created in that ECO PRO setting (BMW reckon it could be up to 20%) is fed back to the driver, with in-car displays showing the additional number of miles achieved.

The X2 represents another box ticked in BMW's X-model product development plan. Its MINI-derived underpinnings serve it well in terms of delivering the sporty feel promised by the sharper looks this design enjoys over its recently-facelifted X1 donor model. And the four cylinder engine range is pleasantly frugal and efficient.

There's lots to like if you can afford the premium Motability Advance Payment prices. But there's also plenty of good competition in this segment that's more affordable and would probably make more sense for the average Motability driver. Still, one thing's not in doubt. This X2 certainly seems to have the X Factor.

People with a disability and carers who choose a new BMW X2 through Motability will receive a brand new car, delivered by a Motability Specialist at a local BMW dealership, complete with insurance, servicing and maintenance, full breakdown assistance, replacement tyre cover, windscreen repair or replacement cover plus a mileage allowance of 60,000 miles over three years.