2022 BMW X2

While the X2 was always a little pricier than the physically larger X1, buyers are still willing to pay a little more for slick styling, just as on the larger X4 and X6 “Crossover coupes.” Still, BMW’s smallest crossover is in an awkward position in the crossover world: it’s sportier than most of its competition but offers less usable interior space than its X1 crossover sibling. To alleviate this, BMW does make the X2 stand out by providing it in a snazzy M35i guise that bumps engine output to 302 horsepower and pushes the zero-to-60 mph time below five seconds.

Mechanically, the X2 is identical to the X1 in that it comes standard with a turbocharged inline-four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission handles the gear swaps. Also similar to the X1, BMW offers the X2 in both front- and all-wheel drive formats, the latter accompanying a $2,000 upcharge. The X1, however, has no M-badged variation.

BMW X2 Design & Style

The BMW touts the X2’s slick design as a sporty alternative over the X1. With more aggressive, yet smooth lines, the X2’s striking design language is distinctly BMW, yet conventional compared to the much larger X4 and X6. As is the case with some very small crossovers, however, the X2’s visual features seem to be reminiscent of a lifted hatchback rather than an SUV, but the same is true of the Lexus UX.

BMW X2 Performance

The X2’s performance numbers are suitable for a compact crossover of its type. Powering the base X2 sDrive28i and xDrive28i models is a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine making 228 horsepower and 258 ft lbs of torque. With a 6.6 second zero-to-60 sprint in the base front-drive sDrive28i and a nippier 6.3 second run in the xDrive model, the X2’s acceleration packs a punch akin to that of typical hot hatches like the Volkswagen GTI. Like a hot hatch, the X2 is tossable in corners, and it’s more fun than most typical small crossovers if not entirely as sporty as BMW’s larger SUVs.

The enthusiast option is clearly the M235i xDrive, but it comes at a cost. The M325i xDrive bumps the price to $47,445, up $7,850 over the base xDrive model. Powering the M235i is a beefier 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder, making 301 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Package this engine into the X2’s diminutive and light body equates to a zero-to-60 time of just 4.7 seconds. The powertrain, layout, and speed are similar to the Mini Clubman John Cooper Works Edition.

BMW X2 Fuel Economy

The front-drive BMW X2 sDrive models yield the best fuel economy. They’re rated for 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined. All-wheel drive versions are slightly less efficient with additional mechanical resistance, returning EPA estimates of 24, 31 and 27, respectively. Despite having more than 300 horsepower, the M235i xDrive variant can achieve EPA figures of 23, 30 and 26. Pretty good for its sporty intent.

BMW X2 Comfort and Convenience

The X2’s interior quality is decent, but not spectacular. The cabin comes standard with BMW’s synthetic leather called SensaTec, and an 8-way power driver’s seat is included. However, there are some unexpected features that the X2 doesn’t feature on the base model. For instance, heated seats, keyless entry and a universal garage door opener are all optional.

BMW X2 Cargo & Storage

It’s smaller, so as you’d expect, the BMW X2 offers substantially less storage and interior space than the X1. That crossover offers 27.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 58.7 with them folded, whereas the X2 offers 21.6 and 50.1, respectively. However, all is not lost as the X2 still competes with its competitors from other manufacturers, like the Mercedes GLA, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40. The GLA offers 15.4 and 50.5, the Q3 23.7 and 48 and the XC40 16 and 46.9, respectively. 

BMW X2 Infotainment & Connectivity

All BMW X2 models offer an 8-speaker, 205-watt audio system as standard. For $875 extra, buyers can equip a 360-watt Harman Kardon system. The base 205-watt system is good, but music aficionados should consider opting in for the Harman Kardon system. Situated at the forefront of its interior is an 8.8-inch touch screen running BMW’s iDrive7 interface. It’s fairly easy to use and functional, but if you prefer your phone’s interface, the X2 only offers Apple CarPlay. There’s no Android Auto connectivity yet, and probably won’t be until the X2 is redesigned or replaced.

BMW X2 Safety

The X2 scores well on safety, getting “Good” ratings in all evaluation categories from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), aside from the headlights and the ease of seatbelt use, which both scored “acceptable.” In the “Small overlap front: passenger-side” and “Small overlap front: driver-side” crash tests, the structure and safety cage were also rated as “acceptable.” 

Forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, automatic high beams and traffic sign information are all standard. Adaptive cruise control and a parking assist system are stand-alone options. The BMW X2 has not been evaluated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Is the BMW X2 worth it? Which X2 is the best value?

The 2022 BMW X2 is a good offering, but the lack of certain features and relatively high sticker may be a turn-off to some buyers. Larger mainstream SUVs don’t cost much more, and some of its similarly-priced premium brand competitors are also larger inside and out. The best bet is to simply wait for the 2023 BMW X1. The 2023 X1 will start at $39,595, but offer a complete redesign, an entirely new interior featuring BMW’s latest iDrive8 software, all-wheel drive as standard, and a more potent 4-cylinder engine making 241 horsepower. At $39,595, the 2023 X1 costs the same as an X2 xDrive, so the choice should be apparent given the X1’s upgrades.

2022 is the last model year for the X2 M235i, so if you really want one now’s the time. The downside is that at more than $47,000, you could just as easily have an X3.

How much does the BMW X2 cost to insure?

The X2’s Insurance costs are similar to many of its competitors. According to our data, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean record can expect an average annual premium of $2,267, though this averages all 50 states. The X2’s costs compare to $2,172 for the BMW X1, $1,890 for the Volvo XC40, $2,237 for the Audi Q3 and $2,206 for the Mercedes-Benz GLA. To get a more accurate picture of your potential insurance expenses, visit our car insurance calculator.