2021 BMW X2 Review

　　

2021 BMW X2 Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　The 2021 BMW X2 plays to a rather small niche of SUV shoppers. It's a sporty subcompact crossover both in terms of styling and performance, which is a departure from other SUVs that put greater emphasis on convenience and comfort. If you're one of the few who seek this kind of athleticism and don't regularly transport a few adult passengers and cargo, the X2 might be a perfect fit.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 BMW X2 sDrive28i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$171/mo  for X2 sDrive28i

　　X2 sDrive28i

　　sDrive28i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $36,600 MSRPxDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $38,600 MSRPM35i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $46,450 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　If you're more pragmatic, the sacrifices made to the X2's ride quality and interior space will likely be deal-breakers. Fortunately for BMW, the related X1 is a more sensible choice and is engaging enough for most drivers. As similar as these two crossovers may seem, they're separated by a wide gap in zzdcar' rankings: The X1 earns second place in the class, while the X2 sits in sixth place.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.3

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the X2 drive? BMW sacrificed practicality to make the X2, but performance remains intact. The engine is strong and smooth, pulling off a 6.4-second 0-60 mph run at our test track — a good result for the class. It's paired with a quick-shifting transmission that's smart at picking the right gear.

　　The X2 handles as lively as some of the best hot hatchbacks, with nicely weighted steering that communicates what the front tires are up to. The oddly grabby brakes are the only source of irritation, especially in slow-moving traffic.

　　

Comfort

6.5/10

　　How comfortable is the X2? The X2's seats seem designed for a rather specific — and slender — demographic. The front seats run a bit narrow, both in the seat cushion and the seatback. And while not uncomfortable, they're not as accommodating as we'd like. But it's the ride that causes the most discomfort. You'll be bounced around on all but the smoothest surfaces.

　　While the engine is remarkably smooth, wind noise features prominently at higher speeds and road noise comes from all corners, especially on rough pavement. At least the climate control is straightforward and powerful.

　　

Interior

7.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The X2's interior is a pleasing mix of BMW functionality and solid ergonomics. The controls are laid out in a logical manner, and the iDrive touch controller keeps buttons to a minimum. With plenty of adjustability in both the steering wheel and driver's seat, both tall and short drivers should be able to find a comfortable position.

　　But the styling takes its toll, as does some of the packaging, making it a bit awkward for taller drivers and sacrificing visibility for everyone. The striking roofline makes access a bit tight, and though headroom is limited, the rear seat is suitable for adults. The thick roof pillars make for some mighty blind spots, and the rear view is bunker-like.

　　

Technology

7.5/10

　　How’s the tech? We've long been fans of BMW's iDrive control system, and even though the X2 doesn't get the newest version, it's still fast and easy to use. And it comes with standard navigation. The optional Harman Kardon audio system is a worthwhile option, with plenty of clarity and power for the small cabin. Apple CarPlay smartphone integration is standard, but Android Auto isn't available. Bluetooth connects quickly and reliably.

　　Voice controls can recognize natural commands for infotainment and other functions, but without the newer voice assistant feature, it feels a bit behind the curve. We appreciate the standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

　　

Storage

7.0/10

　　How’s the storage? Compromised by its styling, the X2 manages to salvage some practicality thanks to its decent cargo opening and foldable split rear seats. With 21.6 cubic feet of storage, it loses more than 5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the traditionally shaped X1, but it keeps the folding 40/20/40-split back seat for a bit of added practicality.

　　Interior storage is a bit clumsy and somewhat limited, not to mention noisy thanks to the hard plastic bins and cubbies. The car seat anchors are easy to access thanks to hinged plastic covers, and the rear doors open wide enough for easy access.

　　

Fuel Economy

6.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The all-wheel-drive X2 is rated to return 27 mpg combined (24 city/31 highway), just as efficient as its competitors. But we didn't come close to the EPA rating during our test. We averaged just 21.5 mpg over nearly 750 miles of driving, and our best tank was just 22.7 mpg.

　　

Value

7.0/10

　　Is the X2 a good value? Not everyone is willing to pay for just performance and unique styling, and the X2 starts to get a bit expensive when desirable options are added. Though it remains close in price to some of its more style-oriented competitors, it costs more than the similar yet more practical BMW X1. The fit and finish is generally nice, but we noticed more hard plastics scattered around the cabin than we'd like, and we experienced a few cabin rattles.

　　In general, the X2's warranties are typical for the small luxury SUV class. BMW offers two free years of scheduled maintenance as well.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　The X2's spunky character certainly fits its unique styling. The four-cylinder engine never makes you feel as if you had to settle and instead rewards you with gutsy midrange power. The handling is also nimble and beyond competent, leaving little doubt this is a BMW.

　　The ride is definitely on the way-too-firm side, but if you can tolerate that until you get to a decent road, the X2 will reward you with eager handling, good thrust from its turbocharged engine, and smooth, quick shifts. Surprisingly adept, the X2 will have you making the most out of every bend.

　　

Which X2 does zzdcar recommend?

The base BMW X2 sDrive28i gets our recommendation for its agreeable price and long list of standard features. Drivers in cold and wet climates will probably want to upgrade to the xDrive28i to get all-wheel drive, and the $2,000 cost is reasonable. Only the most hardcore performance seekers will be able to justify the $10,000 premium to upgrade to the M35i.

　　

2021 BMW X2 models

The 2021 BMW X2 is a subcompact luxury SUV with seating for five. It is available in three trim levels: the sDrive28i, xDrive28i and M35i. The sDrive28i is front-wheel-drive, while the xDrive28i and M35i are all-wheel-drive. Feature highlights include:

　　sDrive28i and xDrive28i

　　Come well equipped with features such as:

　　Turbocharged four-cylinder engine (228 horsepower) Eight-speed automatic transmission Power liftgate Front and rear parking sensors Automatic climate control Simulated leather upholstery Power-adjustable front seats Remote monitoring and control through a smartphone app 8.8-inch touchscreen Navigation with real-time traffic Apple CarPlay Seven-speaker audio system Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)Also available is the Convenience package that adds:

　　Power-folding mirrors Auto-dimming mirrors Panoramic sunroof Universal garage door opener Keyless entry and ignitionThe optional M Sport X package adds some sporty personality with:

　　Larger wheels Unique interior and exterior trim elements Choice of a sport-tuned or standard suspension Sport-tuned transmission Sport steering wheelThe M35i trim includes all of the features listed above, minus the sunroof (though it is offered as an option). It also adds a few performance enhancers that include:

　　More powerful engine (301 hp) Rear spoiler More powerful brakes Limited-slip differential (for enhanced traction) Sport-tuned steeringThe Premium package is offered on all X2 models and includes all of the Convenience package features plus:

　　Heated steering wheel Heated front seats Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)Some optional features are available as stand-alone add-ons, along with:

　　Roof rails Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front) Adaptive dampers (M35i only) Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention) Sport front seats (M35i only) Harman Kardon premium audio Wireless charging pad

　　

2021 X2 Highlights

Type: M35iSUVSUV

　　Trim: sDrive28ixDrive28iM35isDrive28i

　　

Base MSRP	$36,600
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$171/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	21.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles