2023 BMW X2 SUV

　　

2023 BMW X2 Review

byChristian WardlawCorrespondent

　　Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at zzdcar and was the first editor-in-chief of zzdcar.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.

　　, rating written byChristian WardlawDirector, Vehicle Testing

　　Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at zzdcar, Jonathan has tested and reviewed thousands of cars and written thousands of car-related articles over the course of his career. Jonathan got his start testing cars for Road & Track magazine as a newly minted mechanical engineer grad from University of California, Irvine, and has also contributed to Motor Trend and the Associated Press. He likes to say he learned to drive a manual transmission in a rear-wheel-drive mid-engine vehicle but often omits it was his family's 1991 Toyota Previa minivan.

　　BMW started the whole SUV coupe craze with the original X5-based X6 model. With a fastback roofline for a sportier look, the X6 had less passenger and cargo space but cost more. It took a while, but once the concept caught on with style-conscious customers, BMW expanded the "less is more" approach to create the X3-based X4 and the X1-based X2.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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 MSRP

　　vs

　　$167/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　Unlike its siblings, the BMW X2 does not adopt a steeply angled rear window, though its styling certainly is sportier. The X2 isn't as tall as the previous-generation X1 on which it is based, and it has thick rear roof pillars decorated with BMW roundels instead of rear quarter windows that could potentially improve outward visibility. And until the 2023 model year, the X2 came in a more powerful M35i variant that could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds by BMW's stopwatch. An equivalent model did not exist in the X1 lineup.

　　Unfortunately for driving enthusiasts, the M35i is gone for 2023, but the X2 remains a likable entry-level model that's equal parts hot hatchback and crossover SUV. Its primary rival is the Mercedes-Benz GLA, but the X2 also counts the Jaguar E-Pace and Land Rover Range Rover Evoque as competitors. The Volvo C40 Recharge is similar in configuration, but it's an electric rather than a gas-fueled model.

　　If the BMW X2 sounds exactly like what you've been looking for, be sure to check out our full Expert Review to learn more about this sporty sport-utility.

　　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 though they're 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.

　　The engine is remarkably smooth, but 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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below