“Consider what you REALLY need in a vehicle and the type/amount of driving you ACTUALLY do. I'd like a car with racetrack abilities and power, but is it really practical? The X2 is a great combination of most of my priorities and needs in a car. What's cool is also it's funky, European styling -- it's not like everything else on the road.”
BMW X2: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The BMW X2 is a compact luxury SUV with coupe-like styling and hatchback usefulness. It is known as the bolder, more style-focused alternative to the upright BMW X1.
Since its 2018 debut, the X2 has paired city-friendly dimensions with a lower, sportier shape than the X1. Turbocharged four-cylinder power has remained central to the formula, while the M35i has given much of the model’s history a stronger performance angle. The 2024 redesign made the X2 larger and more dramatic, with standard all-wheel drive and a curved-screen cabin.
Strengths
- Its compact footprint is well suited to city driving, while the rear hatch keeps it useful for everyday cargo.
- Turbocharged four-cylinder engines give every generation of the X2 punchy power.
- Recent X2 models have standard all-wheel drive, which adds reassurance in wet or snowy weather.
- The M35i brings a noticeably stronger performance focus for drivers who want more than the regular model offers.
- Since the 2024 redesign, the curved-screen cabin gives the X2 a clean, modern look.
Who it's for
The X2 fits shoppers who want a small luxury SUV that feels more expressive than practical-looking. It makes sense for city driving, commuting, and everyday errands, especially when an upright SUV feels too conventional but a regular car is not useful enough.
BMW X2 lineup
The xDrive28i is the core X2, balancing turbocharged power and everyday usability; pick it when performance is not the main priority. The M35i has been the quicker, more serious performance model in most years since 2019, though it was absent for 2023. First-generation shoppers may also encounter the front-wheel-drive sDrive28i, which served as the simpler entry model, while the xDrive28i added all-wheel drive. Since the 2024 redesign, the U.S. lineup has consisted of the all-wheel-drive xDrive28i and M35i.
BMW X2 generations
From 2018 to 2026, the X2 spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation — U10 arrived for 2024, following the 1st Generation — F39 (2018–2023).
2nd Generation — U10 (2024–Present)
The second-generation X2 has a larger body and a more pronounced fastback shape. It also brings standard all-wheel drive, revised turbocharged four-cylinder engines, and a cabin centered on a curved dual-screen display.
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2026
The xDrive28i gains several standard convenience features, while the M35i is essentially unchanged.
2025
Heated front seats become standard across the lineup.
2024New generation
A full redesign brings a larger fastback body, standard all-wheel drive, revised engines, a curved dual-screen display, and broader standard driver-assistance features.
1st Generation — F39 (2018–2023)
The original X2 is a lower-roof, more style-focused alternative to the BMW X1. It launched with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an 8-speed automatic, then expanded to include front-wheel-drive and higher-performance versions.
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2023Trim changes
The M35i leaves the lineup, leaving the sDrive28i and xDrive28i.
2022
Carryover year with the same three-trim lineup and no notable standard-equipment changes.
2021
Carryover year with no redesign, new engine, or broad technology update.
2020
The standard navigation screen grows from 6.5 to 8.8 inches.
2019Trim changes
The front-wheel-drive sDrive28i and 302-hp M35i join the lineup, expanding it from one trim to three. More technology and safety features also become standard.
2018New generation
The first-generation X2 launches as a lower-roof companion to the X1, with a 228-hp turbo four-cylinder engine and standard LED exterior lighting.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the BMW X2.
Frequently asked questions
How is the BMW X2 different from the BMW X1?
The X2 is the lower-roof, more style-focused alternative to the upright X1. It keeps a useful hatchback layout and city-friendly size, but its coupe-like shape gives it a more dramatic look.
Is the BMW X2 an SUV or a coupe?
The X2 is a compact luxury SUV with four doors and a coupe-like roofline. Despite the sporty shape, it has a rear hatch and seating for five rather than the two-door layout people often associate with a coupe.
Does the BMW X2 come as a hybrid?
No. U.S.-market X2 models from 2018 through 2026 use turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder engines. The second-generation lineup also remains gas-only.
Does every BMW X2 have all-wheel drive?
No. All X2s from the 2024 redesign onward have all-wheel drive, but earlier first-generation lineups also included the front-wheel-drive sDrive28i. Earlier xDrive28i and M35i models use all-wheel drive.
Is the BMW X2 a good fit for city driving?
Yes. The X2 is aimed at shoppers who want a compact footprint, easy everyday usefulness, and stronger visual personality than a conventional small SUV. Its rear hatch also makes it more practical than the coupe-like roof suggests.
How practical is the BMW X2 for passengers and cargo?
The X2 seats five and has a rear hatch. In the second generation, it provides 36.7 inches of rear legroom and up to 51.7 cubic feet of cargo room, making it useful for daily errands and smaller-family duty.
What are the main BMW X2 generations?
There are two X2 generations. The first ran from 2018 through 2023. The second arrived for 2024 with a larger body, a more pronounced fastback shape, standard all-wheel drive, revised turbo engines, and a curved-screen cabin.
BMW X2 Reviews
What owners are saying about the BMW X2.
4.2
BMW X2
(655 reviews)
“The BMW X2 is an outstanding vehicle, fun to drive reliable and offers a truly enjoyable driving experience”
“I like the car's design, the way it drives and handles, it feels tight and peppy.”
“The Eco-mode is great in traffic but comfort or sport is WAY more fun! Watch out for 'rabbiting' very quick off the start, almost lunging forward...a softer foot on the accelerator works wonders. Very good stopping, very responsive handling.”
“While the X2 appears to be a variation of the X1, it is a totally different responsive and fun to drive vehicle.”
“The mix of sports car feel with great cargo space. The electronics and style extras.”