Used 2020 BMW X2

The 2020 BMW X2 is a sportier, more stylistic take on the X1 subcompact SUV. As with the X6 and X4 before it, the X2 is less practical by design, forsaking some of the X1’s cargo capacity for a more coupe-like profile and live-for-the-day attitude. Yet this subcompact quasi-crossover SUV still offers acceptable space to store half a day’s worth of shopping from its upwardly mobile target buyers. Think singles and couples with no kids and positive cash flow, or perhaps empty nesters no longer needing to prioritize rear-seat passenger space.

As expected of a BMW, the 2020 X2 is premium by nature and boasts some high-end amenities, some standard active-safety systems, and the choice of front- or all-wheel drive. The M35i model that debuted last year also packs over 300 horsepower — serious muscle for a small crossover SUV. As with other BMWs, the X2 comes at a premium price, costing more than its X1 sibling and subcompact SUVs like the Volvo XC40 and Audi Q3. Call it the cost of standing out.

The BMW X2 is a spry little crossover SUV. It emphasizes athletic, sporty handling over comfortable cruising and commuting. If the latter is more your thing, check out the Lexus UX. If you’re good with this verve and still reading, then know the X2 is agile, fun and quick, with even base front-drive models hitting the 0-60-mph benchmark in a fleet 6.6 seconds. The flip side is, the X2 is on the stiff side. That’s what happens when your suspension is tuned by German corner-carvers. This, combined with the X2’s diminutive size and turbo engine can make for a bit of a frenetic experience.

If you pony up for the X2 M35i, you’ll get a tidy little sleeper. Its 301-horsepower engine enables this more powerful X2 to squirt to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. Remember when that kind of time was reserved for sports cars? The M35i version of the X2 comes standard with all-wheel drive (xDrive) for enhanced traction. This hotted-up subcompact compact isn’t quite as agro as the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45, but it’s less expensive and we think a better split between everyday driving and powerful performance.

Although it borrows the same dash, interior bits and seats from its X1 sibling, the 2020 BMW X2 lacks the interior volume and high roofline many SUV buyers require. Compared to the X1, the X2 has a bit less headroom, legroom and cargo capacity, and keep in mind the X1 isn’t exactly huge. This makes the X2’s cabin feel snug to say the least. That said, the front seats are supportive and comfortable, with decent headroom and legroom.

Move to the rear, however, and both commodities are in short supply. In fairness, this isn’t unusual for this class. The Mercedes-Benz GLA and Lexus UX are also cozy. For 2020, the X2 now comes standard with a larger 8.8-inch infotainment screen that replaces the previous 6.5-inch unit. In back, cargo room is okay for this class, but compared to a Volvo XC40 it will look paltry.

As for quibbles, we have a few. The X2’s wireless charging pad can’t fit larger smartphones, and the rear C-pillar creates a large blind spot. The latter problem isn’t rectified with blind-spot monitoring because the X2 doesn’t offer it even as an option.

While based on similar architecture, the X2 is over three inches shorter than the X1, measuring just over 172 inches long. That’s a tidy size, but the upside is that the X2 is a friend to tight city streets and smaller garages.

To us the X2 looks like a higher-riding hatchback, and a reasonably pretty-looking one at that. It especially stands out in the Galvanic Gold Metallic color. We also like that the X2’s grille hasn’t grown to a gargantuan size. Have you seen the latest 7 Series or the new X7? On those vehicles it’s monstrous.

ACTIVE DRIVING ASSISTANT4
As with more and more new cars, we are glad to see the BMW X2 comes with at least a basic suite of active-safety features. Included are forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, daytime pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning.

X2 M35i
This more powerful version of the X2 could also be called its best manifestation. Look, you don’t buy an X2 for purely rational reasons. This is for fun, style and to show status all while having some practicality. So why not up the power/fun quotient?

The base X2 is called the sDrive28i, and it comes decently equipped for the price. Among the highlights you get standard are power front seats with driver’s side-bolster adjustments, automatic climate control, power tailgate, rain-sensing windshield wipers and the Active Driving Assistant4 safety suite (see Favorite Features).

Standard infotainment includes BMW’s iDrive system commanding an 8.8-inch screen, navigation and audio functions. The BMW X2 has Apple CarPlay standard, but with a caveat. Unlike other automakers, you get only a one-year trial and after that you must pay either $80 a year or $300 for a 20-year subscription. Note that Android Auto is not available for the X2. All new BMWs come with Ultimate Care, which covers three years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.

All-wheel drive is available on base models and standard on the M35i, which also packs a more powerful engine. The M Sport X package available on standard models bundles features like sporty aesthetics inside and out, LED fog lights, ambient lighting and a sport-automatic transmission. At $4,650, though, the package isn’t cheap. We do think the Convenience package, at $2,350, is a better value. It bundles a panoramic moonroof, keyless entry and hands-free tailgate, auto-dimming mirrors, power-folding side mirrors and universal garage remote.

A dynamic handling package is also offered with damper control for better handling. Other options include genuine leather upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, Harman Kardon audio system and a parking assistant that helps with parallel parking. The X2’s driving aids can be enhanced with adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. But as we previously mentioned, the BMW X2 doesn’t offer blind-spot monitoring.

The standard powertrain in for the 2020 BMW X2 is the same as in the X1, a 228-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic. Although no manual is offered, the 8-speed does offer manual shift control. The 2.0-liter can propel the X2 to 60 miles per hour in 6.3 seconds in all-wheel drive (AWD) xDrive models or 6.6 seconds in front-wheel-drive (FWD) sDrive variants.

Those seeking more go will be pleased with the new X2 M35i, which features a larger turbocharger and upgraded internal components producing an impressive 301 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard in that model, and the 8-speed transmission is revised for performance over fuel economy. Also standard is a limited-slip front differential and launch control. BMW claims a 0-60-mph acceleration time of just 4.7 seconds. All X2 models have an auto start/stop feature that stops the engine from running during idle. If you don’t like the engine turning on and off, the feature can be disabled.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
228 horsepower @ 5,000-6,000 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,450-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/32 mpg (FWD), 24/31 mpg (AWD)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
301 horsepower @ 5,000-6,250 rpm
331 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/30 mpg (AWD)