It was way back in March when BMW first teased the launch of the second-generation X2, the most recent addition to its lineup of Sport Activity Vehicles. While its set to make its formal debut at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo later this month, the Bavarian automaker is pulling the wraps off the 2024 BMW X2 ahead of time.
Known internally as the U10, the 2024 BMW X2 marks the first complete makeover of the compact Sports Activity Coupe, with two versions initially set to reach the U.S. market, the xDrive28i and the sportier M35i xDrive.
While it retains the basic lines of the original, with its steeply raked roofline, the second-generation X2 grows bigger in all key dimensions. It gains nearly an extra inch of wheelbase, at 106 inches, while overall length stretches more than 7 inches, to 179.8. The 2024 model gains 0.8 inches in width, at 72.6 inches, while BMW adds a full 2.5 inches of height, at 62.6 inches. The good news is that translates into significantly more passenger and cargo space — luggage capacity jumping to as much as 51.7 cubic feet with the second row folded over.
Upgraded tech and features
As you’d expect from BMW, the new coupe-crossover will add a variety of new luxury features and plenty of new and upgraded tech. That includes a new curved display with iDrive 9, the latest take on the automaker’s infotainment system.
BMW plans to pull the covers off the 2024 X2 at the Japan Mobility Show on Oct. 26. But it won’t reach U.S. showrooms until March of next year.
Revised design
Based on these images, the added dimensions appear to work well for the gen-2 BMW X2, as do the upright front end and flared wheel arches, giving it a bit more gravitas than the original model. It goes for the latest take on the automaker’s classic double-kidney grille, though here notably more restrained than we’ve seen on other recent BMW entries, such as the all-electric iX.
The grille frame is offered with an optional illuminated package. Meanwhile, at least in European-spec models, the X2 adopts the latest matrix beam lighting. It’s not yet been announced if that technology — recently approved by NHTSA — will be made available on U.S. versions.
Among the design features of the M35, it adds a pair of twin exhaust pipes. When outfitted with the M Sport Professional Package, buyers also get a choice of blue or red M Sport brake calipers, M Shadowline matrix headlamps and unique M Sport seats. (M Compound brakes with grey calipers are an additional option.) The package is also available for the xDrive28i, adding the M35’s black mirror caps and M Sport brakes with red calipers, as well as the M35’s rear spoiler.
Powertrain
The M35’s standard Adaptive M suspension also is available for the xDrive28i. The system uses adjustable and frequency-selective dampers to help control rebound, “absorbing minor bumps in the road surface combined with sporty damper characteristics in dynamic driving situations,” according to BMW.
The X2 xDrive28i draws power from a new 2.0-liter TwinPower turbo-four making 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. BMW estimates a 0-60 time of 6.2 seconds. The M35i shares the same basic engine, but features a number of upgrades, including a strong crankshaft, optimized oil system and other modifications. That helps bump power to 312 hp, with torque holding at 295 lb-ft. The 0-60 numbers are cut to 5.2 seconds.
Both engines are paired to a 7-speed Steptronic double-clutch gearbox, with power directed to all four wheels. The 2024 BMW X2 M35i xDrive features steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The left paddle can be used to gain a momentary “Sport Boost” for quicker mid-range sprints, the automaker noted.
Expanded Tech Options
With a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.7-inch infotainment touchscreen,the 2024 BMW X2 is clearly aimed at a generation of buyers who’ve grown up with smartphones. There is an expanded array of available apps providing videogames, streaming video and audio and even the ability to take selfies using the new in-cabin camera. The car can be accessed by the BMW app, and offers the ability to use smartphone-style over-the-air updates to add new features.
There’s also a new Intelligent Personal Assistant that can operate most key vehicle functions simply by saying, “Hey, BMW.”
The Bavarian marque was an early pioneer in onboard electronics and the X2 picks up the latest version of the familiar iDrive system, here powered by BMW’s ninth-generation operating system. It has both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities.
Parking Assistant, safety and security features
The X2 adds the latest version of the optional Parking Assistant Plus system that can automatically park in parallel and perpendicular spots.
The new X2 also features a drive recorder to show the immediate area surrounding the vehicle. A Crash Recorder feature runs a continuous loop and, in the event of an accident will store up to 60 seconds of video to show what happened.
In the anti-theft mode, it captures video from the X2’s four surround view cameras. When an alarm is tripped it signals the motorist through the BMW app. The owner can watch and record what’s happening remotely.
Pricing and availability
While the 2024 BMW X2 will make its debut in Tokyo on Oct. 26, the U.S. version won’t go on sale until next March.
Like all versions of the crossover-coupe, it will be produced at the BMW plant in Regensburg, Germany.
Pricing on the 2024 model is slightly higher than its predecessor.
- X2 xDrive28i: $42,000 + $995 destination and handling
- X2 M35i xDrive: $51,400 + $995 destination and handling
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