BMW beefs up X2 compact crossover coupe

The second generation of the BMW X2 delivers a beefy redesign that supersizes the compact crossover and dials up under-the-hood power.

The 2024 X2 will debut at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo this month. It will arrive at U.S. stores in March. Pricing was not disclosed.

BMW launched the lifestyle crossover in 2018, aiming it at active, younger buyers.

More than the family-friendly X1 and X3, also compacts, the X2 is a nod to the early days of BMW, when the brand leaned into a more spirited driving experience, AutoForecast Solutions Vice President Sam Fiorani said.

"Reestablishing BMW's image with the X2 is key to keeping up its momentum with so much competition in the sub-$50,000 range," Fiorani said. "While the bigger models make the money, the X2 appeals to [future] X5 [midsize crossover] buyers."

BMW sold 2,641 X2 crossovers in the U.S. last year. It competes directly with the Audi Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA. And there are plenty of choices for compact crossovers with sporty intentions, such as the Lexus NX, Acura RDX and Volvo XC40.

BMW updated the X2's 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine.

The xDrive28i variant makes 241 hp and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds.

The M35i xDrive carries a more potent four-cylinder that delivers 312 hp and a 0-to-60 time of 5.2 seconds.

BMW said pricing, including $995 for destination, will start at $42,995 for the 2024 X2 xDrive28i and $52,395 for the 2024 X2 M35i xDrive. 

The X2's seven-speed double-clutch transmission features a widened gear ratio spread and greater efficiency. The transmission shifts into park when the engine turns off. The parking brake is automatically applied if the vehicle is parked on a slope.

The X2 leans in on its coupe-like styling with an upright front end, long hood, raked A-pillars, sloping roof and raked rear hatch. With a higher beltline, the latest X2 adopts styling similar to the larger X4 and X6 crossovers.

Door handles are flush with the body. Wider tracks at both the front and rear and larger-diameter wheels give the X2 a broader, muscular stance.

Compared with the outgoing generation, the X2 is 7.6 inches longer (179.8 inches), 0.8 inches wider (72.6 inches) and 2.5 inches taller (62.6 inches).

Upfront is a redesigned version of BMW's signature kidney grille. The two connected grille elements form an almost hexagonal contour, recalling the front-end design of the X4 and X6. A 3D surround highlights the outline of the grille, and optional illumination brings after-dark bling.

The headlight units extend into the wheel arches. Two vertical LED units with an arrow shape include the daytime driving lights and turn signal indicators.

The lower air intake extends into the sides of the front end. It is flanked on either side by wing-shaped inlays, which guide air to the air curtains in the front apron.

The rear light design gets an update, with the taillights split into two sections and extending into the car's flanks and the tailgate. LED elements for the rear lights and turn signal indicators point outward in the shape of an arrow, picking up the design of the headlights.

The 2024 X2 makes driving easier with driver-assistance and parking technologies.

The cockpit is anchored by a curved display, pairing a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch central information display.

The display runs BMW's iDrive 9 infotainment system with the automaker's newest operating system, which features a redesigned home screen and a smartphone-like menu structure.

The optional Driving Assistant Professional is a camera- and radar-based system with a suite of technologies, such as steering and lane-control assistance, active cruise control, and hands-free driving at speeds up to 40 mph on highways.

The latest version of the available Parking Assistant Plus system makes parking less of a hassle. Instead of only using other vehicles as a guide to help it select a parking spot and straighten the vehicle, the system factors in the distance from the curb for more precision, BMW said.