Used BMW X2 (Mk2 2023 - date) buyer’s guide: a striking yet spacious coupé-SUV
A full used buyer's guide on the BMW X2 that's been on sale in the UK since 2023
Verdict
The X2 and iX2 are no lame ducks, but they’re not as desirable as you’d expect from BMW, partly because the X1 and iX1 are more appealing and much more readily available, even if they’re not quite as eye-catching.
If you’re buying an X2 or iX2 hoping for great dynamics you’ll be disappointed, but if your focus is on day-to-day practicality, your ownership experience will be rather better, because these are cars that are much more usable than you might expect of a mid-sized coupé-SUV. However, before buying we’d suggest that you take a closer look at some of the alternatives we’ve suggested, to make sure the BMW really is your best option.
For a while now, BMW has been a master at creating niches within niches. It has long offered an array of saloons, estates, coupés, convertibles and crossovers, and from time to time it has blended these segments to come up with something a little bit left-field.
Its initial attempt at producing a coupé-cum-SUV was the X6, first seen in 2008. Its looks were undeniably controversial, but it proved a huge hit around the world and it gave BMW the confidence to produce smaller editions. Later, we would get the X4 (an X3 coupé) and then the X2 (based on the X1).
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All have been successful, with the second-generation X2 proving a big advance on its predecessor. But as an ownership proposition, can it match BMW’s mainstream crossovers, such as the X1 and X3?
History
The second-generation X2 was unveiled in October 2023, and unlike its predecessor it also came in electric form, as the iX2.
While X2 buyers had a choice of 168bhp sDrive20i (a 1.5-litre 3cyl) and 296bhp M35i xDrive (2.0-litre 4cyl) petrol engines, there was just one iX2 model available, the 309bhp xDrive30.
This came with a 64.7kWh battery, the same as the 201bhp iX2 eDrive20 that was added to the range in spring 2024.
The xDrive30 was claimed to have a range of up to 266 miles, while BMW reckoned that the eDrive20 was capable of running for up to 297 miles on a charge; in the real world, owners have found that motorway driving makes a big dent in these figures.
At first, only M Sport trim was offered, but from spring 2025 the iX2 (but not the X2) was offered in Shadow Edition form, with extra equipment.
Which one should I buy?
Working out which model you want is pretty easy, because there are only four options and they’re all quite different.
If you want petrol power it’s probably the sDrive20i that’s best; the M35i is costly, unusual and not the performance car that BMW would like it to be. But if you prefer an EV, the eDrive20 is all you need because once again, the higher-powered xDrive30 is a bit unruly to drive.
All models have the same standard kit with the exception of the M35i, which has a few extra bits as standard. M Sport cars have heated windscreen washers, 19-inch wheels, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.7-inch display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rear parking camera, plus heated sports seats in the front.
The M35i also features 20-inch alloys and a powered tailgate.
Prices
There are twice as many iX2s as X2s for sale, with the latter priced from £32,000 for a 24-plate sDrive20i with 15,000 miles on it.
Five out of six X2s are sDrive20i editions, with the M35i proving relatively unusual. If you want one of these you can expect to pay at least £38,000 for one, and again, this bags a 15,000-mile example on a 24-plate.
When it comes to iX2s, things are a bit more evenly split. While there are more eDrive20s than xDrive30s, the price difference isn’t that stark, with the former priced from £30,000 for a 24-plate car with 12,000 miles on the clock.
Spend just £3,000 more and a 75-plate car with 8,000 miles notched up could be yours. You won’t pay a huge premium for an iX2 xDrive30; shop around and you can buy an equivalent example for pretty much the same money.
Check the price of a used BMW X2 with our free car valuation tool...
On the road
This should be a highlight, because BMWs are always terrific to drive, aren’t they? Sadly, not here, because while the X2 and iX2 are not rubbish dynamically, they’re not as engaging as they could (and should) be.
Whether you prefer electric propulsion or petrol, the lower-powered option is generally the better to drive; both have enough grunt, but all models feel less agile than they should, and poor ride comfort is an issue throughout the range. The steering also lacks feedback, but refinement is good, which is why motorway cruising is a forte of these cars.
Alternatives to the BMW X2
If you want a petrol engine, get better acquainted with the Audi Q3 Sportback and its cousin the Cupra Formentor. Both come with some really good powertrains, are well-equipped and nicely made.
The Peugeot 408 is another SUV with a coupé profile, while the Mercedes GLA and Volkswagen Tiguan have more conventional shapes but still appeal, along with the Mazda CX-5, MINI Countryman and Volvo XC40. Go electric and we’d recommend the Volvo EC40 and Cupra Tavascan along with the Audi Q4 e-tron, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. The Tesla Model Y is another excellent all-rounder (and very plentiful), while you should also check out the Volkswagen ID.5.
What to look for
Common issues
Connectivity can sometimes be glitchy when using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay; rebooting the system tends to fix things. The iX2 can struggle with fast charging, sometimes refusing to accept more than 68kW.
Bush craft
Some owners have complained of their control arm bushes wearing prematurely, leading to clonks on uneven road surfaces. Also check that the powered tailgate and keyless entry work okay; they can fail.
On the range
In March 2026 BMW made some tweaks to the iX2’s batteries, increasing the range for both models by more than 20 miles; this meant up to 294 miles for the xDrive30 and 318 miles in the eDrive20.
Pulling power
If you’re buying to tow, go for an sDrive20i, which offers a maximum of 1,800kg. The M35i isn’t able to tow and the iX2 eDrive20 can pull only 750kg; the xDrive30 is limited to 1,200kg.
Interior
The cabin quality is superb (far better than the X2 Mk1), and in true BMW fashion it’s hi-tech and user-friendly.
The front seats are excellent and there’s decent legroom in the back, but headroom is a little tight because of the sloping roofline. Boot space is very good at 560-1,470 litres for the X2 and 525-1,400 litres for the iX2.
Running costs
As with all BMWs, the X2 and iX2 have condition-based servicing, so schedules and costs aren’t set.
Generally, you can expect to visit a garage every two years or 18,000 miles, with an oil and filter change priced at around £340, discounted to £240 once the car is three years old. Fresh brake fluid is required after three years and then every two years, at £130 or so (discounted to £100).
The iX2 doesn’t cost much less to maintain; even a minor service is around £200. X2 sDrive20i cars are in insurance group 25; the M35i is in group 34, while the iX2 is in group 31 (eDrive20) and 38-39 (xDrive30). All X2s cost more than £40k without options and all iX2s breach the £50k barrier new, so are liable for the £440 expensive car tax supplement until their sixth birthday, on top of the annual £200 fee.
Recalls
BMW has recalled the second-generation X2 four times, the first three of which occurred in 2024.
In July, a few X2s were recalled because some front passenger seats had been poorly made and the backrest might not latch. Problems with the Integrated Brake System led to recall two (by far the biggest campaign yet), in September 2024; a software update was required. A month later came the next recall, because some X2s left the factory with brake servo issues, which needed to be replaced.
The most recent recall came last September, because some X2s had faulty front seatbelts. Any sub-standard belts had to be replaced.
To check if any BMW is subject to any recalls, put its VIN into tinyurl.com/3nysa4tr.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
None of BMW’s crossovers made it into this year’s Driver Power survey; last year the X3 Mk4 was the only one that was included, and that came an unexceptional 39th out of 50.
Of the four BMWs that featured in this year’s survey, the 3 Series claimed 19th position, the 5 Series 17th and the 1 Series sixth. The 2 Series was pipped to top spot by the Tesla Model 3.
BMW was fifth in our 2026 brands poll, ahead of Audi (23rd out of 30), but adrift of Lexus (fourth) and Mercedes (first).
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