2019 BMW X2

Compared to other stylish crossovers, the X2 looks a little confused. The Range Rover Evoque and Jaguar E-Pace perhaps wear their curves a little more gracefully.

We give the X2 a point on the outside for trying. Compared to the X1, the X2 rates higher but not by much. It gets a 6. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

The roof of the X2 is 2.8 inches lower than the X1’s, which gives it a lower, slinkier feel. The formula BMW has used in the past with “coupe” variants of regular crossovers—think X4 to X3, X6 to X5—didn’t apply with the X2. The smallest crossover doesn’t cut its roof all the way back to the decklid and its nose is more upright. That pays off for interior space in the X2, it’s not as compromised as the X4 and X6, but the X2 lacks similar curb appeal.

The twin kidney grille up front and roundel placed high on the roof pillar protest a little much that the X2 is a bona fide BMW, its shape is hardly traditional.

Cladding toward the bottom of the X2 speaks to the crossover’s relatively low price among BMW’s lineup. Spend more for the M Sport version or M35i and some of that black cladding is replaced with body-colored panels, which smartens up the sides.

Inside, the X2 doesn’t have room—or budget—for flash. Its layout is straightforward with a 6.5- or 8.8-inch touchscreen dominating the dash. Redundant controls for climate and infotainment underneath are welcome, but aren’t made from the same high-buck materials found in other BMW cars and crossovers

Our score of 7 is based on the more popular X2 xDrive28i. Starting from an average score, we give it points for is base engine and handling. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

The base engine is a superb 2.0-liter turbo-4 that makes 228 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. It’s the same engine found in several other BMW cars and crossovers, including the X1, X3, X4, 2-Series, 3-Series...you get the idea. In each application, the power is impressive and immediate, and it’s superbly complemented by a slick-shifting 8-speed automatic that’s responsive and bright.

The X2 is available in front-wheel drive (sDrive28i) or all-wheel drive (xDrive28i), the latter adds $2,000 to the final price.

BMW offers three suspension setups for the X2: base, M Sport that lowers the ride height by a fraction of an inch, and a Dynamic Handling package that includes adaptive dampers and a further lowered ride height.

Each suspension is stiffer than what’s available in the X1, which is stiffer than many other competitors itself. The X2’s sportier tack speaks to its larger mission: it’s really the sport version of the X1 in execution.

The X2’s flat attitude and sharp steering make it a little more fun to toss around. The standard drive mode selector toggles between Eco, Comfort, and Dynamic settings to control steering heft, throttle response, shift behavior, and when optionally equipped, damper settings.

When fitted with all-wheel drive, BMW splits torque among the wheels for efficiency first, but fun is a close second. In Sport mode, the X2 can send most of its available power to the rear wheels for a more traditional sports-car feel.

Starting from an average score, we give the X2 a point above average for its base sport seats that are power adjustable and comfortable. It  gets a 6 for comfort. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

The X2’s stylish roofline shaves more than two inches compared to the X1 but we haven’t had issues with either crossover’s head room, even with editors taller than 6-foot-3.

Up front, the power-adjustable front seats move in eight directions and can accommodate most body types. The X2 is shod in synthetic leather upholstery as standard, more comfortable real hides cost more.

In back, the X2 offers 36.7 inches of rear seat leg room that feels more cramped than the tale of the tape suggests. The sloped roofline doesn’t cut too far into head room, but we’ve had issues with folding long legs into the rear. Two adults won’t rub shoulders in the second row, but we’d stop short of plugging three people in the back—at least three people we like, anyhow.

Although the X1 and X2 are mechanically related, the X2 is 3.2 inches shorter from bumper to bumper. That cuts into available cargo room and winnows the X2’s wayback down to 21.6 cubic feet, down from 27 cubes in the X1.

Like the X1, the X2’s relatively low entry price means that base models skip some luxury fittings found on other, costlier BMWs. A smattering of low-cost surfaces are fitted to the dash and doors in the X2, throwing more money at BMW remedies some of those with reasonable wood-like accents instead of black plastic.

This year, every X2 comes equipped with forward-collision warnings with low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and automatic high beams. Those features were optional extras last year.

The IIHS rated BMW’s crash-prevention system as “Advanced” but noted that the systems didn’t prevent collisions at 12- or 25-mph, they only slowed the car before impact.

Beyond active safety features, the X2 is equipped with standard belts and ‘bags, traction control systems, rearview camera, and first-responder notification if the car is in a serious crash.

A spend-up driver assistance package adds adaptive cruise control and active lane control but adds more than $3,000 to the bottom line in prerequisite features.

Unlike the X1 that it’s based on, the X2’s outward vision is very poor. The sloping roofline, chunky rear roof pillars, and rising window line make seeing out the sides and rear a challenge.

Base versions are equipped with 18-inch wheels, parking sensors, a suite of active safety features that we cover above, a 6.5-inch infotainment screen, Bluetooth connectivity, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, USB charge port, power-adjustable front seats, and one year of Apple CarPlay compatibility. BMW's standard warranty covers three years of maintenance, and includes a 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty that's better than most of its rivals.

That’s good base equipment, a better warranty, and we give another point for its optional features, but take one back for an Apple CarPlay subscription that costs owners more each year. The X2 gets a 7 for features. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

We wouldn’t stray far from the base versions of the X2, BMW can ring up a tab quicker than the Four Seasons. BMW even charges more for paint that’s not called “black” or “white” on the X2.

We’d tread lightly with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel for $550 more or a convenience package that adds keyless ignition, lumbar support, satellite radio, and a panoramic moonroof for $2,350.

From there, the X2’s ordering guide descends into advanced-level game theory. Adaptive dampers cost $600 more, but require an M Sport package or convenience package ahead of it. Bigger wheels are available with some options, but not all. A bigger, 8.8-inch touchscreen for infotainment with navigation is bundled into a separate package with more entanglements than the United Nations.

In short, we’d keep the X2 simple and hold our breath.

Our bigger gripe is with BMW’s subscription-based Apple CarPlay service that asks for $80 each year after the first year to keep it going. The pricing program is used across all BMW models, not just the X2, and it’s beyond frustrating: why ask for more each year to use software that other automakers bundle in for free?

Opting for front-wheel drive improves fuel economy slightly. The EPA rates the 2019 BMW X2 sdrive28i at 23/32/26 mpg. Those numbers are identical to the BMW X1, which is mechanically related to the X2.

The new, higher-powered 2019 X2 M35i rates 23/29/25 mpg.

Among small crossovers, the X2 keeps pace but doesn’t lead the pack. The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and Volvo XC40 rate up to 27 mpg combined. The Jaguar E-Pace rates up to 24 mpg combined.

The X2 requires premium fuel.