2023 BMW X2

In the world of subcompact luxury crossovers, there are a multitude of offerings, all promising comfort, convenience, and refinement. BMW first tapped into this market with the X1, and the X2, which shares the previous car's platform, came to win over those who don't care about practicality or refined driving. The BMW X2 sacrifices space for style, and in a way, it works. Combine those cool looks with a punchy turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and you have a recipe for a good time. But where does the little Sport Activity Vehicle fit in? Safety reviews of the current-gen BMW X2 are average, and there isn't an overflow of passenger or cargo space to punt it as a generous family car. And with competitors that give the 2023 BMW X2 a run for its money in terms of looks, style, and comfort, the subcompact crossover has to do a lot to square off against the Volvo XC40 and come out on top.

The BMW X2 range starts off with sDrive28i with an MSRP of $36,600, which is more expensive than the base price of the XC40, but considerably more affordable than the Evoque. The xDrive28i has a starting price of $38,600. None of these prices include BMW's $995 destination fee.

The 2023 BMW X2 might come across as a fully-fledged SUV, but its compact dimensions and small platform means that it drives more like a hatchback. This means that the X2 is a fun and nimble little machine that happily squeezes in and out of busy city traffic and is perfect for the daily suburban commute. However, take this car on twisty back roads, and its BMW DNA shines through: this is a fun car to throw around corners, and its taught suspension setup means that it remains flat in the corners and eager to turn in. Like most modern BMWs, we wish that the steering gave a bit more feedback. We did find that the X2 can become unsettled over rougher terrain and the optional sport suspension makes the harsh ride even more evident. It's not a smooth and comfortable ride that will soak up bumps, but if you stick to city roads, you should be fine.

The X2 is precisely what a subcompact crossover should be: it's not as big as your traditional SUVs, giving it an agile feeling that others can't replicate, but it is also big enough to serve as a decent family hauler. It should be noted that the X2 isn't as practical, and we wish it offered a bit more space inside the cabin and in the trunk, but whether these are notable issues will depend on the buyer. While the cabin is solid and typical of BMW in terms of quality, it doesn't wow or cosset passengers the way Swedish rivals do. Still, everything is neatly laid out and functional, and pleasant to look at - it just lacks charm. There's ample tech and enough safety equipment to set your mind at ease.

We're saddened to hear that the sporty M35i has been discontinued, but the base 2.0-liter car offers more than enough punch for the daily commute and can even prove to be somewhat entertaining. One of the benefits is better-than-average fuel economy, with independent tests showing better mileage than what the EPA reports. The new BMW X2 crossover won't blow you away, but it won't disappoint you either.

If you aren't truly going to put the added power from the M35i to use, we'd recommend opting for the xDrive28i and adding the M Sport X package. But it's worth noting that the addition of the package alone hikes the price up to $43,000. Still, you're getting a nearly fully-loaded crossover when you opt for the addition of the M Sport X Package that vastly improves the exterior appearance with 19-inch wheels and the Shadowline exterior trim.