TESTED 8.3.24, COTS-WOLDS ON SALE NOW
Small BMWs have often shown a bit of an inferiority complex over the years. Transverse, high-set engines have meant they've lacked the perfect weight distribution and native rear drive that BMW is renowned for, leading them to overcompensate with a too-firm ride and reactive steering just a slightly try-hard vibe.
Electrification would, you might imagine, be an opportunity to start from a clean slate, but for now BMW is adapting ICE platforms for most of its EVs - including the new iX2.
Its main motor goes in the front; the entry-level eDrive20 version is exclusively front-driven, while this xDrive30 gets another motor at the rear and thereby four-wheel drive.
This is the car BMW is offering up against Audi's Q4 E-tron Sport back, and it's clearly hoping that sporty styling will sell it, which explains the distinctly over-egged biplane rear wing of our test car. Yet the appeal of the iX2's fundamental profile and stance just isn't a patch on that of the best-looking electric crossover-coupés in this class.
The cabin has quite a glitzy, technical, expensive look about it, but it isn't as spacious in the back as those key rivals - and nor do all of the materials from which it's made feel quite as expensive as they look.
It has the iDrive 9 infotainment system, which works well in BMW's bigger cars but here lacks a physical controller so is quite a bit less easy to navigate while you're driving than it could be.
This story is from the March 20, 2024 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 20, 2024 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MCLAREN ARTURA
Finally, sunshine after the rain - but not before some of it got inside our supercar
AUDI S3 SALOON
Warmed-up version of A3 sets out stall with more power and RS3-spec driveline tech
MERCEDES-BENZ CLE CABRIOLET
Convertible follows coupé to complete newly consolidated two-door range
AUDI A3 SPORTBACK
Four years later, Audi moves to address criticisms of its swanky family hatchback
PORSCHE MACAN ELECTRIC
New platform, different motive power, more weight: can the electric version really behave like a Macan should?
DACIA DUSTER
With a more sophisticated platform, design-savvy look and fresh tech, has this all-new version lost sight of the model's value appeal?
Car clubs at mercy of insurers
Soaring insurance costs now pose an 'existential threat' to community car sharing
Vauxhall reinvents the Grandland
New version is bigger, sleeker and available as a 435-mile EV, mild hybrid and PHEV
Volvo on the cusp of a production revolution
Radical new mega-casting production method will cut complexity while boosting flexibility
Alfa to politicians: forget car names and save industry
Boss Imparato speaks out after minister compels Milano rebrand