The new 2024 BMW X2 has been unveiled, with a coupe-esque body style that features a few sporting cues applied to a bodyshell that has grown in all directions from the outgoing model. Meanwhile, its all-electric iX2 variant will not be headed to the U.S. Many BMWs in recent memory have been a bit marmite, to put things mildly. But perhaps there’s nothing more divisive than the brand’s crop of coupe SUVs — a genre that attempts to put a sporting flair on a body style traditionally appreciated for its practicality and, well, not-so-sporting abilities.

But the latest X2 doesn’t exactly tone down the shock and awe elements in the same way that the X1 did. It sports two large pentagonal kidney grilles while the “humpback” rear end has veered more towards the X6 in terms of grace. Much like its predecessor, the BMW X2 borrows its underpinnings from its X1 sibling. If the X1 were a sensible pair of suede loafers, the X2 would be a pair of neon-colored trainers down at the running track. However, without a proper M variant, you may think they’d be akin to being worn by the groundskeeper. And while that may be true for the base model, there’s also an M35i version at launch that provides some credence to the looks.

 

The all-new 2024 BMW X2 will be available in two flavors. The standard X2 xDrive28i features the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder power plant found in the X1. It churns out 241 hp between 4,500–6,500 rpm and 400 Nm of torque between 1,500–4,000 rpm. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a 7-speed DCT — no front-wheel drive variant, for the U.S. at least. The X2 M35i xDrive is where things get a bit more potent. It shares the same engine as the X1 M35i, which has the distinction of being the most powerful four-cylinder in BMW’s modular portfolio. The engine itself has a lot going for it mechanically. It features M-specific enhancements, including a stronger crankshaft, an optimized piston oil supply system with cooling channels, and main bearing shells and caps carried over from the latest-generation 6-cylinder engine. Output is 312 hp between 5,750 and 6,500 rpm, with peak torque of 400 Nm from 2,000 to 4,500 rpm. It’s enough for the X2 M35i to get from rest to 96 km/h in 5.2 seconds — a whole second quicker than the M2 xDrive28i.

Both variants of the X2, the xDrive28i and M35i, feature a mechanical limited-slip differential for the front wheels — a feature that is only found on the M35i version of the X1 sibling. So, even if you’re stuck with the base model, you should, in theory, have one sporting characteristic that one-ups the more conventional-bodied SUV. BMW says that the 2024 X2 improves on its predecessor in the agility department, combining better driving dynamics with greater long-distance comfort. In reality, the press spiel from the X1 and X2 releases read almost identical when it comes to chassis and suspension, which is to be expected. However, it would be interesting to pit both cars against each other on the road, to see what, if any, differences in suspension tuning exist.

 

The all-new X2 has grown in all directions from its predecessor, and is actually longer than the 2024 X1, by 6.6 cm. The 2024 X2 measures 455.4 cm in length, with a width of 184.4 cm and a height of 159 cm. The X2’s wheelbase of 269.2 cm and track of 158.2 cm is identical to that of the X1. However, when it comes to mass, the “sports activity coupe” is a smidge porkier than its crossover SUV sibling, weighing in at 1725 kg for the xDrive28i (1742 kg for the X2 M35i), which is 40.8 kg more than the X1 xDrive28i. Visually, there’s no mistaking the X2 for the X1 however. The glasshouse is smaller, with a more raked windshield, and higher beltline. The rear finishes in an X6-esque way — more coupe-like than the outgoing model’s quasi-hatchback-on-stilts approach that was just a bit wishy-washy in execution. The gurney-style spoiler is supposed to generate additional downforce, although we’re not quite sure the visual penalty is worth it.

In keeping with that theme, the wheel arches are more pronounced, while the wheels that fill them are larger in diameter than the previous model. Those wanting to make even more of a statement can opt to fit 21-inch light-alloy wheels for the first time on a BMW compact. Not everything is functional though. The air intakes on the rear bumper are for show, while the front bumper features “wing-shaped” inlays. However, the lower air intake and air curtains found up front are said to have some aero benefits. The front end features more than a touch of X5 facelift in the kidney grilles, while the rear end gets a dynamic set of taillights. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a modern BMW without the option to illuminate the kidney grilles, while the badges can also be lit up. Hammering home our earlier remark about the X2 being a pair of neon trainers, it’s available in a broad range of colors. Eleven exterior finish options will be on offer from launch, including a new Vegas Red metallic. There are also two additional “frozen” shades available through BMW Individual, and more special paint finishes are promised.

 

The interior of the X2 borrows heavily from the X1, which is no bad thing. The two are almost identical to each other, with a curved display angled towards the driver, and a floating console that features a selection of controls for the infotainment system. The X2 is running BMW’s Operating System 9, which sports a phone-like menu structure and shortcuts designed to make interacting with it easier. The X2 also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The seats are unique to the X2, with particular attention paid to long-distance comfort. There is improved lateral support as standard, while the optional sports seats feature even greater adjustability with more bolstering. There’s also a range of animal-free seat materials as standard.

The second-generation BMW X2 and iX2 will be shown to the public at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo (formerly the Tokyo Motor Show) on the 26th of October 2023. Deliveries to showrooms in the U.S. will begin in March 2024, with the new X2 being produced at BMW Group Plant Regensburg. The iX2 meanwhile will not be making an appearance in the U.S., and will be the preserve of Europe and some parts of Asia.