Rakish compact SUV also comes with electric power, initially in twin-motor guise
JAMES ATTWOOD @atters_j
TESTED 6.2.24, LISBON, PORTUGAL ON SALE NOW
The next-generation BMW Neue Klasse that will start to arrive next year will use a bespoke electric platform. Until then, the firm is pushing on with its multi-powertrain strategy, hence the arrival of the iX2 – a car that is technically all-new yet feels quite familiar, in part because it shares much with the existing iX1.
The exterior styling elements that mark out the electric version from the ‘regular’ X2 SUV-coupé (see p28) are minimal, although we definitely prefer its slightly more relaxed look to the appearance of the M235i we also sampled.
While it is distinct from the iX1 on the outside, the interior will be familiar to anyone who has spent time in that model. Generally, that’s not a bad thing: it feels like a quality cabin, with well-positioned controls and comfortable seats. The rear isn’t too badly impacted by the raked roofline and the iX2’s extra length means it actually has a slightly bigger boot than the iX1.
The iX2 has the same infotainment system as its sibling. It looks neat and is generally intuitive to use but frustratingly lacks physical controls, such as BMW’s classic rotary controller.
The twin-motor xDrive30 electric powertrain is also carried over from the iX1. It has 309bhp, which makes it plenty fast enough and probably suits the sportier ambitions of this car more than its boxier sibling.
It also uses the same 66.5kWh (64.7kWh usable) battery, which gives it an official range of up to 266 miles. Thanks to the iX2’s sleeker body, that’s six whole miles more than the twin-motor iX1. Based on our first experience on a mixed route in Portugal, expect around 215 miles in the real world.
The iX2’s 130kW peak charging speed (identical to the iX1’s) is a match for the Audi Q4 E-tron but still off the pace set by rivals such as the Genesis GV60 (260kW).
The twin-motor system offers three levels of regenerative braking, up to a one-pedal mode, although the system is all automatic with no ability to manually adjust regen. Evidence of BMW’s sporting pretence for the iX2 can be found behind the steering wheel with the addition of a ‘boost’ paddle that gives you a whack of extra power for 10 seconds or so.
As with the petrol X2, the iX2 has adaptive dampers as sta
