For the first time in the short history of the X2acquires a purely electric version that is none other than the iX2 which we had the opportunity to “meet” live at the event Media & Stakeholder Days recently organized by the group BMW for her presentation (HERE our driving impressions from X2 and HERE from MINI Countryman JCW).
Aesthetically, the iX2 it follows all the design changes and modifications of the thermal version by having a body to its standards SAC or Sport Activity Coupe, as the manufacturer calls it.
Here again the front end with its 'closed' grille and long, narrow LED light bodies is the point of reference, while looking at the car from the side, one notices the roof line that fades to the rear, shaping the sharper coupé silhouette they now have the X2/iX2. Also at the rear, the stretched wheel arches and muscular shoulders offer a more dynamic shape, while the horizontal contours of the taillights, the Gurney spoiler and accentuated rear bumper reinforce the model's sporty character.
In terms of dimensions, the length of the iX2 reaches 4,554 mm, the width 1,845 mm and the height 1,590 mm. In addition, the longer wheelbase compared to the first generation X2, as well as the wider tracks, have increased the spaciousness both in the passenger seats and in the trunk (from 525 L to 1,400 L).
According to the manufacturer, its engineers worked hard on the technologically advanced chassis of the iX2 to ensure a balance between sporty, agile behavior and comfort on long journeys. This is achieved with a new body structure that increases stiffness, a longer wheelbase and upgrades to the front suspension struts and rear three-link setup. Also, the new BMW iX2 xDrive30 (as the one and only version of the electric X2 is called), rides on standard 17-inch light-alloy wheels with an aerodynamically optimized design.
Digitization and premium feel
In the interior, the differences compared to the thermal X2 are infinitesimal and strongly derived from the X1/iX1. The large curved screen that hovers above the dashboard is here again the most impressive element in the cabin, which is well made with quality materials and fit found in BMW's larger car ranges. The screen consists of two smaller ones, one of 10.25 inches for the instrument panel and one of 10.7 inches for the multimedia system that has integrated iDrive 9.
The two front-row seats are separated by a high-mounted armrest, which also houses switches that give access to a number of the car's functions.
The newly designed seats are offered in the perforated Veganza version and in Vernasca leather with attractive quilting, as an alternative to the standard cloth upholstery. There is also the option of sports seats with electric adjustment, memory function, lumbar support and massage function, like the cars we had at our disposal. Further improvements have been made to both acoustic comfort and occupant protection. Standard equipment now includes an airbag between the front seats that protects the driver and front passenger.
Four wheel drive with 313 PS and up to 449 km range
The power system of the BMW iX2 xDrive30 includes two electric motors, one on the front axle and one on the rear with the combined output reaching 230 kW/313 PS (including instant boost) and 494 Nm. In terms of performance, they are indeed impressive, as the standard 0 – 100 km/h takes place in 5.6 sec with top speed electronically limited to 180 km/h. The electric motors draw energy from a high-voltage battery with a capacity of 64.8 kWh, ensuring a range of 417 – 449 kilometers in the WLTP cycle.
The electrical system features adaptive energy recovery and a MAX RANGE function to benefit range, while the latest version of the Max Performance Charging software optimizes efficiency when charging the car. Charging at a high power station takes 29 minutes to go from 10% to 80%. In a BMW wallbox a full charge takes almost 6.5 hours.
The new BMW iX2 is manufactured at the factory in the German city of Regensburg, while the high-voltage batteries are manufactured in the same unit.
Driving impressions
What strikes anyone inside the new iX2 is how it doesn't have that spartan character found in electric models with the cheap-feeling recycled materials ostensibly for ecological reasons (it would be more interesting if they also helped reduce the price of the car …).
The cabin is top-notch in execution and assembly, offers an excellent driving position, ergonomics and all those elements that will make the driver and passengers feel like they are in a… conventional luxury SUV. This feeling is also found in the driving character of the car, as strange as it may seem, driving the iX2 pleasantly surprises, as it does not differ much from the X2 M35i xDrive that we also drove in Portugal.
With the exception of the differentiated feel offered by a conventional transmission, the iX2 has a “sharp” steering wheel, an impressively stiff frame and a suspension with a firm setting to better manage the slightly increased weight due to batteries. However, it can and does handle everything and combined with the electric four-wheel drive ensure top grip in all conditions, even at sporty driving speeds. Of the few electric vehicles that we liked driving and not only in the field of performance, the iX2 also impresses (in our opinion, it is right that its speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h). The new iX2 is already available on the Greek market with prices starting at 56,560 euros. An excellent proposal for anyone looking for a modern, well-made and pleasant to drive electric vehicle in the SUV category.
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