Another BMW goes electric – we test the new iX2 vs its petrol X2 rival

Driving pleasure has long been synonymous with the German automobile giant BMW.

And its new second-generation X2 compact crossover, the first to also be offered in all-electric iX2 form, really is a bit of a surprise. But not always for the reasons I fear the German automaker expected.

I went to Portugal for the international launch and the first opportunity to drive examples of both versions on sale in the UK, ahead of the first deliveries from March. So what happened when we pitted the X2 and iX2 against each other?

The ecological option, but not so ecological: the BMW X2 M35i gasoline with 2.0 liter engine

The X2 and iX2 options

Here’s the background on BMW’s baby SUV coupe.

The new BMW X2 range starts from £40,515 on-the-road for the 170hp front-drive accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 212 km/h.

I drove the more powerful 300PS all-wheel drive M TwinPower turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder four-cylinder 0-62 mph acceleration time to a brisker 5.4 seconds and increases top speed to 155 mph.

A diesel option is not offered in the UK, but electric is available.

The first all-electric BMW iX2 starts at £51,615 for the 204PS eDrive20 M Sport. This covers 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds up to a top speed of 106mph and has a claimed range of between 273 miles and 297 miles.

Once again, I drove the most powerful all-wheel drive version, the 313bhp BMW iX2 xDrive30 M Sport, which costs an even more £57,445. This reduces 0-62 mph acceleration to 5.6 seconds with a top speed of 112 mph.

Emphasizing speed and performance means sacrificing some range, but it’s still a decent range of 259 to 266 miles.

The main clue that the iX2 is electric is the blind grille, but the two cars are largely interchangeable.

Ray drove the all-wheel drive electric version, the 313PS BMW iX2 xDrive30 M Sport, which costs a hefty £57,445.

The X2 and the iX2: a bit flashy

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the X2 units, here’s a note to the big brains at BMW.

Head hitter number 1: I suspect I’m not the only one who finds BMW’s increasingly lengthy mix of letters, numbers and acronyms for its models with alphanumeric jargon increasingly confusing and frustrating to navigate.

Passwords for accessing computers and banks are easier to remember than some of the designations coming out of Munich.

And I’m afraid it’s causing me levels of stress I haven’t experienced since doing algebra and quadratic equations in school maths lessons.

I’m sure the experts at BMW can find a very logical and well thought out justification for these levels of complexity. But the truth is that everything runs the risk of being lost in translation. And I speak German fluently.

So please, less alphabet spaghetti and go back to simpler, more meaningful and easily understandable names.

The interior is typical BMW high quality with a smart dashboard that includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.7-inch center display, and there’s plenty of space up front.

However, it’s not as spacious in the rear thanks to the SUV coupe styling. Despite BMW’s claims of more interior space, getting in and out of the rear of the car was difficult.

Head hitter number 2: BMW describes the new

This it largely achieves, aided by a kidney-shaped grille, large but not of monstrous proportions, on its bow.

There’s plenty of room for the driver and front passenger to sit comfortably in sports seats, with a floating armrest between them that also houses the gear selection and hazard warning lights.

But while this style of fastback coupe may please designers, it has a definite practical impact on rear occupants.

BMW insists that the new version has increased in size and interior space – and I can’t complain about the fate of the driver and front passengers – but there is really little space in the rear.

Not just inside the car. Sitting in the back seat actually means keeping your head down or hitting the roof. Literally.

I gave mine a nasty bump when I couldn’t get down low enough to get inside. And it’s the same when leaving. I’m sure that over time the threat of a bruised and bruised head will help you adjust. But, seriously?

This is surprising, as BMW says that the height of the new five-seater is 64 mm higher than its predecessor, that all occupants benefit from greater shoulder and elbow room, and that knee room in the second seat row has been widened by 25 mm.

The iX2 has 525 liters of boot space, while the petrol X2 has 560 litres, so opt for the petrol if you’re packing light.

What else do buyers get?

Standard equipment (on all but the M35i) includes: 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic tailgate and heated front sport seats. There is a smart dashboard that includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.7-inch central display with plenty of electronic details.

The motorsport-inspired petrol M35i has a larger 20-inch ‘M’ and plenty of styling tweaks including alcantara trim and anthracite headliner. Fit sports suspension and brakes, a rear spoiler, a bright grille and contrast stitching.

If you feel you haven’t spent enough yet, there are various individual and combined packages of ‘extras’ ranging from £1,680 for a Technology package, £1,710 for an M Sport Pro package and £2,890 for a Tech package.

How are the X2 and iX2 to drive?

On the road, the electric iX2 (i.e. the 313PS ‘BMW iX2 xDrive30 M Sport’ (take a deep breath)) was a decent and adequate vehicle with a considerable amount of overtaking power that would be suitable for a small family.

It’s agile enough thanks to all-wheel drive, but it doesn’t exactly excite the world. Executed with the usual precision of German engineering, he lacks real passion. Drivers looking for more involvement may be disappointed.

However, it does have that electronic soundtrack created by Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer.

The petrol ‘X2 M35i xDrive’ felt more muscular and exuded a bit more attitude thanks to the 300PS M TwinPower 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

As much as I am a fan of electric cars, at the risk of aiding and abetting in killing the planet, I would probably choose the petrol version of the two BMWs tested and save almost £6,000.

Will it fit in my garage? BMW X2 and iX2 fully electric

On sale: Now – first deliveries in March

Price range: From £40,515 to £57,445

Doors: 5

Seating: 5

Length: 4,554mm

Broad: 1,845mm

Height: 1,560mm

Distance between axis: 2,692 mm.

BMW iX2 xDrive30 M Sport

Price: from £57,445

Propulsion: Two electric motors

Force: 230 kW / 313 HP

Weight: 2,095 kilos

Drive: All wheel drive

Transmission: 8 speed automatic

0-62mph: 5.6 seconds

Maximum speed: 112 mph

Emissions: Zero

Range: 259 miles to 266 miles

Loading times: Full charge in 11 kWh home wall box in 6.5 hours and up to 80 percent in DC fast charging: 29 minutes

Turning radius: 11.9m

Floor clarity: 167mm

Luggage capacity: With rear seats up: 525 liters, with rear seats folded: 1,400 liters

BMW X2 M35i xDrive

Price: from £51,615

Propulsion: 2.0-litre M TwinPower turbocharged petrol engine

Force: 300 HP

Drive: All wheel drive

Transmission: 7-speed Steptronic automatic with dual clutch

0-62mph: 5.4 seconds

Maximum speed: 155 mph

CO2 emissions: 181 to 174 g/km

Fuel consumption: 34.0 to 36.7 mpg

Fuel tank capacity: 54 liters

Turning radius: 11.7m

Floor clarity: 191mm

Luggage capacity: With rear seats up: 560 liters, with rear seats folded: 1,470 liters