The BMW iX2 is the latest addition to the brand’s growing lineup of electric vehicles. It is a compact SUV that shares its platform and design with the conventional BMW X2 but with a fully electric powertrain and some unique features. The iX2 is expected to go on sale in late 2024 or early 2025, and it could be a strong contender in the competitive segment of electric SUVs, where Tesla’s Model Y currently dominates.
What is the BMW iX2?
The iX2 is BMW’s second electric SUV, after the larger and more expensive BMW iX launched in 2021. The iX2 is based on the same architecture as the X2, a sporty and stylish version of the X1. The iX2 has a similar shape and size to the BMW X2 but has some distinctive elements that set it apart as an electric vehicle. These include:
- A closed-off kidney grille that houses the sensors for the driver assistance systems
- Blue accents on the grille, side skirts, and rear bumper that indicate its electric nature
- A redesigned front bumper with larger air intakes and LED daytime running lights
- A rear diffuser that replaces the exhaust pipes
- A slightly higher ride height to accommodate the battery pack under the floor
- A charging port on the left rear fender
- A special iX2 badge on the tailgate
The BMW iX2 also has a more aerodynamic body than the X2, with a drag coefficient of 0.28, which helps to improve its efficiency and range. The iX2 has a sleek and modern interior, a digital instrument cluster, a touchscreen infotainment system, and a head-up display. The iX2 also offers a range of connectivity and convenience features, such as wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The iX2 has a spacious and comfortable cabin, with enough room for five passengers and their luggage. The iX2 has a trunk capacity of 470 liters, which can be expanded to 1,355 liters by folding the rear seats.
How does the BMW iX2 perform?
The iX2 is powered by a single electric motor that drives the front wheels. The motor produces 184 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque, enough to propel the iX2 from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds and to a top speed of 160 km/h. The iX2 has a 38 kWh battery pack that provides a range of 300 km on the WLTP cycle, comparable to some of its rivals, such as the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Kia e-Niro. The iX2 can be charged using a standard 11 kW AC charger or a fast 150 kW DC charger. The latter can replenish 80% of the battery in 35 minutes or add 100 km of range in 10 minutes.
The iX2 also has a regenerative braking system that can recover energy when the driver lifts off the accelerator or applies the brakes. The driver can choose between two modes of regeneration: high and low. The high mode provides more deceleration and more energy recovery, while the low mode allows for more coasting and less interference. The iX2 also has an adaptive suspension system that can adjust the damping and the ride height according to the driving conditions and the selected driving mode. The iX2 has four driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual. The Eco mode optimizes the energy consumption and the range, while the Sport mode enhances the performance and the handling. The Comfort mode balances the efficiency and the dynamics, while the Individual mode allows the driver to customize the settings to their preference.
The iX2 also has a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features, such as:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane-keeping assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control
- Traffic sign recognition
- Parking assist
- Surround view camera
- Collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Evasion assist
- Emergency stop assist
How much does the BMW iX2 cost?
The iX2 is expected to have a starting price of around $45,000 in the US, which is slightly higher than the base price of the X2 ($38,600). However, the iX2 could qualify for federal and state incentives to lower its effective cost. The iX2 is also likely to have a lower cost of ownership than the X2 due to the lower maintenance and fuel costs of electric vehicles. The iX2 will compete with other electric SUVs in the same price range, such as the Tesla Model Y, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Volkswagen ID.4, and the Volvo XC40 Recharge.