2023 BMW X2

Rakish and sporty, the 2023 BMW X2 is still a style standout even after five years on the market with hardly any cosmetic changes. Like BMW’s larger even-numbered SUVs, the X4 and X6, it’s a “crossover coupe” meant to trade practicality for style, just on a smaller scale. The styling still dazzles, and the X2 is a fun vehicle to drive, but it feels old inside. It’s also on its way out. A redesigned X2 will debut this coming summer, but until then it’s the cheapest way to get into a BMW SUV.

Cheapest, but not by much. The X2 is still in its first generation and and based on the X1, but it draws on the mechanical and interior pieces of the circa-2015 second-generation model, not the redesigned-for-2023 version. That overachieving new X1 starts out just below $40,000 and is much more modern (and spacious) inside. But the X2 is still a strong player in the tiny premium crossover market and it’s possible that run-out ‘23 models might offer some deals or, at least, fewer markups. 

For its swan song season, BMW has dropped the hot 302-horsepower M35i model, although it has added a special “Edition GoldPlay” package with gold trim, a lowered suspension and more aggressively tuned steering. Based on the same platform as the X1 and the Mini Countryman, the X2 competes against some of the same crossovers they do, including the Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Lexus UX and Volvo XC40, but also Mazda’s CX-30 Turbo. It’s smaller than the X1 and less expensive, though only just, but it has a distinctively fun personality and still feels luxurious despite some shortcomings.

Unlike the new X1, there are two ways to get your X2, either as the front-drive sDrive28i or the all-wheel drive (AWD) xDrive28i. Both are powered by a 228-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. With the M35i gone, the X2 can’t answer the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 or GLA 45 for raw power or zero-to-60 times, but it’s much less expensive than they are and plenty of fun to drive on twisty roads just as a BMW should be. 

Inside, the X2’s dashboard and infotainment system, shared with the old X1 and now a generation behind the current BMW models, look and feel old and clunky, which is one of this machine’s biggest demerits. The 2 Series Gran Coupe also rides this platform and uses some of the X2’s systems, but its dashboard just looks much more modern. There’s also no Android Auto compatibility, and the cabin materials don’t feel as modern as those in newer BMWs. As with other Bavarians, some important features also cost extra, like adaptive cruise control.

Still, for such a tiny vehicle, just 172.2 inches long and 60.1 inches tall, the X2 is surprisingly practical. The low roof and tiny dimension mean a relatively small back seat, but passengers under six feet won’t fare too badly. There’s quite a bit of cargo space too, more than Mazda, Mercedes or Volvo. The X2’s technology gap and aging interior are real shortcomings, particularly compared to the new X1, but there’s still some value here for those who like the looks or can find a good deal on an sDrive28i model. it’s $2,000 cheaper than the X1.

Performance: 13/15

There’s only one X2 engine now that the M35i model has been dropped. Both the front-wheel drive sDrive28i and AWD xDrive28i use an older version of BMW’s “B48” series 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It makes 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and power is delivered by an eight-speed automatic transmission. This combo isn’t as punchy as the updated B48 and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic in the X1, but it’s no slouch either.

The X2 can hit 60 mph in about 6.4 seconds, but it’s more fun to toss around a twisty road than it is in a straight line. A long drive up Angeles Crest highway north of L.A. gave our test X2 a chance to shine, and it encourages the driver to have fun on tight twists, both with responsive steering, a well-damped suspension and its eager engine. 

An available M Sport package firms up the suspension, lowers the ride height and sharpens the steering even more, though it does mean a harsher ride. It also offers 19-inch wheels with performance tires. This package comes standard with the “Edition GoldPlay” treatment, although those vehicles might be hard to find. Like its Mini cousins though, the X2 likes to play.

Mazda’s CX-30 Turbo and the AMG GLAs will outrun the X2 and the Mazda is just as fun to drive, but there are some caveats. The Mazda’s infotainment system is just as clunky as BMWs and it has less space. The AMGs cost between $10,000 and $26,000 more.

Unlike the revamped X1, the X2 is strictly an on-pavement machine, and given its firm suspension, you probably wouldn’t want to take it off-road anyway. The sDrive28i weighs about 200 pounds less than the xDrive28i, so if you don’t need AWD for weather reasons, it’s the sportier of the pair.

Fuel Economy: 12/15

The EPA rates the front-wheel drive 2023 X2 sDrive28i at 24 mpg city, 32 highway and 27 mpg combined, with the AWD xDrive28i losing 1 mpg in highway mileage. In our 320-mile test, we saw about 25 mpg combined, a little less than the EPA estimates, though L.A. traffic might have something to do with that. 

Mercedes’s GLA 250 4Matic offers similar fuel economy, but the X2 is slightly ahead of the CX-30 turbo and XC40, and 2 to 3 mpg better than the Jaguar E-Pace or Audi Q3. None of the small premium crossovers can match the hybrid-only Lexus UX on fuel economy (up to 39 mpg combined with AWD), but the X2 is much more fun to drive than the Lexus, and it has both a bigger back seat and more cargo room.

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech: 9/15

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the X2 “Good” ratings in nearly all of its evaluation categories but does not name it a Top Safety Pick. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn’t tested it, and given that it’s due to be replaced this year, probably won’t ever. 

BMW bundles in some active-safety technology, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warnings and lane departure warnings are standard, but features beyond that are optional, and blind spot detection isn’t offered at all. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go is a stand-alone $1,000 add, while parking assistant runs $200.

Comfort & Room: 12/15

Small on the outside usually means small on the inside, and that’s definitely the case here. The X2 has plenty of room even for tall drivers up front and supportive, comfy seats, but the rear quarters are more constraining than the X1 or GLA and about even with the XC40.

Forward legroom measures 40.3 inches and headroom 39.8. Backseat legroom maxes out at 36.7 inches, and headroom at 37.1, which makes for a tight fit for anybody over six feet tall. When you buy a crossover coupe, that’s the price you pay, and both the larger X4 and X6 (and their Mercedes-Benz and Audi rivals) do the same. There’s some consolation, however, in that the CX-30, Q3 and especially the Lexus UX have even tighter back seats than this.

Infotainment: 9/15

BMW released the X2 in 2018, but because it borrowed its dashboard and infotainment systems from the older second-generation X1 (new in 2015), they feel older than they should. Analog gauges and a simple central digital display greet the driver, and the center screen is an 8.0-inch unit, but one that isn’t particularly tall. The screen runs iDrive 6.0, which is now two generations behind the latest BMWs, and the 2023 X2 is the last U.S. model to run this system. Apple CarPlay is standard, but Android Auto isn’t available.

By the standards of 2015, this interface is pretty good, and it doesn’t take all that long to learn. Plus you can control the functions via the touchscreen, the old iDrive dial or controls on the steering wheel. But the graphics look old, and there are plenty of menus to sift through for some functions. The voice commands are hit or miss, especially compared to BMW’s latest iDrive 8 system, which is truly world-class. Though Mazda’s systems are similar, the X2 is at the back of the pack in the infotainment department.

Cargo Space & Storage: 13/15

Given the X2’s low-slung looks, tiny dimensions and so-so back seat room, you’d expect it to skimp on cargo space. You’d be wrong. There are 21.6 cubic-feet behind the rear seats and 50.1 with them folded. That compares well in useful space to the GLA (15.4 and 50.5) and XC40 (16 and 46.9), and leaves it about tied or just head of the Audi Q3 (23.7 and 48) and Mazda CX-30 (20.2 and 45.2). Every single one of those alternatives is larger on the outside, so the BMW uses its interior footprint very well.

There’s not a ton of small item storage space, and the console bin is teeny-tiny, but there’s room enough for odds-and-ends and cupholders for four. That’s about what the X2’s rivals offer as well.

Style & Design: 8/10

What became the X2 was first seen as a concept car at the 2016 Paris auto show, and the production version looked just like that rakish concept. Sleek, low and faintly menacing, with cool details like the BMW roundel on the C-pillar. The automaker has hardly changed it since then and it still looks good today, and happily free of some of the more controversial style details of recent Bimmers. 

Within, the X2’s cabin looks less good than it used to, mainly because of the dashboard and infotainment setup. But look past that and there’s still plenty to like here. High-quality materials are used throughout and neat ambient lighting gives the interior a cool atmosphere at night. It doesn’t feel as fancy as BMW’s latest and greatest interiors, but it doesn’t look cheap, either.

Is the 2023 BMW X2 Worth it? Which X2 is the Best Value? 

Since this vehicle is soon to be replaced, strike the best bargain you can. The X2’s value proposition is considerably reduced with the new X1 sitting alongside it in the showroom, but there’s still plenty to like here. The best value, however, is undoubtedly the base-model, front-wheel drive sDrive28i, which is $2,000 less expensive to start than the new X1. With no options, it runs $37,595 including a $995 destination fee.

Of course, BMW makes lots of nice things that come standard on some other cars optional, like adaptive cruise control. The good news is that more of these choices are available a-la-carte, including adaptive cruise with stop and go ($1,000), a panoramic moonroof ($1,350), heated front seats ($500) and parking assistant ($200). There are also packages including the M Sport ($4,050) and the cool GoldPlay ($4,350), and they include nice equipment but also raise the price significantly.

With a new model on the way, the best X2 is the one you can find a good deal on. Those who really want one should try it out, but also take a look at both the GLA and Mazda’s CX-30 Turbo.

How Much Does it Cost to Insure the 2023 BMW X2?

According to our data, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean record can expect an average annual premium of about $2,267 for the BMW X2, though this averages all 50 states. A Mazda CX-30 turbo owner might pay $1,862 per year, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA is $2,200, the Lexus UX $2,190 and the Audi Q3 $2,236. For a more accurate picture of your potential insurance expenses, visit our car insurance calculator.