Used BMW X2 2018-present review

What's the used BMW X2 like?

Imagine you want an SUV but you want a little more style and you want it to be more car-like to drive. On top of that, you want it to have a premium badge. Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the BMW X2, a sporting sibling to the more practical and more mundane-looking BMW X1 and BMW X3 SUVs that also issue from the firm’s portals.

Its styling is certainly different enough to win it friends, suggesting as it does a cross between a compact SUV and a coupe, but it wouldn’t get far if it didn’t offer all the traditional qualities we’ve come to expect from a BMW.

Overview

A classy interior and tidy handling mark the X2 out, but its ride is firm and others are more practical

Pros

• Classy interior
• Strong engines
• Handles well

Cons

• Ride is rather firm
• Road noise intrusive
• Rear room not great

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BMW X2

2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,495

BMW X2

2.0 18d Sport sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,990

BMW X2

2.0 18d Sport xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,777

BMW X2

2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,995

BMW X2

1.5 18i SE sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,995

BMW X2

2.0 18d SE Auto sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,995

BMW X2

2.0 20i M Sport DCT sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,190

BMW X2

2.0 18d M Sport Auto sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,195

BMW X2

1.5 18i SE sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,290

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To that end, under the bonnet there’s a range of frugal yet punchy 2.0-litre engines: two petrols and two diesels, with a choice of a manual or automatic gearbox and a mix depending on engine chosen of front-wheel drive or BMW’s xDrive four-wheel drive system.

The petrol options are the sDrive18i or sDrive20i, with 138bhp and 189bhp respectively, both with front-wheel drive. The most powerful 187bhp diesel engine is only available with four-wheel drive as the xDrive20d, but new buyers could have chosen between the 148bhp diesel as a four-wheel drive xDrive18d or a front-wheel-drive sDrive18d.

Later models dropped the sDrive20i, but kept the four-wheel drive xDrive20i, and ushered in a plug-in hybrid xDrive25e. There was also the option of an M35i, a 302bhp 2.0-litre petrol with a 0 to 62mph time of just 4.9sec.

Entry-level SE trim comes with all the basics, including 17in alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control and rear parking sensors, and also boasts an electric tailgate, sat-nav and a DAB radio. Sport trim is worth considering if you’re tempted by bigger wheels; it has 18in alloy wheels as well as attractive contrast stitching on the dashboard, LED headlights, ambient LED lighting and body-coloured roof trims for not a lot of extra cash. M Sport is a popular choice, but the 19in wheels and stiffer suspension don’t do the ride any favours. M Sport X adds leather seats and a few bits of silver exterior trim that give the X2 a little more of an off-road flavour.

On the road, all the X2s perform well, with plenty of oomph at most speeds and, in the diesels, excellent low-speed punch. The eight-speed automatic is also smooth and changes gear unobtrusively.

Approach a corner and the X2 shines, with well-weighted steering, high levels of grip and sporting handling that is safe and stable but encourages the keener driver more than most of its rivals in this class do.

The pay-off for this is a ride that’s too firm. Indeed rough road surfaces and sharp-edged bumps will see passengers bouncing around in their seats uncomfortably, especially at low speeds.

Inside is a driving position more akin to that of a normal hatchback than an SUV, with a multi-adjustable seat and steering wheel. Visibility can be a little limited by the thick pillars, but reversing sensors are standard. The finish of the interior is certainly a cut above its rivals, though, with pleasing materials on display. It’s snazzy, and feels of a high quality.

The X2 has a fantastic infotainment system. All versions come with a DAB radio, CD player, USB socket, Bluetooth and satellite navigation with traffic information. The screen is a rather small 6.5in, but the interface – a rotary selector dial surrounded by a handful of shortcut buttons – is wonderfully intuitive and conveniently positioned between the front seats.

Upgrade to the Navigation Plus package and you gain an 8.8in display, wireless charging for compatible devices and a touch-sensitive pad on top of the rotary dial controller that allows you to input addresses using handwriting, as well as a head-up display.

Space-wise, there’s plenty of room up front, but while front-seat passengers aren’t too affected by the lower coupé roof those in the back certainly are. Head room is noticeably tighter than in the X1, so taller adults will find their head rather close to the ceiling. Leg room is likewise rather limited by class standards.

All X2 models have a powered tailgate that makes life that bit easier. The boot is a good size and also a usefully square shape and has handy nets, underfloor storage, elasticated straps and even a 12V socket.

If you're interested in buying a used BMW X2, or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our used car classifieds site here.

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Ownership cost

What used BMW X2 will I get for my budget?

Opt for the most basic X2, say an sDrive 18d SE, and you should be able to get a good 2018 model with a low mileage and a full history, sold by a franchised dealer, for around £15,000. Up this to between £16,000 and £18,000 to get your choice of higher trims or more powerful engine options from 2019, likewise all bought from franchised dealers and with low mileages and a full history. Spend between £18,000 and £25,000 on good 2020 and some early 2021 cars. Spend between £25,000 and £32,000 on a 2022 model. The plug-in hybrid will set you back in excess of £25,000.

Our recommendations

Which used BMW X2 should I buy?

We’d stick at the cheaper end of the market here and go for an 18d xDrive diesel model in well-equipped entry-level SE trim.

Our favourite BMW X2: 18d xDrive SE

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Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used BMW X2?

The Jaguar E-Pace is the firm’s smallest conventionally powered SUV, and it’s great to look at and well equipped. However, some of its rivals are better to drive and also have plusher interiors. It’s quite pricey as a used buy, too.

The Volvo XC40 is our former What Car? overall Car of the Year, and we still rate it highly. It’s comfortable, classy, practical and good-looking inside and out. The interior is solidly constructed and features swathes of soft-touch material. It’s well equipped too.

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If you're interested in buying a used BMW X2, or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our used car classifieds site here.

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