2021 BMW X2

Pros: Peppy acceleration with decent fuel economy; high-quality interior materials; eye-catching looks

Cons: Sporty styling takes a toll on passenger/cargo room; more expensive than BMW X1, and options further drive up the bottom line

CG Says: The 2021 BMW X2 gains standard SiriusXM radio, but deletes fog lights. The M35i will gain a new mesh grille midyear. BMW introduced this subcompact crossover SUV for 2018. The X2 shares its basic platform with BMW’s X1, but wears a sleeker body that is 3.2 inches shorter and 2.8 inches lower than its sibling. In terms of BMW’s crossover lineup, the X2 is to the X1 as the fastback-roof X4 and X6 are to their respective X3 and X5 counterparts. Though the X2 doesn’t have a true fastback rear roofline, it has less headroom and cargo room than the X1 as result of its shorter overall length and more rakish styling. The X2’s base 28i powertrain is a 228-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the M35i has a more powerful, 302-hp version of the 2.0-liter turbo. Both models have an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 28i is available with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, while the M35i has standard all-wheel drive. An “M Sport X” special trim package includes racier bodywork, a quicker-shifting transmission, and performance options such as 20-inch wheels and sport suspension. Available features include front collision warning and mitigation, lane-departure warning, park assist, Apple CarPlay functionality, WiFi hotspot, wireless device charging, adaptive suspension, and a panoramic sunroof. The BMW X2 is essentially a sexier version of its X1 sibling; if the X2’s swoopier design appeals to you—and you’re willing to pay about $1200 more than the cost of a comparable X1 to get it—you’ll have a head-turning premium compact SUV with an engaging driving personality and excellent build quality. However, the BMW X1 is a mechanical twin to the X2, and it’s more affordable and a bit more practical as well.

2021 BMW X2