First look at the 2024 BMW X2: Is the second look magical?

BMW just revealedThe latest BMW X2, the sporty, coupe-like SUV we (mostly) loved in the previous generation. The X2 is a hot sports hatchback with sleek SUV looks, which has both good and bad qualities. But one thing it doesn’t really have is a “coupe-UV” roofline, like its bigger sibling, the X6, which together created the much-talked-about SUV segment. The 2024 BMW X2, which arrives in a hotter M35i guise, changes all that.

2024 BMW X2: A profile within a profile

Sure, the old X2 looks sportier than its X1 platform mate, but from the beltline it looks like any typical hatchback. ’24 X2 completely changes the narrative and connects with it’24 X1’s mini-X5 look. Instead of a ‘chopped’ but traditional silhouette, the X2 features a wide, purposeful C-pillar, a steeply sloping tailgate, and distinctive lines that suggest a three-box shape. Think of a fastback rather than a hatchback. The clever sculpting of the back waist also deserves praise.

This format no longer makes us say “hot hatch” repeatedly when discussing it, which is probably a good thing. We can’t imagine many X2 designers being able to define this term. Instead, as we did above, it compares and contrasts the X1 (similar size) and X4/X6 (similar shape), which is smart.

2024 BMW X2: a tale of two paintings

The front end of the old X2 was very nice, but the 2024 Pikachu is grumpy. More angular liver headlights and a dashboard full of sharp angles and jagged creases give it a more modern feel. A pleasingly restrained version of the kidney grille, now combined with an awkwardly placed sensor housing that draws the eye but doesn’t obstruct it. However, if you really want to attract attention, you can opt for a flare grid.

When viewed from the rear, the clamshell taillights look impressive when placed atop a strong horizontal crease that slopes inward before bulging outward into a powerful rear bumper with quad tailpipes. We’ll be interested to see how the M35i’s milder cousins ​​handle the inherent muscular feel of the underlying sheet metal.

BMW X2 2024: Is bigger better?

As its design matures, so do the X2’s dimensions. The small SUV is now 2.6 inches longer than the X1, thanks to a 7.6-inch extension. Its wheelbase has grown by less than an inch, bringing its total to 106 inches. Cargo space increases slightly from 50.1 cubic feet to 51.7 cubic feet due to the increased length, which isn’t a lot, but we’ll load all we can get into the relatively cramped X2.

2024 BMW X2: M Sport package for XDrive28i

If you want a sportier model other than the M35i, the M Sport package can be fitted to the xDrive28i. Includes large side air inlets in the front bumper, side sills, Shadowline exterior trim, rear diffuser, 19-inch M alloy wheels (or upgrade to 20- or 21-inch rollers), sports seats, Alcantara on the dashboard, and an anthracite headliner. And finally, an M leather steering wheel with shift paddles.

Upgrade to the M Sport Professional package on the xDrive28i and you’ll get black door mirrors, M Sport brakes with red callipers, M Shadowline headlights, a rear spoiler and more Shadowline exterior accessories. Step up to the Pro level of the M35i and you’ll get red or blue M Sport calipers (or optional gray M Composite brakes), M Shadowline headlights, unique M Sport seats and more Shadowline trim on the exterior.

2024 BMW X2 XDrive28i: new power

The xDrive28i is equipped with a “new” TwinPower turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 that uses the Miller cycle to improve efficiency. The engine is rated at 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, up from 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of the previous X2 sDrive28i and xDrive28i. BMW says it will reach 62 mph in 6.2 seconds, a tenth faster than its predecessor. The engine is linked to a 7-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission.

2024 BMW X2 M35i: Upgraded engine

The more powerful M35i also benefits from various improvements made to the 2.0-liter turbo I-4, including better piston lubrication, improved bearing housings and caps, and a stronger crankshaft. Finally, the M35i now produces 312 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque (previously 302 hp and 332 lb-ft) and can reach 62 mph in 5.2 seconds. The M35i also uses a 7-speed Steptronic DCT transmission.

2024 BMW X2: Improved handling

BMW would be nothing if it didn’t constantly improve its chassis. BMW claims that the X2’s front suspension, despite sharing basic design with the previous generation, has been completely redesigned. One purported benefit of this is reduced torque steer. Another is to improve the wheels to improve straight-line stability. The front suspension also features revised dampers, which BMW claims will reduce body movement over small road imperfections without affecting handling.

Both the xDrive28i and M35i get Adaptive M dampers and combine a quicker steering ratio and speed-sensitive steering assist.

2024 BMW X2: What’s new inside?

The interior design of the new X2 is more modern. The infotainment system and BMW Curved Display dashboard (both housed behind a single piece of curved glass) now run Android-based OS 9, so everything is very modern and digital, as we’ve come to expect in this segment (as in the X1 ). The 10.25-inch infotainment screen runs iDrive 9 and offers BMW Digital Premium services for gaming, audio and in-car streaming. Of course, BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant service already exists, now equipped with natural speech recognition and proactive responses to user behavior. The phone’s function as a key is available with the convenient access option, which offers BMW Digital Key Plus on iOS or Android devices.

For the first time, the X2 gets the optional Driving Assistant, which uses cameras and radar to enhance the X2’s cruise control system. Parking Assistant Plus provides additional assistance in entering and exiting parallel or perpendicular parking spaces. With this system, the dash cam acts as a built-in camera, recording up to 60 seconds of footage in the event of an accident.

2024 BMW X2: how much and when?

Full pricing will be announced closer to launch, but the 2024 BMW X2 xDrive28i will start at $42,995 and the M35i will start at $52,385. The X2 will be available in the US in March 2024.