Say hello to…
…the BMW iX2, the sportier and, arguably, sleeker version of the iX1, itself the all-electric version of the X1 mid-size SUV. With a useable battery capacity of 64.7kWh, the official range of the iX2 is 259 miles for the higher power version tested here and 272 miles for the lower powered model. Maximum charging speed is up to 130kW.
BMW offers the iX2 with either a 204hp motor powering the front wheels or a 308hp motor driving all four wheels.
BMW is only offering the iX2 in a single trim level:
- M Sport
Standard equipment on the M Sport includes 19-inch alloys, Alcantara upholstery, powered tailgate, twin-zone climate control, park assist, cruise control, adaptive suspension, drive modes, infotainment screen and LED headlights.
Is The BMW iX2 Suitable For My Fleet
Being all-electric (there is a more conventionally powered X2), the iX2 hits the fleet need for a low benefit-in-kind tax band and some businesses’ requirements for a lower environmental impact.
Being lower and longer than the iX1 on which the car is based is a double-edge sword. The additional length means the boot is 50-litres larger than on its sister model at a not insignificant 525 litres. However, the lower and sloping roofline means that headroom in the back seats isn’t great. Anyone approaching six-feet tall will feel their head touching the roof-lining. And rear feet and leg room isn’t particularly generous either.
Leasing A BMW iX2
Intelligent Car Leasing is offering the BMW iX2 xDrive 30 for £803 a month on a 3+36 contract with 20,000 miles a year. Running costs are forecast at £67 a month over the same mileage, according to Gensen Reports, while Class 1A NIC comes in at £12 a month.
Driving A BMW iX2
The exterior styling of the new iX2 may not be to everyone’s taste, however, climb inside and the interior is pure BMW. From chunky steering wheel to large and clear infotainment screens ahead of the driver and supportive and comfortable seats with all materials looking and feeling high quality, the cabin captures the essence of premium perfectly.
The same can be said for the way the iX2 drives. That solidity synonymous with BMW pervades. With the higher power motor the iX2 is a fast car, yet with all-wheel drive and all the latest driver safety aids it’s never unruly.
With adaptive suspension as standard, it’s no surprise that the car both rides and handles very well.
While efficiency in the real-world isn’t as good as the official WLTP figures, we saw 3.2 miles per kWh with a mix of town and more exuberant country road driving. At that level the car would easily return more than 200 miles to a charge.
Criticism, however, would have to be levelled at the number of different drive modes and the way some controls are accessed through the infotainment screen. Bringing back a three-mode system with just ‘eco’, ‘comfort’ and ‘sport’ on offer would be a good thing.
For those after something different in the sea of SUVs, the iX2 could be just what some fleet drivers want.
FleetandLeasing.com Verdict On The BMW iX2
Interesting and premium alternative to the mass of ordinary SUVs.
BMW iX2
- Model: iX2 xDrive30 M Sport
- Power: 313hp
- Torque: 494Nm
- Max speed: 112mph
- 0-62mph: 5.6s
- Official range: 259 miles
- Test range: 207 miles
- CO2 emissions: 0g/km
- BIK tax band 2023/24: 2%