BMW X2 breaks cover, confirmed for NZ with electric variant

We’ve seen the teasers and now it’s time to feast our eyes on the second-generation BMW X2 in full, with the model confirmed to arrive on New Zealand shores in both petrol and fully electric form.

In terms of models, Kiwis will only be offered one variant with an internal combustion engine, that being the top-of-the-range M35i, as well as one EV in the form of the iX2 eDrive20.

Much of the second-generation X2’s coupe-like design lends itself to the current X1 which wears a conventional SUV body, but instead gets distinctive features like a hexagonal kidney grille that can be specified with illuminated contour lighting.

At the back, the roofline flows down towards a Gurney-style spoiler which sits above newly styled taillights and a redesigned rear bumper that shrouds a quad-exit exhaust on the petrol-burning model.

Compared to its predecessor, the X2 has grown in length by 194mm to 4554mm, by 21mm in width to 1845mm, and by 64mm in height to 1590mm. It also has a longer wheelbase which affords a maximum cargo capacity of between 560 and 1470 litres. In the iX2, luggage capacity comes to between 525 and 1400 litres.

Inside, the infotainment touchscreen and driver instrument panel have been blended into one curved display – a feature found on many new BMWs – which sits above two cup holders and a wireless smartphone charging tray on the centre console. Occupant comfort comes in the form of newly developed seats which are offered in perforated and quilted leather upholstery.

In terms of powertrains, the X2 M35i will feature the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder as its X1 counterpart but makes a little less power at 221kW. Nevertheless, with the help of the xDrive all-wheel drive system, it can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds.

You also get adaptive suspension and an M-specific tuned chassis with the highly specified model, while the brakes can be upgraded as an option. A set of 20-inch light alloy wheels come fitted as standard but can be swapped out for 21-inch units at an extra cost.

As for the electric iX2 eDrive20, a 64.8kWh battery supplies energy to a front axle-mounted e-motor making 150kW and is good for a total range of up to 477km on a single charge.

No matter what X2 you opt for, they’ll each come fitted with a suite of safety and driver assistance features like lane keep assist, active cruise control, a blind spot monitor, surround-view camera, and more. BMW also notes that the model will come with a head-up display and remote access via its Digital Key app for smartphones.

BMW New Zealand states that the X2 M35i will start at $109,900 when it arrives in the first quarter of 2024 but has yet to release pricing for the electric iX2.