BMW has made a bold and stylish entry into the electric SUV market with the all-new 2024 iX2. As the electric counterpart to the new-generation X2 ‘coupe’ SUV, the iX2 blends the practicality of an SUV with the elegance of a coupe, all while delivering the benefits of an electric powertrain.

A Stunning First Impression

Starting with the front, the illuminated double kidney grille is a defining feature that sets the iX2 apart from its competitors. The grille, part of BMW’s Iconic Glow feature, is especially striking at night, creating a bold, futuristic look that immediately conveys the iX2’s modern electric identity.


The new generation iX2 adopts a more conventional 'coupe' SUV silhouette, moving away from the previous generation’s design. This choice aligns the iX2 with the design language seen in the X4 and X6, bringing a sense of sporty, elegance and dynamism.
The coupe-like roofline seamlessly merges with the SUV’s body, creating a sleek and aerodynamic profile. This design not only increases the vehicle’s sporty aesthetics but improves its aerodynamic efficiency.

The side profile of the iX2 is characterized by clean lines and a confident stance. The gently sloping roofline adds to the coupe-like appearance, while the sharp character lines running along the sides provide a sense of motion even when the vehicle is stationary. Furthermore, the inclusion of sleek and functional roof rails accentuates the iX2's versatility and practicality.


At the rear, the design is equally impressive. The slim LED taillights stretch across the width of the vehicle, emphasizing its broad stance and adding to the overall sporty look. The rear spoiler and the sculpted rear bumper further enhance the vehicle's aerodynamics while contributing to its aggressive appearance. The integration of functional elements, like the hidden rear wiper, showcases BMW’s attention to detail and commitment to maintaining a clean and cohesive design while maintaining practicality.


The M Sport Package Pro further enhances its looks and performance, featuring 20inch alloy wheels and Red high-gloss M Sport brakes.

Interior

Step into the iX2's interior, and you're greeted with a blend of modern interior and ergonomic comfort. The cabin design prioritizes both aesthetics and practicality, creating a welcoming space for the driver and passenger. Premium materials abound, with soft-touch surfaces and refined finishes adorning every corner. The attention to detail is evident, from the carefully crafted dashboard to the sleek centre console layout.


Seating comfort is paramount in the iX2, with plush seats upholstered in luxurious Veganza faux leather. The front electrically adjustable seats with the memory function ensure a personalized and indulgent driving experience. Despite their elegant appearance, these seats offer more than just style; they provide exceptional support and comfort for both short commutes and long journeys.



The driver-centric cockpit is designed for intuitive operation, with all controls and features within easy reach and a head-up display displaying a range of data in high resolution, further enhancing the iX2’s driving experience. The leather-wrapped steering wheel offers a firm grip and comes with heating for added comfort on chilly mornings. Meanwhile, the 10.7" digital instrument cluster delivers crisp graphics and customizable displays, keeping essential information readily accessible at a glance.


Premium materials and practicality dominate the cabin, with the centre console featuring a wireless phone charger with a secure bar. At the heart of the dashboard lies a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, powered by the latest iDrive 9.0 interface. While initially overwhelming with its myriad of functions and menus, the system quickly becomes familiar, offering seamless integration with smartphone connectivity options like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

A fun feature is the AirConsole game center, which allows for multiple games using your smartphone as a controller while the car is stationary, adding entertainment during charging. Additionally, the iX2 offers real-time weather updates and news, with a voice assistant available to help you in various ways, such as adjusting the climate control, driving mode, and music selection. You can inquire about the car’s status and explore its different functions through voice commands.



Additionally, the centre console is intelligently designed, featuring a raised section housing the gear selector and offering convenient storage options. Below this elevated portion lies an open compartment, perfect for stowing larger items and maintaining a clutter-free cabin.

In the rear of the iX2, the coupe-like roofline may slightly reduce headroom when compared to the iX1, but there's still an abundance of leg and shoulder room for passengers. While the second row comfortably accommodates two adults, a third passenger might find the space a tad snug. Nonetheless, rear occupants are treated to comforts like air vents, USB-C ports, and a fold-down armrest equipped with cupholders for added convenience

Performance

Driving the iX2 is a delight, thanks to its powerful dual-motor setup in the xDrive30 variant. With 230kW, equivalent to 313 hp, and 494Nm of torque available instantly thanks to its electric powertrain, this electric SUV offers brisk acceleration and responsive handling. There are different driving modes to suit various preferences, including a ‘D’ mode for a traditional driving experience and a ‘B’ mode for one-pedal driving. In addition to regular driving modes, art-inspired modes change the cabin's mood, adjusting display, music, heating, suspension, steering, and pedal response for a tailored driving experience.

In ‘Sport’ mode, the iX2 becomes even more responsive, with quicker acceleration and stiffer steering and suspension. The ‘Boost’ mode, activated by a paddle behind the steering wheel, adds an extra thrill with a 10-second countdown for maximum performance. Despite its added weight compared to the petrol-powered X2, the iX2 handles corners confidently thanks to its battery pack, feeling stable and controlled.

Storage and Practicality

Given it’s sporty shape, the trunk of the iX2 is surprisingly spacious, with 525 liters of cargo space, the iX2 impressively offers 35 liters more than the iX1. The rear seats of the iX2 fold nearly flat, expanding the storage space to a massive 1,400 liters. This, combined with various small storage pockets throughout the interior and under the main trunk floor, makes the iX2 a highly practical daily driver.

Driving and Parking

On highways, the iX2 excels as a comfortable cruiser. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping functions are among the best, responding smoothly to traffic and maintaining a natural driving feel. The system is particularly adept at handling lane changes and adjusting to new speed limits, making long drives more relaxing. The adaptive LED headlights, a power tailgate, and comprehensive driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring make the iX2 a practical SUV.

With a generous ground clearance of 167mm combined with the xDrive all-wheel drive system, the iX2 pays homage to its SUV lineage, promising adept handling across diverse road terrains confidently.

When it comes to parking the iX2, manouvering is made easy with front and rear sensors, a 360°camera, a ‘reversing assistant’ that semi-autonomously backs the vehicle out of tight spots by replicating forward steering inputs, multiple parking camera views and comprehensive parking aids such as the emergency parking braking that ensure easy and safe maneuvering of the 4.55 m car. To top that of, an optional parking assistant is available, capable of parking the vehicle autonomously.

Final Remarks

The 2024 BMW iX2 is a remarkable blend of style, performance, and practicality. Its elegant design, luxurious interior, and powerful electric drivetrain make it an exciting addition to the electric SUV market. The iX2's sleek coupe-like design and advanced features make it a standout choice for those seeking a modern, luxury and electric vehicle.