BMW X2 vs DS No4: the French fashionista takes on a Bavarian bruiser

There was a time when a family car meant a humble saloon gracing driveways. Then the hatchback took over, offering more practicality than a saloon. Today we’re in the era of the SUV as the archetypal family car, but things are much more varied than before. 

There’s no standard shape any more; some SUVs are like the boxy off-roaders that started it all, most look a bit like jacked-up hatchbacks, but there’s a new part of the market that our two contenders here embody. The DS No4 and the BMW X2 sit somewhere between a sleek coupé, a practical hatchback and a high-riding SUV, with running costs and practicality to suit family buyers, but with enough cachet to satisfy those who want something stylish.

The DS No4 is a little closer to the normal hatchback, while the BMW X2 is probably more SUV-like, but with a similar price tag and focus on luxury inside, we’re sure there are buyers cross-shopping them. We’ll find out which offers the best driving experience, tech and value for money, plus – key for this upmarket class – which of our rivals offers a greater feeling of quality and luxury? 

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DS No4

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There are electric and plug-in hybrid versions of the DS No4 – the new name for the facelifted DS 4 – but here we have the MHEV 145 model, which features a 1.2-litre petrol engine using mild-hybrid tech. 

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35,767 milesManualPetrol1.2L

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DS also calls this model the “Hybrid”, and while it has more electric assistance than the BMW, it’s a long way from the full hybrid in a Toyota C-HR, for example. We’ve got the top-spec Etoile Nappa Leather model (yes, the trim name includes what the seats are covered in) here, which costs £37,815.

Tester’s notes

I’m tall, and found that when I arrived at T-junctions in the DS I had to duck down to see what was behind the rear-view mirror, because  it was blocking my view. 

My shorter colleague mentioned that he didn’t have the same issue, but we both found the forward view from the driver’s seat in the No4 to be restricted. 

Safety systems will help to mitigate this, but for those motorists who like to see clearly where the front of the car is, the chunky A-pillars and huge dashboard in the French car feel obstructive.

When sitting with the engine running and the gearbox in Park, the hybrid system allows relatively long periods where the engine is off. Nothing new there, but when the engine comes back on to recharge, the entire car lurches forward. 

It managed to panic me into thinking the No4 was taking off on its own at least twice during long waits for a traffic light to turn green. The issue was easily solved by holding the DS stationary on the brake pedal, but it does feel like a refinement oversight by the manufacturer. That’s something I’ve never experienced before.  

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BMW X2

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At £43,900, the BMW X2 is the pricier of the two cars and unlike its rival, which offers four trim levels, there’s only one mild-hybrid petrol version: the sDrive20i M Sport. There’s no xDrive model, so like the DS it’s front-wheel drive only, and also like its rival it uses a three-cylinder turbo petrol engine and an automatic gearbox. 

That keeps things simple when you’re making a buying choice, but there are lots of optional extras to choose from that should keep you occupied on the configurator.

Tester’s notes

It’s hard to believe we are still having this conversation in 2026, but I can’t let BMW off the hook for moving the air-conditioning controls to a touchscreen instead of having physical buttons and dials. 

As you’ll know by now from the countless other cars with this problem, it’s fiddly and annoying to use while driving. A physical control can be used without looking away from the road, but a screen can’t. BMW used to have a great system in all of its interiors with the most-used controls right at hand, so why has it ditched that here?

We like the controls on the X2’s steering wheel, which are real buttons and allow quick access to the cruise control and multimedia functions. 

However, the steering wheel itself isn’t as good: it’s very thick and squidgy, which sounds appealing at first, but makes holding it rather unpleasant. 

BMW has forged on with this type of steering wheel for ages, but even after many years of driving cars with them fitted, I still can’t warm to the design. A thinner wheel is more comfortable to hold gently and allows a better view of the display behind for the driver.

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Head-to-head

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On the road

There’s a clear difference in how these two cars are set up to behave on the road. The DS No4 is designed to be comfortable and soft, while the BMW X2 is sportier and more engaging for the driver. 

Neither model goes all-out, so the BMW is still pretty comfortable and the DS grips well in corners, but the direction each car’s engineers have taken is clear as soon as you drive them.

Tech highlights

Both cars use a letterbox-style touchscreen on the dash that’s a lot wider than it is tall, which means you can see lots of information at once. 

The displays are responsive and feel like a phone screen when you’re flicking through menus, and you get a digital dashboard with plenty of useful info behind the steering wheel too. The DS is better equipped, with a standard-fit head-up display, for example.

Price and running

Our test route included a bit of motorway, country roads and city driving, and the BMW came out at 46.6mpg, which is impressive for a 1.6-tonne SUV with a three-cylinder engine. 

The DS wasn’t far behind its rival, returning 44.7mpg, so running costs will be similar. Servicing charges for the DS look likely to be a little cheaper, and the No4’s list price is lower (even with more standard kit) than the BMW’s.

Practicality

Considering how large and imposing both of these cars are, practicality isn’t really a strong point. Both have a fairly high boot lip and narrow storage area; this is the price you pay for style, because the sloping boot lines and raked windscreens on these models reduce the room inside. Rear-seat space isn’t massive either, but there’s plenty of room for children, so either will work as a family car.

Safety

Blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control are pricey optional extras on the X2, but are standard-fit on the No4. Adaptive cruise control isn’t for everyone, but blind-spot warning is handy. 

Visibility is a weak point on both cars; the BMW’s raked windscreen and high shoulder line limit what you can see close around the car. The DS feels a little easier to park, but the large main mirror and small windscreen limit forward visibility a little.

Ownership

Both brands offer the same three-year warranty, which is the bare minimum in the UK. While BMW’s 1.5-litre engine seems to be faring well over the years it’s been available in other cars from the brand, the DS’s 1.2-litre unit has developed a poor reputation over a similar period. But past problems were caused by a timing belt that’s been replaced by a timing chain. Correct servicing will give peace of mind.

Verdict

Winner: BMW X2

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Despite being more expensive than its rival, especially when you consider what’s missing from the standard kit list, the X2 feels worth the extra cash when you’re behind the wheel. It’s more comfortable more of the time, while also being more engaging to drive and roomier inside. It’s also the more practical choice, too, despite the undeniably bold styling. 

The interior is high-quality and running costs should be reasonable. All this comes with the caveat that the X2 is really all about style; if you don’t already love its looks, the cheaper and more practical X1 is a better car. Both offer an interior that’s worthy of a premium badge.

Runner up: DS No4

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Go over a big bump in the DS No4, where most cars would thump and crash, and you’ll be amazed at how well the suspension soaks it up. But on other roads, the constant small movements (which rattle the dash) will dampen your enthusiasm. That’s a shame because it has value for money on its side: it’s the better choice if you want the most kit for your cash. 

The French model is not bad to drive either – it just falls short of its rival here – and there’s enough practicality for life as a family car. The No4 is also a far less common sight than its rival, which will appeal to buyers who like to stand out from the crowd.

Prices and specs

What we would choose

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DS No4

You really don’t need to add any options to the DS No4, because it’s well equipped as standard. We might be tempted to move down a trim level to the basic Etoile version, because this has Alcantara seats instead of leather and is cheaper.

BMW X2

We’d add blind-spot warning (£540 as part of an option pack) and a heated steering wheel (£175). Adaptive cruise (£720) is an acquired taste; some will add it, while others should stick with the standard-fit traditional cruise control.

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