Marcus headed to Portugal for a test drive.
“With us, the customers get to decide,” explains BMW. What is meant is that the Germans have as a strategy to offer a range of different types of drive for their cars.
This also applies to the new BMW X2, which can be had with a petrol or diesel engine or as a purely electric car.
Let’s test drive the all-electric variant, the new BMW iX2.
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The new generation BMW X2 has grown like crazy. (Photo: BMW) A more mature alternative
Exterior-wise, the difference between the outgoing X2 and the new generation is monumental.
The first thing you notice is the size – the new X2 is almost 20 centimeters longer than its predecessor, holds up to 115 liters more in the trunk and is over 6 centimeters higher.
The result is a car that is (finally) bigger than the X1, and which, according to BMW, is “much more mature”.
The design is polarizing with a relatively bland front end and a rear end that looks anything but BMW. However, the proportions work well, which is the only thing that reasonably harmonizes the design.
When it comes to the electric car in particular, the iX2, there is nothing that actually gossips about it being an electric car.
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The design is polarizing to say the least. (Photo: BMW) German piece
If you’ve ever sat in a newer BMW, the interior won’t hold any surprises.
In our test car, we encountered some bugs and delays with certain commands. Otherwise, the system worked well, but has become somewhat more complicated than BMW’s previous, more intuitive system.
There are some annoying moments to contend with – when you change the driving mode, for example, the car insists on showing the graphics for the new mode until you actively click away.
The feeling of quality is consistently high and the X2 feels premium in everything you touch.
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The interior is conservative. (Photo: BMW)
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On site in Portugal, we were given the opportunity to test the new BMW iX2 xDrive30, which is therefore a four-wheel drive piece. An electric motor on each axle provides 313 horsepower and is the only option until the front-wheel drive eDrive20 is launched in March 2024.
BMW’s electrification strategy is largely about taking existing models and equipping them with electric motors and batteries. However, this does not apply to all models and with the Neue Klasse on the horizon, the Bavarian brand has a clear future plan.
Precisely this semi-conservative approach to electric cars is something that is reflected in the experience behind the wheel. Our test route consisted of city driving, a turn on the motorway, and a stint on the country road.
In purely driving dynamics, the BMW iX2 is experienced as relatively mute. In the comfort mode, the steering is incredibly light, which contributes to the car being perceived as nimble and easy to drive, but there is nothing that calls for particularly sporty driving.
The flat in the carpet is met with direct response – which is in line with what you expect from an electric car – and the four-wheel drive means that the power is sent to the road without incident. In terms of suspension, the iX2 is on the slightly bumpier side. However, the comfort level is completely acceptable for the type of car.
The BMW iX2 is experienced as extremely well insulated and very quiet, but never invites more dynamic driving. The driving experience is quite isolated and clinical, but the iX2 appears to be quite competent. However, the car’s various assistance systems – for example the lane keeping assistant – would need to be recalibrated.
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In purely driving dynamics, the BMW iX2 is not particularly distinctive. (Photo: BMW) The BMW iX2 is hard to pin down
When asked “who is the iX2 for?” I got the answer that the Germans are looking to attract “mature buyers”. By that is meant a clientele that partly appreciates a good entry, and partly has money so it’s enough and it’s over.
The latter is particularly important as the iX2 starts at SEK 617,500. For the money, you get a relatively elaborate and competent electric car, but with a driving experience that hardly makes it tingle a little extra.
The design is polarizing – which in itself is nothing new for the Bavarian brand – while the driving dynamics are not at all in line with what one would expect from BMW. The brand has a range of electric cars that undoubtedly generate more desire.
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The BMW iX2 is a tough nut to crack. (Photo: BMW) Rating for BMW iX2 xDrive30 3/5
BMW iX2 xDrive30 (2024)
Engine: Electric motor front, rear, 313 horsepower, 494 newton meters
Transmission: 1-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive
Top speed: 180 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5.6 seconds
Electrical range: 449 km
Battery Size: 64.8 kWh
Weight: 2,095 kg
Dimensions: (length/width/height): 4544/1845/1560 mm
Award: From SEK 659,000