First drive with the new BMW iX2: Fast when driving, slow when charging

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Oops, we need to look twice. Compared to its predecessor, the new, much larger BMW iX2 and X2 stand out more clearly than the X1 and are almost unrecognizable from the side and rear. Cleverly, this is probably a better way to justify the confidently calculated prices for the new X2 and iX2. But more on that later.

When we introduced the model, we were mainly driving the fully electric iX2 xDrive 30 version, and when we realized that we were driving a car in the so-called compact class, we found it hard to believe it. The five-door model is 4.55 meters long; almost 20 centimeters longer than the previous model.

More space and plenty of steam

The available space is now accordingly better. Up front, you sit very comfortably in comfortable seats that provide good lateral support. Despite the sloping roofline, there’s plenty of room in the back, too. The luggage compartment offers 525 liters and can be expanded to 1400 liters by folding the 40:20:40 split rear seat.

Above all, the X2 and iX2 take the next step towards digitalisation behind the steering wheel, replacing the previous gear selector lever like its SUV sibling.

Using the iX2 is fun. Because there’s a lot of power under the hood of the electric X2. The electric all-wheel drive system, known from the X1 xDrive 30, delivers an impressive power of 313 hp/230 Nm and 494 Nm of torque. It takes just 5.6 seconds to accelerate from rest to 100 km/h and its top speed is 180 km/h. The iX2 xDrive 30 weighs 2.1 tonnes, but all-wheel drive feels significantly lighter and more controllable when driving. It has a very firm and sporty suspension, provides good feedback from the road and we are also impressed by its precise and pleasantly direct steering. They can do this at BMW.

For comparison, we also drove it. But we think that in terms of power development and overall setup on the road, the all-electric iX2 looks more accommodating than the petrol engine. iX2 is the better X2.

Small 64.8 kWh battery

The battery does not fit the new size of the iX2. 64.8 kWh capacity is too little for a vehicle of this size. With an average consumption of 16.3 to 17.7 kWh/100 km, the WLTP range of 417 to 449 kilometers is correspondingly low. In winter, with a sporty driving style, only 300 kilometers will probably remain in daily life. Not many, especially considering the competition. An Audi Q4 E-Tron, VW ID.5 or Skoda Enyaq can travel up to 520 WLTP kilometers thanks to a 77 kWh battery. However, it is worth noting that in the summer, the BMW iX2 20 with front-wheel drive and 204 hp (150 kW) will follow it and will probably provide more range with the same battery.

It’s also a shame: despite the small battery, the iX2 takes at least half an hour to charge using a fast charger. 11 kW as standard and 22 kW for additional charging in the Wallbox are sufficient, but nowadays only 130 kW of power in the fast charger is not enough; especially for sophisticated BMW requirements. Especially because the technology will be there. The i5 and i7 models already charge with over 200 kW, and the Munich-based company wants to go even higher with the new class in the future.

Reliable tariffs

Prices are still lacking: those interested in the iX2 or X2 need to be strong. BMW tariffs are confidently calculated for a car in the compact class – especially when you consider the prices of a similar Smart #3 (starting from 36,480 francs). Introduction to BMW

Source: Blick