BMW has recently revealed its latest addition to its electric vehicle lineup, the BMW iX2. The iX2 is a compact electric SUV that combines the sporty performance and stylish design of the popular X2 model with the environmental benefits and cutting-edge technology of the i brand. The iX2 is the first fully electric model in the X family, and it aims to offer a dynamic driving experience with zero emissions.
The iX2 results from BMW’s ambitious plan to expand its electric vehicle portfolio in the coming years. BMW aims to have 25 electrified models by 2025, including 12 fully electric models. The iX2 joins other electric models, such as the i3 hatchback, the i4 sedan, the i8 sports car, and the upcoming iX flagship SUV.
The iX2 is expected to go on sale in Europe in early 2024 with a starting price of $54,000 (45,000 EUR). The iX2 will compete with other compact electric SUVs, such as the Tesla Model Y, the Volkswagen ID.4, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the features and specifications of the new BMW iX2 and see how it compares to its rivals.
Powertrain and Performance
The iX2 is based on the same platform as the BMW X2, but it has been modified to accommodate an electric powertrain. The iX2 has a single electric motor that produces 228 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 112 mph. The iX2 has a battery capacity of 64.8 kWh, which gives it a range of up to 217 miles on a single charge. A fast charger can recharge the battery from 10% to 80% in 34 minutes.
The 2024 BMW iX2 also features an intelligent energy management system that optimizes the efficiency and performance of the vehicle. The system can adjust the power output of the motor, the regenerative braking intensity, and the climate control settings according to the driving mode, the road conditions, and the driver’s preferences. The system can also use navigation data and real-time traffic information to plan the best route and charging strategy for the journey.
The iX2 offers three driving modes: Comfort, Eco Pro, and Sport. Comfort mode provides a balanced setting for everyday driving, Eco Pro mode maximizes the range by reducing energy consumption, and Sport mode enhances the responsiveness and agility of the vehicle.
The 2024 BMW iX2 delivers a smooth and quiet ride thanks to its low center of gravity, its adaptive suspension system, and its sound insulation. The iX2 also has high stability and traction thanks to its all-wheel drive system, electronic stability control system, and dynamic stability control system.
Design and Style
The design of the iX2 is inspired by both the X2 and the i brand. The iX2 has a distinctive front end with a large kidney grille with sensors and cameras for driver assistance systems. Slim LED headlights flank the grille with a blue accent to emphasize the electric nature of the vehicle. The side profile of the iX2 is sporty and muscular, with a sloping roofline, large wheel arches, and aerodynamic wheels. The rear end of the iX2 has a spoiler, a diffuser, and LED taillights that form an L-shape.
The exterior of the BMW iX2 is available in various colors, such as Alpine White, Black Sapphire Metallic, Mineral Grey Metallic, Misano Blue Metallic, Sunset Orange Metallic, Storm Bay Metallic, Phytonic Blue Metallic, Galvanic Gold Metallic, Cashmere Silver Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Mediterranean Blue Metallic, Sparkling Brown Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic, Jet Black Metallic, and Snapper Rocks Blue Metallic.
The interior of the iX2 is spacious and modern, with high-quality materials and digital features. The iX2 has a 10.25-inch touchscreen display as the main interface for infotainment and vehicle settings. The display is integrated into the dashboard with a minimalist design with horizontal lines and ambient lighting. The iX2 also has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that shows relevant information for the driver, such as speed, range, and navigation. The iX2 has a multifunction steering wheel, a head-up display, wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Harman Kardon sound system.
The iX2 offers a high level of comfort and convenience for its occupants. The iX2 has five upholstered seats in leather or cloth with contrast stitching. The front seats are heated and have lumbar support, while the rear seats can be folded down to increase the cargo space from 17.8 cubic feet to 50.5 cubic feet. The iX2 also has a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, push-button start, and a power tailgate.
Safety and Technology
The iX2 has advanced driver assistance systems that enhance safety and ease of driving. The iX2 has adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, parking assist, surround-view camera, and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
The adaptive cruise control system can maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and adjust the speed according to the traffic flow. The lane-keeping assist system can detect the lane markings and steer the vehicle back to the center if it drifts out of the lane. The blind spot monitoring system can warn the driver of vehicles in the blind spots and prevent lane changes if there is a risk of collision. The rear cross-traffic alert system can alert the driver of approaching vehicles when reversing out of a parking spot or a driveway.
The forward collision warning system can detect potential collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians and alert the driver with visual and audible signals. The automatic emergency braking system can apply the brakes automatically if the driver does not react in time to avoid the collision. The pedestrian detection system can recognize pedestrians in front of the vehicle and activate the brakes if necessary.
The parking assist system can help the driver park the vehicle in parallel or perpendicular spaces by steering the vehicle automatically while the driver controls the speed and braking. The surround-view camera system can provide a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings on the touchscreen display to help with parking and maneuvering.
The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is a voice-activated system that can respond to natural language commands and questions. The system can control various vehicle functions, such as navigation, entertainment, climate, lighting, and driving modes. The system can also provide information about the vehicle’s status, such as battery level, range, and charging options. The system can also learn from drivers' habits and preferences and offer personalized suggestions and tips.
