BMW X2 xDrive20i 2024 Review

The 2024 BMW X2 xDrive20i is the entry-level variant and starts from $75,900 before on-road costs (ORCs), and attracts a $2500 premium compared with the conventional X1 xDrive20i M Sport.

The xDrive20i is joined by the performance-focused $92,900 M35i to complete the petrol range. You can opt for two fully electric versions, the front-wheel drive iX2 eDrive20 M Sport or the twin motor, all-wheel drive iX2 eDrive30 M Sport for $82,900 and $85,700 respectively (before ORCs).

It’s also worth noting that the BMW X2 xDrive20i tested is optioned with the $3700 Enhancement Package and $2000 20-inch BMW Individual light alloy wheels, bumping the list price up to $81,600.

For the price point, the 2024 BMW X2 xDrvie20i won’t leave buyers wanting for more.

The standard M Sport package results in aesthetic upgrades inside and out, namely the radiator grille, rear spoiler, front and rear bumpers as well as the leather-clad steering wheel.

Other highlights include Comfort Access with Digital Key Plus, head-up display, dual-zone climate control, automatic tailgate, adaptive LED headlights and high-beam assist.

The test car’s cabin is bathed in Oyster Veganza perforated (BMW-speak for synthetic leather-free material) with the front seats being electronically operated with memory (driver only) and heating functions.

The Enhancement Package comprises a panorama glass roof, Harman Kardon audio, steering-wheel heating as well as lumbar support for the front seats with massaging functionality. They’re all nice-to-have options but aren’t essential if you’re cost conscious.

The test car also rides on optional 20-inch alloys, up from the standard 19-inch items.

For peace of mind, the BMW X2 xDrive20i is covered by an industry-standard five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. Additionally, a pre-paid service pack of five years/80,000km (whichever comes first) is available for $2500.

The 2024 BMW X2 xDrive20i is yet to be tested by both ANCAP and Euro NCAP, so it doesn’t currently gain a safety rating.

However, you can rest assured that the BMW X2 is packed full of the brand’s active safety tech including Driving Assistant Professional.

Also offered is autonomous emergency braking (front and rear), steering and lane control assistant, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, active cruise control with stop/go, 360-degree camera, reversing assistant and a total of seven airbags.

An additional feature is the inbuilt drive recorder, which captures footage automatically during and accident. It can also constantly record to a USB while access to BMW ConnectedDrive and TeleServices is offered in the BMW X2 xDrive20i too.

The headline act, both on paper and visually, is the curved BMW Live Cockpit Professional 10.25-inch instrument cluster and 10.7-inch infotainment screen housing BMW Operating System 9. The latter is navigated via touch inputs, with the iDrive controller relegated to the history books for X2.

Other key features found in the BMW X2 xDrive20i include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, USB-C ports (with two located in the back for rear-seat passengers), DAB+ digital radio as well as native sat-nav with augmented view.

Under the almost clamshell bonnet of the 2024 BMW X2 xDrive20i is the ubiquitous B48 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that sends power to the on-demand xDrive all-wheel drive system via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The boosted 1998cc unit produces a healthy 150kW and 300Nm, meaning the ‘base’ variant can reach 100km/h from a standstill in 7.4 seconds.

The 2024 BMW X2 xDrive20i returns a combined fuel-consumption figure of 7.5L/100km.

The X2 is fitted with auto stop/start and it will accept 45-litre tank full of 91 RON for a projected maximum range of 714km.

Throughout our week with the xDrive20i, the average fuel consumption sat at about 8.8L/100km. However, it’s worth noting that this includes dynamic testing as well as stints ferrying around four adults.

Being pitched as the sportier sibling to the X1, there’s no wonder the 2024 BMW X2 xDrive20i has a pep in its step – both in a straight line and through the bends.

The decision to equip the base X2 with the M Sport Package reaps dynamic rewards via the lowered suspension (by 15mm) as well as Adaptive M suspension and M specific steering. Through drive modes including Comfort (steering) Sport, Sport Plus and DSC Off you can tailor your own experience.

With on-demand all-wheel drive and a 0-100km/h time that would rival a warm hatch, the X2 xDrive20i enjoys a wide breadth of ability. The engine is refined and linear, offering strong overtaking performance and ample mid-range torque for city driving.

On the run the seven-speed Steptronic gearbox is appreciably quick and imperceptible, but it can be slightly lax at slower speeds, a trait shared with the throttle response outside the sportier modes.

If you fancy taking manual control, you can use the steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. The downshift lever also houses Boost Mode, which engages the sportiest settings for up to 10 seconds.

Tipping the scales at 1620kg, the X2 xDrive20i remains planted with minimal body roll. Thanks to the on-demand xDrive system, traction is also never an issue, with the sizeable rubber offering plenty of purchase in all conditions.

While you can opt for Sport mode with the steering, Comfort is a happier medium between lightness around the CBD and natural tactility out of it.

If this is all sounding a little too energetic for your liking, then it’s refreshing to note that the xDrive20i fulfills the luxury small SUV brief, too. Yet, there are some limitations.

Yes, the suspension tune is appreciably supple at speed, adequately ironing out the worst surfaces thanks to the extra compliance the softer setting affords. However, traversing the sort of lumps, bumps and sharp potholes you’ll find within the CBD can be tiresome as the ride quality becomes slightly brittle.

Urban NVH suppression is also lacking as road imperfections are heard as much as they are felt.

While it isn’t quite ‘the ultimate driving machine’ we’ve come to expect from the Bavarian brand, the BMW X2 xDrive20i is rewarding and dynamically accomplished.

The 2024 BMW X2 xDrive20i makes the most sense when you’re ensconced inside its sumptuous cabin. Upmarket, modern and tech-centric, the X2’s cabin looks and feels expensive.

The materials are generally of a high quality, while the ambient lighting helps set the mood. Even the vegan-friendly leather is pleasingly tactile, while the omnipresent screens become less prominent over time. The floating centre console also frees up additional storage space.

It is a shame that you have to delve into the central touch-screen for some basic HVAC controls and the overall ergonomic experience requires an acclimatisation period given the myriad menus. However, it is nicely presented, especially the BMW Live Cockpit, and intuitive enough once familiar.

With the expansion in length (up 194mm) and wheelbase, rear legroom is plentiful and toes won’t be pinched under the front seats. However, due to the sloping roofline and the panoramic glass aperture, rear headroom isn’t as generous as the X1. Plus, shoulder space is tight – you certainly can’t seat three adults across the rear seats in comfort.

The 560-litre boot is larger than the Audi Q3 Sportback (530L) and with the 40/20/40-split rear seats folded, cargo capacity jumps to 1470 litres. An oddity is the placement of the rear centre seatbelt, which tethers from the roof.

Proof that BMW believes buyers won’t off-road their X2 xDrive20i is the fact there is no spare wheel, just a repair kit. Although the upside to this is the creation of a sizeable and hidden underfloor compartment.

If your main objective is to purchase a luxuriously appointed small SUV that makes a design statement, then the 2024 BMW X2 xDrive20i will roll right off the catwalk and into your driveway with ease.

The X2 is also now spacious and pragmatic enough to warrant consideration within BMW’s Babushka Doll line-up of SAVs (X2, X4 and X6).

Moreover, if your focus leans towards eye-catching cachet on a budget, the base model becomes even more attractive in a monetary sense compared to the performance-orientated X2 M35i.

And while beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the BMW X2 xDrive20i proves an attractive proposition within the premium small SUV segment. (Sorry BMW, we mean SAV.)

2024 BMW X2 xDrive20i at a glance:
Price: $75,900 before on-road costs
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 150kW/300Nm
Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 7.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 171g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: not rated

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