BMW iX2 eDrive20 M Sport Review: Style with an Edge

What we like:

Better driving dynamics than the non M Sport model

Looks the part

Fit and finish is excellent

What we dislike:

Harsher ride

The proliferation of all sorts of models from the German car manufacturers started in the 2000s. It was the first time we saw ‘coupe’ versions of SUVs with a swooping roofline, and one of the pioneers was the BMW X6 (E71).

Today we accept them as part of the rich and diverse automotive mix as crossovers. While mechanically identical to the SUV versions on which they are based, they are typically positioned as more premium cars due to their lifestyle slant and slightly less practicality. Generally speaking, most of these crossovers trade rear headroom and boot space for looks.

In the case of the iX2, the unique proposition here is that while it is $10,000 dearer than the iX1 eDrive20, it does come with the M Sport treatment as the one and only trim level in Singapore. In keeping with the sportier theme, the M Sport kit enhances the already svelte looks of the iX2. You get 20-inch M light alloy black wheels as standard which looks the business, while inside there is a chunkier M steering wheel with finer grained leather, which makes a bigger difference to the experience than you think. There is also two-tone leather which uplifts the otherwise sombre mood of the dark interior. Altogether, the iX2 is a really attractive looking vehicle. I think they nailed the crossover look this time.

There is honestly not a huge compromise to interior space as well. Rear passengers will do just fine except for those who are near 1.8m tall or more. There’s 525 litres of cargo space, and up to 1,400 litres when you fold the rear seats down. Underneath the car is the 64.8 kWh battery that’s part of the 5th generation of BMW eDrive technology.

AC charging is possible at a maximum rate of 22 kW, while the max DC charging speed is 130 kW. The fastest possible charging time is getting from 10% to 80% in around 29 minutes. The latest Max Performance Charging software optimises charging efficiency by, among, other things, pre-cooling or warming the battery before a planned charging stop. The car would only know only if you use the onboard navigation system though.

As with the BMW iX1, there is a single front electric motor with 147 hp and 250 Nm. The 0-100 km/h is 10.5 seconds, but in reality it feels faster around town unless you’re accelerating from speed on the highway. For a Cat A COE car, it gives just about the right amount of power. Top speed is 170 km/h but it’ll take some time to get there (not that it is very relevant for us).

With the M Sport steering, the iX2 has a more communicative helm. I don’t know if it’s a placebo effect or not, but it is definitely a sweeter steer compared to the non M Sport model. The drawback though is that the M Sport suspension is also quite harsh. BMW has been hit-and-miss with its sportier suspension setups (it’s beautifully done in the i5, for example) and in the iX2 it may be a bit too jolting for some. However, it does make for a pretty fun drive.

Equipped with BMW OS 9, the iX2 comes with a couple of digital services that are given as a free trial but need to be subscribed to later. I was quite intrigued to find games onboard like in a Tesla, that you can play while you charge for example.

In conclusion, the iX2 is a pretty crossover with a competent EV drivetrain as well as a high feel-good factor thanks to the M Sport kit. However, you would have to decide if you can put up with the stiffer suspension. If not, there’s always the standard iX1 to turn to, which is very similar.

Photos by James Wong

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