VIDEO: 2024 BMW iX2 first-look review

February 2024: New BMW X2 and iX2 EV driven

REVIEW: BMW’s X2 returns with an electric stablemate and a level of tech & interior space to worry cars from the class above

November 2023: 2024 BMW X2 walkaround video

Following the release of Australian pricing in October, we've now had a good up-close look at the new BMW iX2 electric SUV.

The first-ever iX2 will reach Australia in March 2024 as a fully electric companion to the second-gen X2, boasting bigger dimensions and more technology than the previous X2.

The new iX2 shares many similarities with the new X1 and iX1, including an identical platform, leaving styling and functionality as their key differentiators.

The X1/iX1 hold a more traditional design style making it more practical overall, while the X2/iX2 models are focused on having a sportier presence.

Design

Both the iX1 and iX2 are billed as compact electric SUVs, with their larger X3 and X4 siblings residing in the mid size category.

However, the new X2 and iX2 – which share almost everything except powertrain – have grown in all directions.

It's now 194mm longer than the outgoing generation, as well as wider – pushing into midsize-SUV territory at 4.55 metres in length. The rear accounts for 14cm of that additional length, to allow for the coupe-style rear.

18

The entire vehicle also gains a longer wheelbase and broader tracks.

The tapered roofline combined and integrated rear spoiler makes for a striking design element. Up front, arrow shapes have been added to the headlights which pulse in one motion when indicating.

The Fire Red colour we saw in the flesh is the signature hue for the iX2 and comes at an $1800 premium, along with four other colours.

18

Alpine White is a no-cost option, while two additional 'Individual' colours will set you back an extra $5k.

iX2 buyers will have the option to add LED light rings around the new larger kidney grilles, which BMW calls 'Iconic Glow contour lighting'. It's a feature that again really sets the design apart from the iX1.

All BMW logos are encircled in a blue ring to represent the electrified variant, from the bonnet to the steering wheel.

18

Interior

The iX2's cabin has been designed with a focus on soft touch points throughout.

All interior materials, including the 'vegan leather' seats, are pleasant to the touch, amplifying the overall luxury feel of the car. BMW hasn't specified just what these seats are made of, although it has previously detailed [↗] its 'bio-leathers' – including one made from an unspecified mix of crushed cactus fibres and polyurethane (an oil-based plastic often known as vinyl).

The front door handles even appear as a feature item, almost like a piece of home decor you'd put on the mantel. It's not easy making a door handle look cool.

18

The iX2's curved display, made up of a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and 10.7-inch digital information dash, build out the ideal driver-centric cabin. No button is far out of reach and the system is designed to ensure ease of use. The system comes standard with wireless Apple Carplay.

From quick phone connectivity to the touch-responsive infotainment screen, even technological nomads shouldn't be left freaking out.

Showcased on this SUV is BMW’s new operating system, iDrive 9, which is now capable of receiving over-the-air software updates.

18

Instead of your deep traditional centre storage console, buyers get a small amount of space, only big enough to fit the likes of a card wallet, lipstick or mobile.

Thankfully, larger items can still be stored, using the open space below. Two USB-C chargers are also located in the centre console.

A wireless charger has been placed upright directly under your centre screen with an overhead seatbelt-style bar – the type you'd see on a rollercoaster – to keep your mobile phone in place. Without driving the car to test its hold, the intention is clever, if a little funny looking.

Both front seats are power-operated, and the massage feature is always a welcome addition during a long drive.

The car we viewed was the iX2 xDrive30, offering the following features

As the M Sport package, it had (an additional $4900) increased wheel size to 20 inches, as well as added M 'shadowline' headlights, M seat belts and M sport brakes with red calipers.

And there's no more C-pillar BMW logo, which raised some eyebrows when it debuted on the first-generation X2.

An Enhancement package adds further specs, detailed below

18

Rear seats

Due to the slanted roofline, there were only a couple of millimetres separating my head from the ceiling, but if your passengers are 180cm of less you may be okay.

If you're not often hauling tall passengers, or better yet you only have young kids, then the space is passable.

But from all evidence, BMW seems to be targeting this car to singles and couples, where rear space isn't high up on the shopping list.

Something I was delighted with was the carved-out seat backs, cleverly giving passengers extra leg room behind the front seats.

Rear air vents and two USB-C ports have been built into the back of the centre console.

18

2024 BMW iX2 boot space

The X2 cargo space has seen a notable expansion, with a 90-litre increase resulting in 560 litres, upgrading to 1470 litres when the 60:40 rear seats are folded down.

Conversely, the iX2 boasts a slightly smaller luggage compartment, measuring 525 litres or 1400 litres with the rear seats folded.

A powered tailgate is standard on the range as detailed for now, but the iX2's entry-level specifications will be confirmed at launch.

18

Performance and range

The BMW iX2 eDrive20, just like its iX1 counterpart, is equipped with a 65kWh battery and a front electric motor that delivers 150kW/247Nm, providing a claimed range of 477 kilometres.

The iX2 xDrive30 is fitted with the same 65kWh battery pack but employs identical electric motors at the front and rear, mirroring the iX1 xDrive30's specifications with 230kW and 494Nm.

18

Both AWD iX2 models claim a 0-100km/h sprint time of 5.6 seconds.

The iX2 xDrive30 states a WLTP range of 449km, while the iX1 achieves a WLTP range of 440km. So again, much of a muchness.

With AC charging capabilities of up to 22kW and a DC charging system handling speeds of up to 130kW, the battery can be efficiently charged from 10 to 80 percent capacity in under 30 minutes.

Key luxury electric small SUV rivals include the Lexus UX300e (from $79,990) and and Volvo C40 (from $78,990).

18

Pricing

Handily, both iX2 variants will sit below the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold of $89,332 for 'fuel efficient' cars.

This means you can avoid paying the additional 33% tax rate, although the iX2's pricing is also higher than direct rivals.