2024 BMW iX2: The First-Ever Electric Sports Activity Coupe

The BMW X2 is a car that has always stood out from the crowd. It was the first to introduce the concept of a Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) for the premium compact segment, combining an SUV’s versatility with a coupé’s dynamism. And now, the second generation of the BMW X2 is taking the stage with a more distinctive, sporty, and forward-looking design. But that’s not all. The new BMW X2 also comes with a fully electric variant, the first-ever BMW iX2, which offers a zero-emission driving experience with a range of up to 279 miles (WLTP). We will look closer at the features, performance, and benefits of the 2024 BMW iX2 and how it compares to its main rival, the Tesla Model Y.

What is the BMW iX2?

The BMW iX2 is the electric version of the new BMW X2, based on the same platform as the new BMW X1 and the BMW iX1. The BMW iX2 is part of the BMW Group’s strategy to accelerate the ramp-up of electric mobility and offer a wide range of electrified models for different customer needs and preferences. The BMW iX2 is also a testament to the BMW Group’s commitment to sustainability, as it incorporates resource-preserving production, efficient use, and subsequent vehicle recycling.

The BMW iX2 is instantly recognizable as a pure-bred Sports Activity Coupé, with a pronounced coupé silhouette, a low roofline, and a muscular stance. The exterior design also showcases the progressive character of the electric model, with a closed-off kidney grille, aerodynamic wheels, and a fully sealed underbody. The BMW iX2 also features a distinctive rear diffuser, improving airflow and reducing drag coefficient to 0.25, making it more aerodynamic than the regular BMW X2.

The BMW iX2 is available in two variants: the BMW iX2 xDrive30, which has a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup, and the BMW iX2 eDrive20, which has a single-motor, front-wheel-drive setup. The BMW iX2 xDrive30 is the more powerful and more efficient option, with a combined output of 308 hp and 364 lb-ft of torque and a range of 259 to 279 miles (WLTP). The BMW iX2 eDrive20 is the more affordable option, with a combined output of 201 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque and a range of 217 to 236 miles (WLTP).

The BMW iX2 is equipped with a high-voltage battery with a capacity of 64.8 kWh, is mounted on the underfloor, and benefits from smooth sealing. The battery can be charged at 11 kW as standard, which takes six and a half hours to fully charge it, or optionally at 22 kW, which reduces the charging time to three hours and 45 minutes. The BMW iX2 also comes with a heat pump for the automatic climate control system, which can preheat or precool the interior before the trip, and thus optimize the energy consumption and the range.

The BMW iX2 offers a spacious and comfortable interior with a high-quality and modern design. The BMW iX2 also features the innovative digital services of the new BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 9, which provide a seamless and intuitive interaction between the driver, the vehicle, and the digital world. The BMW iX2 also boasts a large spread of systems enabling automated driving and parking, such as the Driving Assistant Professional, the Parking Assistant Plus, and the Reversing Assistant.

How does the BMW iX2 compare to the Tesla Model Y?

The Tesla Model Y is one of the market’s most popular and successful electric SUVs and a direct competitor to the BMW iX2. The Tesla Model Y is based on the same platform as the Tesla Model 3 and offers a similar design, performance, and features. The Tesla Model Y is also available in two variants: the Long Range, which has a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup, and the Performance, which has a more powerful dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup. The Tesla Model Y Long Range has a combined output of 384 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque and a range of 326 miles (EPA). The Tesla Model Y Performance has a combined output of 456 hp and 497 lb-ft of torque and a range of 303 miles (EPA).

The Tesla Model Y has a slightly larger battery than the BMW iX2, with a usable capacity of 75 kWh, which can be charged at up to 250 kW at the Tesla Supercharger network or at up to 11.5 kW at home or at public charging stations. The Tesla Model Y also has a heat pump for the climate control system, which improves the efficiency and the range in cold weather. The Tesla Model Y offers a spacious and minimalist interior, with a 15-inch touchscreen as the main interface for the vehicle’s functions and features. The Tesla Model Y also features the Tesla Autopilot system, which enables semi-autonomous driving and parking, and the Full Self-Driving Capability option, which promises to enable fully autonomous driving in the future.

The BMW iX2 and the Tesla Model Y are both attractive and compelling options for electric SUV buyers, and they have some similarities and differences in terms of design, performance, and features. The BMW iX2 has a more distinctive and sporty design, while the Tesla Model Y has a more conventional and sleek design. The BMW iX2 has a more refined and premium interior, while the Tesla Model Y has a more simple and futuristic interior. The BMW iX2 has a more advanced and intuitive infotainment system, while the Tesla Model Y has a more versatile and responsive touchscreen. The BMW iX2 has a more efficient and aerodynamic battery, while the Tesla Model Y has a larger and faster-charging battery. The BMW iX2 has a more comprehensive and reliable automated driving and parking system, while the Tesla Model Y has a more ambitious and innovative autonomous driving and parking system.

What are the benefits of the BMW iX2?

The BMW iX2 is a car that offers many benefits for its owners and for the environment. Here are some of the main benefits of the BMW iX2:

  • Zero-emission driving: The BMW iX2 is a fully electric car that does not produce any tailpipe emissions and thus contributes to reducing air pollution and the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. The BMW iX2 also uses renewable energy sources for its production and charging, and thus further reduces its environmental impact.
  • Low running costs: The BMW iX2 is a car that has lower running costs than a conventional car, as it does not require any fuel, oil, or maintenance. The BMW iX2 also benefits from lower taxes and fees and access to electric vehicle incentives and subsidies in many countries and regions. The BMW iX2 also has lower depreciation costs, as it has a longer lifespan and a higher resale value than a conventional car.
  • High performance: The BMW iX2 is a car that delivers high performance, as it has a powerful and responsive electric motor that provides instant torque and acceleration. The BMW iX2 also has balanced and agile handling, a low center of gravity, and a well-distributed weight. The BMW iX2 also has a smooth and quiet ride, with no engine noise or vibration.
  • Advanced technology: The BMW iX2 is a car with advanced technology, as it has a state-of-the-art infotainment system offering seamless and intuitive connectivity and entertainment. The BMW iX2 also has a cutting-edge automated driving and parking system that offers a safe and convenient driving and parking experience. The BMW iX2 also has a smart battery management system that optimizes the energy consumption and the range.

Conclusion

The BMW iX2 is a car that represents the future of mobility, as it combines the versatility of an SUV with the dynamism of a coupé and the sustainability of an electric car. The BMW iX2 is a car that offers a distinctive, sporty, progressive design, zero-emission, efficient, powerful performance, and a spacious, comfortable, and modern interior. The BMW iX2 is a car that competes with the Tesla Model Y and offers some advantages and disadvantages regarding design, performance, and features. The BMW iX2 is a car that offers many benefits for its owners and the environment, such as lower emissions, lower costs, higher performance, and advanced technology. The BMW iX2 is a car expected to launch in March 2024 and attract many customers looking for a premium, electric, and sporty SUV.