X2 Car Leasing & Contract Hire

BMW X2 Review 2021

Bridging the gap between the X1 and X3, the BMW X2 combines the practicality of an SUV with the low-slung sporty styling of a coupe.

Intended to appeal to younger, fashion-conscious drivers, the X2 looks like nothing else on the market. Its closest rivals in space and style are the Jaguar E-Pace, Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volvo XC40. 

Our BMW X2 review covers:

• Key Features
• Design, Practicality and Boot Space
• Interior and Trims
• Power and Performance
• Leasing vs Buying

BMW X2 Key Features

• Sporty exterior style with swooping hatchback-style roofline
• High-quality interior with soft-touch materials and BMW's infotainment system
• Spacious 470-litre boot with 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats
• Five petrol and diesel engines and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
• Four trim levels, including SE, Sport, M Sport and M Sport X

Design, Practicality and Boot Space

Channelling the spirit of a sporty coupe, the X2's swooping hatchback-style line make it stand out on the road. Add in swept-back lights, a rising window line, sporty bumpers, and funky squared-off wheel arches, and the X2 boasts a sportier look than the X1, despite the two models sharing the same wheelbase.

Inside, the X2 sacrifices some interior space over the X1 due to its lower roofline, yet there's still enough headroom at the front for six-footers, even if the small windows make it feel a little claustrophobic inside. 

Storage options include a pair of cupholders, a small cubby in front of the gear lever, a large centre armrest and a decent-sized glovebox. 

At the rear, head, shoulder, and legroom aren't generous, particularly if you're carrying three passengers at once. 

At 470 litres, the X2's boot is nice and spacious, however, with space for a week's worth of luggage. This expands to 1,355 litres with the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats folded.

All X2 model also comes with a powered tailgate, that together with its usefully square shape, handy nets, underfloor storage, and elasticated straps, makes loading and unloading cargo easier. 

Interior and Trims

Step inside the X2's interior, and things start to look more familiar. The cabin is similar in style and layout to the X1 with its sensible dashboard layout, clear and concise instruments, and soft-touch materials. 

BMW's infotainment display stands out as a highlight thanks to its crisp screen and easy-to-use functions, giving rivals such as the Jaguar E-Pace and Volvo XC40 a run for their money. 

There are four trim options to choose from, including SE, Sport, M Sport and M Sport X, each version getting gradually as you move up through the range.

Sport models get a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satnav, LED headlights, contrasting dashboard stitching, ambient interior lighting and larger 18-inch alloy wheels.  

M Sport models add more aggressive bumpers, lowered sports suspension and 19-inch alloy wheels along with heated front sports seats and suede-like Alcantara upholstery.

The range-topping M Sport X comes with modified bumpers and side skirts, aluminium-effect exterior trims on the grille and around the windows and larger 19-inch alloy wheels. 

Power and Performance

Under the bonnet, the X2 offers five 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines to choose from, badged 18i, 18d, 20i, 20d and M35i. All come with front-wheel-drive (sDrive), optional four-wheel-drive (xDrive), and six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is also available.

Petrol options including the 138bhp sDrive18i, 189bhp sDrive20i and the fiery 302bhp M35i. 

Diesel options include the 148bhp 18d with sDrive or xDrive o the more powerful 187bhp xDrive20d. 

The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option (badged as xDrive 25e) combines a 123bhp 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with a 93bhp electric motor for a combined 216bhp and up to 32 miles range in electric-only mode.

The X2 offers a firm ride on the road, with three suspension set-ups depending on the model. While smoothness isn't its forte, comfort improves at speed, and the steering feels nicely weighted on four-wheel-drive models. 

Thanks to its X2's low height and relatively low weight, the X2 feels more agile than the Volvo XC40 and the Jaguar E-Pace, and there's plenty of driver assistance systems to help keep you safe and secure on the road.

Leasing vs Buying

Prices for the new BMW X2 start from £31,370.00 OTR* or to lease from £354.86 per month.

Fancy getting behind the wheel of the BMW X2? Car leasing offers many benefits than buying outright with a bank loan or dealer finance, including fixed monthly rentals, a lower initial outlay, fewer depreciation worries, and free delivery direct your door, provided your address is on the GB mainland. 

Lease the BMW X2 with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, and you'll also benefit from inclusive road tax, breakdown cover and the full manufacturer's warranty with every deal. We work directly with the UK BMW franchised dealer network, so you benefit from lower monthly rentals and the trust and reliability that comes from a main dealership. 

*'On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change. Always check with your nearest retailer.