Summary

The first-generation BMW X2 was a small SUV/crossover that sat alongside the mechanically-identical BMW X1. It was launched in early 2018, with a plug-in hybrid powertrain joining the range in early 2020. Production of this model ended in 2023 ahead of an all-new X2 arriving in the UK in early 2024.

The X2 was lower and sportier than the more practical X1, aiming at a narrow niche for those who wanted a sportier vehicle than an X1 but a higher-riding vehicle than the 1 Series hatchback. As such, it had relatively few direct rivals but a wide range of indirect competitors. However, this segment grew in popularity throughout the X2’s short life as more car manufacturers jumped on the coupé-SUV bandwagon.

The X2 was praised for being better to drive than the sister X1, but was criticised for its compromised practicality, firm ride and high price tag.

As of January 2025, the BMW X2 holds a Used Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 56%. It scores top marks for its low average CO₂ emissions (largely thanks to the plug-in hybrid versions), but its running costs are only average and its scores for safety and reliability are poor.

More BMW Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features

Key specifications

Body style: Small SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price when new: From £36,000 on-road

Launched: Spring 2018
Last updated: Summer 2020
Replacement due: Spring 2024

Image gallery

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The X2 prioritises style over practicality and while it’s fun to drive with its low-slung driving position, it lacks the commanding view that many buyers like in this kind of car.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid xDrive25e M Sport
Score: 5 / 10
“The BMW X2 xDrive25e feels instantly dated in an age of cutting-edge, pure electric SUVs – but not because of its powertrain. It’s too impractical, too uncomfortable and, ultimately, too expensive. Its cabin and technology can’t match offerings from rival German brands, either; the Mercedes GLA 250 e is a superior plug-in family SUV.”
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Model reviewed: M35i
Score: 6 / 10
“Price aside, the M35i headlines with a plethora of upgrades over the standard X2, including specifically tuned M Sport suspension and mechanical limited-slip diff, as well as a tweaked eight-speed gearbox with launch control.”
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Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: xDrive 25e hybrid
Score: 7 / 10
“With its low, wide stance and sporty design, the BMW X2 is for those who want a compact SUV-style drive but with more flair than the boxier X1. There’s a variety of engines and a plug-in hybrid on offer in this niche, but likeable, model. Note, however, that it’s closer in size to a hatchback than any SUV.” (Erin Baker)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.4 / 10
“The BMW X2 is a lower-slung and sportier partner to the more conventionally upright X1. If you’re willing to trade a little of the X1’s practicality for a tad more sportiness and style, this is the premium crossover you’re looking for.”
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Car+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic M35i
Score: 6 / 10
“It’d be easy to be cynical about the BMW X2 M35i but that would be doing a hugely competent car a sizeable disservice.”
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Car Keys+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic xDrive 20d
Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW X2 comes with loads of space, stand-out looks and plenty of equipment. Even with the slightly higher starting price than its rivals, the X2 is a worthy competitor in the segment and should grab your attention if you’re after a new crossover.”
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Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The surprisingly practical BMW X2 fuses eye-catching SUV looks with hot-hatch road manners.”
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Carwow+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The BMW X2 is a compact SUV with a stylish body and a well-made interior but many alternatives are more comfortable and better at carrying lots of tall passengers.”
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Company Car Today+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic xDrive 20d M Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“Another niche successfully filled by BMW. The X2 brings practicality and sporty SUV styling, along with BMW’s regular handling prowess and fun driving experience.”
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Daily Mail+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic xDrive M Sport
“BMW really is going for gold with its new X2 sports utility vehicle that has younger drivers firmly in its sights by adding a fair bit of bling to its low-slung sporty looks and sizzling performance.”
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Evo+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“It wouldn’t be the first BMW you’d choose if you were looking for thrills, but the X2’s more enjoyable than you might expect.”
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Green Car Guide+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic xDrive 20d M Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“Other than the distinctive body style, the X2 is a fairly traditional BMW. The all-wheel drive system provides excellent grip, the engine delivers good efficiency, and the overall driving experience has the normal BMW genes, if not the agility that might be expected based on the appearance of the X2.”
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Heycar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The BMW X2 is quite a flawed car. It’s uncomfortably firm, not as practical as the cheaper X1 and doesn’t really offer much over the 1 Series hatchback. But the BMW X2 does offer stylish looks, a superb interior (if you don’t need to carry rear-seat passengers) and it’s fun to drive.”
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Honest John+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW X2 handles much better than the X1 on which it is based, with less body roll in corners, sharper steering and better throttle response. The result is a crossover which is actually quite enjoyable to drive. Yes, you read that right.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic xDrive 20d
“Sporty, swoopy and luxurious, the BMW X2 adds some fun and opulence into the otherwise monotone world of compact crossovers. Family buyers might take issue with the high price tag and lack of interior space, but the X2 makes a strong case for itself in an ever overcrowded SUV market.”
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Motoring Research+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The BMW X2 is the SUV for those who fancy paying more for a BMW X1 in fancier clothes, in exchange for less practicality.”
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Motors+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Out on the open road, the BMW X2 proves to be a better driving car than the X1. It’s sharper and feels noticeably more agile. This is helped by a lower-mounted body, which allows the car to be more manoeuvrable, and, in M Sport form, it has a lowered ride height, too.”
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Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.6 / 10
“Stylish, jacked-up family car is good to drive, but expensive.”
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The Sun+

Model reviewed: Range overview
“BMW have oversold it as being ‘young and edgy’, but there was really no need — the X2 is a very good car.”
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The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic xDrive 20d
Score: 8 / 10
“Segment-buster it might be, but this new BMW feels surprisingly familiar and natural. Dynamically sound, it also benefits from BMW’s range of highly fuel-efficient and powerful engines. At heart this is a likeable car, though we’re at a loss to explain exactly why it’s an SUV.”
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW X2 is refined, as good to drive as any small SUV, and decently made and equipped.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2015
Date expired: January 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 90%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 74%
Safety assist: 77%

Notes on safety rating

The BMW X2 shares its safety rating with the mechanically identical X1 SUV, which was originally assessed by Euro NCAP back in 2015 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2022 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually, with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

However, if you are comparing a used X2 to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The BMW X2 was not tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 12
Average repair cost: £2428.37
Last updated: October 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

As of October 2024, the BMW X2 holds a poor reliability score of 24% – however, it should be noted that we only have a small number of data points at this time so this score may change either up or down in months and years to come. The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy.

The X2’s poor reliability score and very high average repair cost (£2,400, compared to about £500 for the X3) reflects a small number of gearbox problems with an eye-watering average repair bill of nearly £7,000. Other repair bills for suspension and fuel system problems have been quite reasonable.

If you’re looking at purchasing a used BMW X2, or you currently own an X2 that’s approaching the end of its new car warranty, it is certainly worth looking at a used car warranty – just make sure it covers gearbox issues.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	42 mpg	D	34 – 49 mpg	C – D
Diesel models	52 mpg	B	49 – 57 mpg	B – C
Plug-in hybrid models	160 mpg	A	157 – 166 mpg	A – A

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	155 g/km	B	131 – 187 g/km	A – C
Diesel models	142 g/km	B	130 – 153 g/km	A – B
Plug-in hybrid models	39 g/km	A	38 – 40 g/km	A – A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	31 miles	E	30 – 32 miles	E – E

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	29	C	19 – 42	A – D

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£256	B
Year 2	£572	B
Year 3	£966	B
Year 4	£1,243	B
Year 5	£1,670	C
Overall	£4,707	B

Running costs for the BMW X2 range are a mixed bag, according to data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel economy is disappointing for petrol models but good for diesel-engined versions. The plug-in hybrid models look amazing on paper, but this is largely thanks to ridiculous EU/UK government lab tests that are completely inadequate for plug-in hybrids. There is no way you will ever travel for 162 miles on a single gallon (4.5 litres) of fuel and some electricity…

The battery range of the plug-in hybrid model is pretty low compared to most rivals and, compared to the rest of the compact SUV sector, the car’s service and maintenance costs are pretty average. Insurance costs are fairly average too, based on data from the UK’s insurance group assessor, Thatcham Research.