BMW iX2 review

If you’re reading this review rather than our standard X2 review, you’ll probably be pleased to learn the iX2 is actually better to drive than its internal combustion-engined sibling.

While the X2 feels sluggish and unsettled, the iX2 enjoys the instant torque of electric power and BMW’s paddle-activated boost mode. We haven’t driven the entry level single-motor car yet, but the all-wheel drive xDrive30 gets to 62mph in 5.6 seconds and feels rapid off the line. Oh, and not that you’ll need it, but top speed is 112mph.

Can it go round corners?

It’s pretty good at that, actually. BMW knows how to offer at least a modicum of steering feel even in its small electric crossovers and the iX2 turns into bends keenly. It’s no M2, but it’s certainly better than some rivals and with a low centre of gravity it stays flat through bends. Plenty of grip even in poor conditions thanks to the all-wheel drive, too.

Is it comfortable?

Well, because M Sport trim is standard in the UK, you get M Adaptive Suspension included. Even in its softest setting it’s on the firm side though, and bumps often send proper thuds through the cabin and can unsettle the car. There’s a fair bit of road noise generated at motorway speeds too, so the iX2 isn’t the most refined cruiser.

Are there different drive modes?

There are six. Yep, six drive modes in a small electric crossover. You can choose from Personal, Sport, Efficient, Expressive, Relax and Digital Art. Last three are a bit odd, aren’t they? All of those modes come with different sci-fi style motor sounds, but we found that driving everywhere in ‘Efficient’ mode and simply using the 10-second boost function for overtakes was the best compromise for maximum range. There are three levels of regenerative braking too.

Is it efficient?

BMW claims efficiency figures of between 3.5 and 3.7 miles per kWh for the twin-motor iX2, but with a mix of town, motorway and countryside driving we averaged just 3.1. That’s not terrible, but it was in decent conditions for an EV and – when combined with a small WLTP range of just 267 miles – it puts the iX2 some way behind its longer-range rivals.