BMW X2 review

Despite costing more than the equivalent X1 on a model-for-model basis, the X2 doesn’t get any additional equipment. That’s disappointing given that you miss out on a sliding rear bench and there isn’t as much space for people or luggage. Things are even worse when you compare it with the Volvo XC40, a larger car with much more standard equipment for similar money.

At least even the four-wheel-drive xDrive20d model has competitive CO2 emissions that help make benefit-in-kind tax appealing for company car users. This also translates into fuel economy that’s better than a similarly powerful XC40 D4. If running costs are a worry, though, we’d wait for the front-wheel-drive sDrive18d since it’s even more efficient.

If you’re thinking of buying one outright, it’s worth noting that the X2 loses value more quickly than other premium rivals. Indeed, as a private buy, it’ll cost more to run than a similarly priced XC40 or Jaguar E-Pace, even factoring in the decent fuel economy.

A lot of these cars will be bought on PCP finance, so it’s disappointing to see that the X2 isn’t particularly cheap on this front. You can get a very well-equipped XC40 for a much cheaper monthly payment under the same terms.

Entry-level SE trim gets a decent amount of equipment, including 17in alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, an electric tailgate, sat-nav and a DAB radio. Sport trim is worth considering if you’re likely to add bigger wheels; it gets 18in ones, along with contrast stitching on the dashboard, LED headlights, ambient LED lighting inside and body-coloured roof trims for not a lot of extra cash.

M Sport is expected to be the big seller, but the 19in wheels and stiffer suspension won’t do the ride any favours. Although the heated front seats appeal, you are mainly paying for a sporty bodykit and racier interior trim. M Sport X adds silver exterior trim to make the car look more like an off-roader and you also get leather seats.

All things considered, we’d stick to SE trim and then spend a bit of cash on some options. Metallic paint is always a nice thing to have and heated front seats are a worthwhile extra for cold winter mornings. We’d also pay for lumbar support, front parking sensors and Comfort Access (keyless entry).

Other kit available includes radar cruise control, a panoramic sunroof (but it’s likely to eat into head room), a rear-view camera, electric seat adjustment and a heated steering wheel.

Although we don’t have any data on the X2, the X1 on which it’s based was rated below average in the family SUV class in our latest reliability survey. Although it beat the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Range Rover Evoque, the Audi Q3 proved a little more reliable.

At least a three-year/unlimited-mileage warranty is standard, however; that betters the three-year/60,000-mile warranties offered by many rivals.

Euro NCAP has given the X2 five stars for crash test safety. It gets auto braking up to 35mph and the usual selection of airbags, traction control and stability control. Lane-keep assist, lane-change assist and pedestrian detection are all optional.

Although the X2 is better than the Jaguar E-Pace in protecting adults in the event of a crash and has better safety equipment (such as automatic emergency braking), the Volvo XC40 is even better.

Meanwhile, security is impressive. An alarm, engine immobiliser and remote central locking are fitted to every X2.

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