2024 BMW X2 Gains More Style, Tech, And Up To 312 Horsepower

BMW upgrades its surprisingly popular crossover coupe with more style, tech, and power.

Whether or not you’re a fan of coupe-ized crossovers, it’s clear that they’re here to stay. BMW’s own X2 sold 380,000 units worldwide, making it a key player in the brand’s global presence. Thus, the X2 needs to stay competitive – it got a complete update, not unlike the recently released BMW X1. The two crossovers are quite similar under the skin, that is, aside from the X2’s sloping roofline.

Like the new X1, the X2 also grows a lot in size. This new X2 is a whopping 7.6 inches longer than the previous model, and 2.6 inches longer than the current X1. That extra length has allowed the styling to stretch its legs, the old X2 wasn’t all that convincing as a coupe; its squashed-down roofline was more akin to a regular hatchback rather than the fastback style we’ve expected from the X4 and X6. The new X2 has a bonafide fastback roofline, just like its larger siblings. Coupled with the extra width, chiseled styling, and model-exclusive front and rear fascias, the new X2 looks more premium than before.

Once again, the X2’s interior is very similar to the X1. It gets the same curved twin-screen display, also running BMW Operating System 9 complete with iDrive. The longer wheelbase and extra width should provide extra room and seat comfort for both rows of passengers.

The X2 will be offered in two powertrain forms – the xDrive 28i, or the performance-oriented, M-badged M35i xDrive. Both use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission sending power to all four wheels. But, the M35i variant turns the power up to 312 horsepower, compared to the 241 horsepower in the standard xDrive 28i. Torque remains the same at 295 ft/lbs. Unfortunately, BMW is leaving the electric-powered iX2 in Europe. Like the i5 and i7, BMW’s fully electric compact crossover coupe uses the same body and interior, paired with electric motors that generate up to 313 horsepower fed from a 64.8 kWh battery.

This appears to be a solid update to a surprisingly successful model. However, it seems like a bit of a misstep for BMW to eschew the fully electric iX2 for North America. Given how good the i5 is, an iX2 could be a strong competitor to cars like the Audi Q4 E-Tron, or even the Tesla Model Y.

The BMW X2 will officially go on display at this year’s Japan Mobility Show on October 26. It will reach North American showrooms by March 2024.

Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.