BMW unveiled the all-new iX2 xDrive30 right this moment, an EV that shares its platform with the second-generation X2. It’s promising 259-279 miles of WLTP vary on a 64.8kWh battery, a 5.6-second 0-100km/h (62 mph) time, and 313 hp / 364 lb-ft of whole system output from the AWD motors. Each the automobile and the battery might be manufactured in Regensburg, Germany. A worldwide launch is about to start in March 2024, although the compact EV crossover won’t be coming to the US. BMW introduced that the iX2 was coming earlier this 12 months.
| BMW iX2 xDrive30 | |
| Vary (WLPT) | 259-279 miles (417-449 km) |
| Battery | 64.8kWh (usable) lithium-ion |
| Max cost velocity (DC, AC) | 130kW (DC), 11kW (AC) |
| Drive configuration | Twin-motor AWD |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | 5.6 seconds |
| Prime velocity | 111 mph (180 km/h) |
| Energy / torque | 316 hp / 364 lb-ft |
| Curb weight | 4,617 lb. (2,095 kg) |
| Drag | 0.25 Cd |
The coupe-like silhouette gives a glossy roofline and impressively low wind resistance, at 0.25 Cd — an identical to most trim ranges of its i4 electrical sedan. Rear headroom most likely gained’t be a robust level for the iX2 with its low 1,560 mm (61.4 inches) profile, however it hardly ever is on these compact CUVs. It’s most likely higher to think about the iX2 as a lifted hatchback, not a small SUV.
Charging isn’t terribly fast — BMW claims a most of 130kW DC, although the small-ish battery implies that a DC quick charger can get the iX2 from 10-80% capability in slightly below half-hour. Given the iX2 might be marketed close to the underside of the Bavarian automaker’s portfolio (BMW hasn’t introduced any pricing but), this could possibly be a price administration choice. The onboard AC charger peaks at 11kW, and BMW says that ought to get you from 0-100% in round six-and-a-half hours.
Regardless of its comparatively modest battery, the iX2 weighs in a bit above 4,600 kilos (2,095 kg in keeping with BMW’s press launch), notably greater than, say, the a lot bigger Tesla Mannequin Y Lengthy Vary (4,363 kilos), however nonetheless fairly aggressive when in comparison with the equally sized Mercedes EQA (additionally not out there within the US). Like most of BMW’s EVs to this point, the full system output is impressively excessive given the iX2’s compact positioning, and this little CUV will hopefully provide a few of the fanatic driving DNA that the model’s i4 sedan has been lauded for.
BMW is already signaling that one other powertrain trim degree for the iX2 is deliberate, launching in the summertime of 2024. There’s no indication if this might be a roughly highly effective variant, although it’s straightforward to see that issues might go both means right here, with a quicker M version or maybe a less expensive single-motor drive system.
Electrek’s Take
Why isn’t the iX2 coming to the US? Doubtless as a result of this dimension class doesn’t command plenty of the gross sales quantity in America. Even many ICE manufacturers have struggled to maneuver subcompact SUVs and CUVs in a rustic the place the Cadillac Escalade sells almost as many items because the BMW 3-series. And with out pricing, it’s troublesome to say how aggressive the iX2 would actually be in such a panorama.
In Europe (and plenty of different international markets), there’s way more demand within the subcompact section. Parking and road house are at a premium, and clients are typically extra snug with a smaller automobile.
Nonetheless, the concept of a fast, nimble crossover is engaging. In spite of everything, it truly is only a lifted hatchback in any significant sense, and it’s possible much more enjoyable solution to get round in than the outsized land barges many People have a tendency to not want anyway.
