The nose is carved and blunt, but not scratchy and flashy/BMW
Estimated price:
over NIS 400,000
Competitors:
Audi Q3 coupe, Mercedes EQA, Volvo C40, Mini Countryman, Genesis GV60
We liked (iX2 electric):
sporty design, passenger cabin, usability, engine power and driving refinement
We didn't like (iX2 electric ):
driving comfort, driving range
We liked (M2 35i gasoline):
sporty behavior, exterior design, passenger compartment, usability.
We didn't like (M2 35i petrol):
After all, it's not pure M
Score: 9.5/10 petrol, 8.0/10 electric
Looking at the back, the configuration of the coupe stands out.
The chassis is elevated in the spirit of crossovers, contrary to the DNA of the M/BMW performance division
The embarrassing truth is that after driving the electric iX2 this morning, I was less than keen to get behind the wheel of the petrol version;
I was a bit tired from the flights, lunch was heavy.
The streetcar was fine but it didn't manage to get me particularly excited, and for a moment I thought about snuggling in the right passenger seat.
But after a slight hesitation, I sat behind the wheel, started and we went on our way.
Only 300 meters passed and I pressed the right pedal;
The 2.0-liter engine jolted to life, the four exhausts barked nervously, and the green car flew toward the first turn.
Old feelings reawakened in me, creating an immediate connection between the gas pedal and the steering wheel and my adrenaline glands.
Within seconds pure steering wheel lust suddenly emerged, and the M2 35i revealed itself as an exhilarating driving machine that communicates with you in an old-fashioned language.
The steering is sharp and communicative, the suspension easily copes with its own weight, the brakes bite, the car speaks to you in every turn, braking and acceleration.
My fatigue dissipated like gasoline fumes struggling from the exhaust, because indeed - this is BMW as it should be, as we have always loved.
The purists will say that this is not a completely low and tight M2, because after all we are talking about a raised crossover.
But as heavy electric crossovers go, the M2 really is a car.
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Don't get me wrong - the electric iX2 is also fast and high-quality, based on the sporty DNA of the Bavarian manufacturer.
But there's nothing to be done, it weighs 325 kilograms more than the gasoline version;
It's like you have four hidden passengers in the back seat and they sway back and forth, right and left with every turn or brake.
We talk a lot about the disadvantages of the high weight of modern electric cars, but for me it was the first time that I could sample almost identical cars side by side, differing only in the engine section.
The double test best illustrated the price we pay for the heavy batteries that power modern streetcars.
The same vehicle and two different worlds, present versus future.
The gasoline is green, the tram is gray
The versatile UKL platform allows BMW to assemble the two engine versions on the same production line and respond to market requirements in different countries, according to the level of electrification in which each of the markets is located.
BMW believes that most of the X2 will be supplied with electric drive in the future, while the share of gasoline and diesel will decrease.
The X2 will arrive in Israel towards the middle of 2024, powered by electricity and gasoline.
At this point it is not yet clear in which versions.
The manufacturer offers two electric versions: the powerful iX2 30 we drove (313 hp and 5.6 seconds from zero to 100) and the iX2 20 with 204 hp and front-wheel drive only.
In the gasoline segment, we drove the exciting X2 M35i xDrive (300 hp, 5.4 seconds from zero to 100), and the 20i with 170 hp and front-wheel drive.
There are other gasoline and diesel versions that will not arrive in Israel.
Dynamic car.
The grille frame is illuminated at night, to increase the arrival/BMW effect
Design:
The second generation of X2 is about 20 centimeters larger than the outgoing generation, it is also wider and taller.
The square crossover configuration of the outgoing X2 and the current X1 was replaced by a taut and elegant body, a type of crossover coupe standing on heels.
The rounded curves and chrome decorations of the outgoing model have been replaced by a clean front carved with more decisive lines, with a minimalist and clean design.
The kidney grill has narrowed a bit, a large air intake has opened under it.
At the launch, both models (the electric one in concrete gray, the gasoline one in bright green) were fitted with 20-inch rims and 245/40R20 tires.
These are optional tires with a bold sporty look, the standard tires are 245/45R19.
Despite the sporty appearance, the trunk contains 525 useful liters/Audi Etzion
In a side view, the slanted roof stands out in its rear.
It's elegant and gives off a sporty vibe, for those who don't fancy the X1's boxy build.
The X2 won't turn heads on the street, but it's a very well-equipped city car that exudes a fair amount of sporty brawn.
The M35 gasoline version comes with all the arsenal of emblems of M cars: front and rear M emblems, four grumpy exhausts, a relatively extroverted rear spoiler.
The grille of the electric model is surrounded by a bright frame, which lights up at night to highlight the traditional kidney grill.
The M boasts a black grille with the option to close the air vents, in particularly cold weather.
The electric model comes with the sporty M-Sport trim package.
16: The passenger compartment is meticulous and well thought out.
In the M version you will get a red marking for the center of the steering wheel, and Alcantara/BMW upholstery
Cabin:
The X2 provides enough interior space for four adult passengers, although not heart-wide.
The sports seats provide excellent support for the body with electric adjustment that includes changing lateral support, heating and even back massage.
The feeling is quality-prestigious and technological, with a curved display screen that includes a 10.25-inch dashboard for the driver and a 10.7-inch main multimedia screen.
With the new operating system OS9, the quality of the screens and cameras is excellent and their response is fast;
But the lack of physical switches requires rummaging through the menus.
In this spirit, the iDrive dial, which was even more intuitive, also disappeared.
There are many shortcuts on the screens, but we still prefer plastic ones that you can click on, without taking your eyes off the road.
The space in the back is great for two, a third adult will have to squeeze in.
The sloped roof may interfere with tall/BMW vehicles
With an increased wheelbase there is excellent knee room in the back, although the sloping roof may interfere with tall people, especially in the electric model, where the floor is slightly higher.
The trunk has a respectable volume of 525 to 1,400 liters (without a spare wheel).
Rear passengers get charging sockets and air conditioning outlets.
The seat is high and commanding and the view out is good, although the front roof beam interferes with the view diagonally forward.
The trim and upholstery materials are excellent and the manufacturing is flawless, as we have come to expect from the German manufacturer.
The dominant colors in the cabin are black and a selection of dark grays;
Despite a wealth of textures, aluminum finishes and graphic motif printing, this is a rather drab cabin.
The M35's cabin is a bit more cheerful with Alcantara leather upholstery and trim (also black), M trims in red-blue tones, upholstery stitching and seat belts decorated in M colors, and sports seats.
The electric version also received the M-Sport/BMW design package
Electric motor - performance, range and charging:
the iX2 xDrive30 is armed with two electric motors that deliver 313 hp and 49.4 kg, with permanent dual drive.
The 64.7 kWh battery should be enough for 450 kilometers, but during the test we got a range of only about 315 kilometers; it can be assumed that in routine use the real range will reach 350-420 kilometers.
It's not bad, although there are competitors who will go further.
At a maximum charging rate of 130 kW, the battery will be charged from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
The electric motors provide strong and extremely linear acceleration, with quiet and refined operation.
The acceleration from zero to 100 takes 5.6 seconds, it is completely satisfactory although there are competitors that offer much more power for less money.
The Boost switch allows you to get extra power for 10 seconds.
The car makes a synthetic acceleration sound emanating from the speakers, you can mute the sound.
You can choose between three driving styles that affect the responses of the engine and steering;
The driver has no control over the operation of the adaptive suspension.
The choice of the charging level is made through the multimedia screen, you have to poke around.
For those who desire the iX2 but are ready to give up the sporty performance, a more moderate iX2 xDrive20 version will arrive later on.
The 20 will make do with a single engine driving the front wheels, with a power of 201 horsepower - it's not asphalt creasing but good enough for any regular customer.
The 20 will be cheaper than the version we drove and have softer suspensions, with a greater range of about 50 kilometers than the powerful test version.
This is definitely an interesting option.
The gasoline engine is not green and economical, but what fun it is to whip the 313 horses!/BMW
Gasoline engine - performance and fuel consumption:
the 2-liter gasoline engine provides 300 hp and 40 kg.
It's a little less than the electric version, but the gasoline version weighs 1,695 kilograms compared to the electric version's 2,020 kg. The acceleration to 100 km/h will take only 5.4 seconds, and the feeling on board is very different: while the electric motor pushes the car with a steady and eloquent force, the gasoline Roaring and growling, the RPM goes up and down, the gearbox vibrates, the exhausts bark at every gear change. At first moments this behavior seems a bit primitive and stuttering - why should you make such an effort, when you can do the same thing in perfect and continuous silence?
But suddenly you realize that it is actually Great fun, the sounds and the drama are an important part of the experience and the communication between the driver and the machine. Driving a sports gasoline car involves the driver in every gear change and engine braking, these are sensations that have completely disappeared in the electric age. The sharp steering and the bite of the brakes are also much better than what is customary in the electric world, to which we are quickly drawn.
When driving calmly, the gasoline engine exhibits a calm and pleasant behavior, while maintaining a continuous and civilized acceleration. I guess that whoever buys a BMW M, is not too excited about the fuel consumption; the manufacturer claims about 12.5 kml, we spent only 7.5 kml .
The M235i connects you to the craft of driving, rewarding and delightful.
In cold weather, the front air intakes are closed, to maintain working/BMW temperature
Comfort and road behavior:
the driving comfort of the electric iX2 is derived from its high curb weight and the sporty 245/40R20 tires, which stiffen the body's reactions.
On any road that is not excellent, the car shakes stiffly, rough patches require you to slow down a lot.
The base tires in size 245/45R19 will improve ride comfort, but not to a significant extent.
Beyond that, the car is very refined, quiet, built to the highest standard.
Wind noises begin to appear relatively early.
The handling of the road allows fast driving even on mountain roads, but there is something alienating in the quiet linearity in which the engine operates, in the steering which does not have much nutrition.
We enjoyed driving part of the route, but there is no real news here, in the sporty spirit of BMW.
Things change when we move to the hot M235i.
Since it is raised on the heels of a crossover it can no longer be pure M but even so, it is very easy to enjoy the petrol version.
The ride comfort is not as good at low speeds, but once you start sailing fast, it is relatively comfortable - and even if it shakes you from time to time, you are willing to accept it with love, on board such a well-honed driving machine.
The M235i communicates with you, easily finds its place on the road, and is very rewarding.
At initial acceleration, a slight steering fight is evident, but it is easy to control.
The brakes bite well, the steering is precise and you get all this goodness in a useful and family vehicle.
All 2X models are armed with the best safety measures of the Bavarian manufacturer.
The little sister to the X4 and X6/BMW
The bottom line: two X2 versions join their senior sisters, the X4 and X6, forming BMW's crossover-coupe lineup.
For all my enthusiasm for the sporty petrol version, I suspect it won't be the most sought after.
The M235i will suit a dynamic driver who needs to drive the kids to school and shop at the supermarket, but occasionally wants to make a secret detour on his favorite driving road.
For such playful use, 35M is an excellent solution.
But most people do not go out in the evening to sharpen tires in the Jerusalem mountains.
They will want the prestigious brand and its image, the sporty design and the exterior dimensions, which allow easy driving in the city.
The driving range will satisfy most customers and the 2X remains useful and family friendly, if not as much as its 1X sibling.
At its expected relatively high price, BMW's sporty crossover will not flood the streets, but it will find loyal customers.
The writer was a guest of BMW in Portugal
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