BMW X2 review

It’s better news inside for the new X2, but not a resounding home run. Aero-efficient those flush door handles may be, but we miss the reassuring feel of the previous arrangement. The doors themselves feel oddly hollow when you pull them closed, which is surely down to the use of lightweight plastic supports. The reasoning is undoubtedly sound; the execution imperfect.

The cabin takes many of its cues from the iX, but feels a little more over-wrought in places as if desperate to emphasise its sporty credentials. BMW’s most excellent Curved Display arrives in the X2, aided and abetted by the Quick Select rapid-tech functionality that floats the most frequently used stuff to the top. It’s a handsome looking solution, with a 10.25in instrument display conjoined with a 10.7 central infotainment touchscreen.

This is almost endlessly configurable, but experience with other BMWs confirms its ease-of-use. Every X2 model gets wireless smartphone charging, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Five interior trim options are available for the real estate beneath, with ambient lighting set within it. The floating centre console houses the gear selector, start/stop, the MyModes button, and physical buttons – yes! – for the audio volume control hazard warning. Two cupholders and a smartphone tray sit in front of that, designed so your phone can sit upright. That’s a small but important detail.

The iDrive is now on its ninth operating system, and full voice control is available via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. It’s improved but still only works about 50 per cent of the time so remains a bit pointless. There’s more head- and legroom, though anyone taller than six foot won’t want to spend much time in the rear: that sloping roofline hurts headroom back there. There are three full seats, with Isofix on the two outer ones. Loadspace has grown by 115 litres to a maximum of 1,470 litres, though there’s less in the iX2.

Cloth upholstery is standard, with BMW’s sustainable Veganza or Vernasca leather optional. Bluetooth, four USB-C ports and a 12V power socket are standard across the range, as is a cloud-based navigation system. There’s an optional Harman Kardon sound system with 12 speakers and a 205W amp. A panoramic glass roof is an option and there’s the now obligatory selection of ambient interior lighting. Also on the menu is a dynamic interior light, which will pulse when there’s an incoming phone call, among other things.