2024 BMW X2

The 2024 BMW X2 is the more stylish sibling to the X1, and what the German luxury automaker calls a Sports Activity Coupe. By that, it means it has a stylishly sloping roof, similar to the X4 and X6. This gives up some cargo practicality in the name of aesthetics, yet the X2 is still roomy enough for many. It’s been totally revamped for 2024 and has grown significantly, which translates to more interior space, and packs BMW’s latest technology. The 2024 BMW X2 launches in two forms – the xDrive28i, or the more powerful M35i. Both models also benefit from standard all-wheel drive, which BMW calls xDrive.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of luxury subcompact SUVs, including the BMW X2.

The BMW X2 is all new for 2024, marking its second generation. It grows substantially, adding 7.6 inches in length over the former model, and takes on a beefier exterior design. All the latest technology is inside, like a dual-screen setup and a built-in AirConsole gaming system that can be used when the vehicle is parked.

The BMW X2’s traditional sibling, the X1, starts at $41.5K. The Mercedes-Benz GLA starts at a similar price to the X2. It’s sleek, but squarer than the X2. The Audi Q3 is slightly more affordable, but doesn’t have a coupe-like counterpart, which is essentially what the X2 is to the X1. In this respect, the X2 is distinct in the luxury realm.

Before buying a new X2 SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying. During its past generation, the X2’s residual value sat on the lower end of the spectrum. Recouping more money when you sell a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.

The new 2024 BMW X2 shares powertrains and other components with the BMW X1, our most recent Best Buy Award winner among subcompact luxury SUVs. The X2 xDrive28i rounds up a respectable 241 horsepower to accelerate from standstill to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. That’s quick enough to dart around the city, and more than half a second faster than the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4Matic. The 312-horsepower M35i does the dash in 5.2 seconds.

The thing to remember about the M35i is that although it’s the sportiest X2 (so far), it’s not in the same league as cars like the M2 or M3. This is BMW using the prestige of that famed letter to create a bit more desirability. There are special features, though, like beefier brakes and a sport-tuned adaptive suspension. For anyone buying an M35i, here’s a tip we came across while driving it — in Sport mode, the adaptive suspension is firm with a capital F, made even less pliant by a large wheel/low-profile tire combination. Keep it in Relaxed (normal) mode and it’s fine. However, putting the automatic transmission into Sport mode sharpens that unit’s responses to a satisfying crispness. This combination works well.

The steering wheel is a good size, great to hold, but there isn’t much information coming up to the hands. The brakes, on the other hand (or foot?), are typically strong and decisive in that lovely BMW way. Despite the X2’s fastback roof, we’ve found outward vision to be quite good. And the front seats are well-shaped and comfortable.

Fuel Economy

The 2024 X2 Drive28i achieves 28 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That’s one mile per gallon better than the GLA 250 4Matic. The M35i manages 26 combined mpg.

With this latest generation, the new X2 has a roomier and more tech-laden interior. Up front, that starts with a dual-screen setup that’s becoming the norm these days. This curved unit combines a 10.25-inch display in front of the driver, while a 10.7-inch central display handles infotainment duties. A “floating” armrest between the two well-bolstered front seats is also highly functional. In addition to providing a place to rest your arm, the front part’s real estate packs the start/stop button, toggle-like gear selector, drive mode selector, and volume knob.

Legroom has been increased in the rear, but we’re still awaiting exact specs. One number we do have that’s also improved is cargo space, which is now 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 51.7 with them folded. The outgoing model had 21.6/50.1, so we’ll count extra luggage space as a win for any subcompact vehicle.

With this new generation, the latest X2 is not only larger but also bolder and blockier, despite its signature raked roof. There is, of course, the prominent twin kidney grille up front, with the option of illumination to stand out further. The X2 has grown significantly. It now stretches to a not-so-subcompact 179.8 inches – 7.6 inches over its predecessor. Overall, we think it’s a good-looking car.

Great engines
There’s a choice of engines in the new X2 – a really good one or an even better option. We’ve found BMW’s popular base turbo 4-cylinder with its 241 horses plenty of fun, while the 312-horsepower unit in the M35i amps up the enjoyment.

AirConsole
The X2 offers built-in games in a collaboration with AirConsole. These games can be played when the vehicle is stationary, with a phone used as a controller.

Counterculture design
There’s something inherently contrarian about an SUV with coupe-like qualities. Not everyone gets it, but those who do enjoy something from both worlds.

Standard all-wheel drive
All-wheel drive is part of the X2’s standard equipment, enhancing traction on dry or slick roads. BMW calls it xDrive.

Sport Boost
X2 models fitted with the M Sport package have a secret: The left paddle on the steering wheel can activate Sport Boost, which BMW says enables “extremely dynamic mid-range sprints.”

Pricing
Sometimes, there’s a big price difference between a luxury marque’s traditional SUV and its coupe-like kin. But the X2 sits only $1,500 higher than its X1 stablemate, so there isn’t an astronomical difference for enhanced style.

The 2024 BMW X2 xDrive28i is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 241 horsepower and an ample 295 lb-ft of torque. The X2 M35i boosts that output to 312 horses while retaining the same torque figure. Both have all-wheel drive and use a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Warranty

BMW’s new-car warranty covers four years/50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This is on par with other European luxury car makers. BMW also includes roadside assistance for that time, except with unlimited mileage, and its Ultimate Care program includes three years/36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Safety

The 2024 BMW X2 is yet to be rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, the closely related BMW X1 was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, while taking four out of a possible five stars from NHTSA.