Update: ‘Production & Release Date’ section updated.
BMW Group plans to have 13 BEVs or pure EVs in its lineup by the end of 2023 to achieve what it terms an ‘ICE ban ready’ status. The range will include a BMW iX2 (BMW X2 Electric).
“I can also officially confirm the new BMW X2 and of course, the all-electric iX2 (in addition to the i5 Touring),” Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management, BMW Group, announced during the company’s annual conference on March 15, 2023. Here’s everything we know so far about the iX2 which will premiere in the coming weeks.
Target audience
BMW Group is extending its ‘Power of Choice’ powertrain strategy, under which it offers four types of powertrains: conventional (gasoline/diesel), plug-in hybrid electric, battery-powered pure electric, and hydrogen fuel-cell electric to more models. As a result, the BMW X2 will be available as an EV in the next generation, offering consumers the freedom to drive their favorite Bimmer without exhaust emissions.
Design
Our BMW iX2 render shows a sleek and stylish SUV that borrows design elements from the first-ever iX1. The rendered iX2 features an almost square BMW kidney grille and flush door handles, and it has a more muscular hood and angular headlights. The electric powertrain of the BMW is subtly hinted at with blue accents on the bumpers, kidney grille, and rocker panels. This gives the car a unique feel without disturbing the design formula.
With short overhangs, a coupe-style roofline, and slim window graphics, the BMW X2 appeals to young and extrovert customers who desire something sportier than the X1. In the incoming model, expect a drag coefficient lower than that of the third-gen X1 (0.27 Cd) and a techier interior with the BMW Curved Display comprising a fully digital instrument cluster and a central screen on a curving, one-piece display, BMW iDrive 9 OS, 5G connectivity, and more.
Interior
Spy pictures floating on the web have shown next-gen X2 test prototypes featuring the same interior as the iX1, so it’s safe to assume the production iX2 will mirror that design. The dashboard would have a cleaner look, with the driver-side area dominated by the BMW Curved Display and the passenger-side area consisting of two combined sleek AC vents. In addition to a slender dashboard, we expect a floating armrest with an integral control panel, extra storage space underneath the floating armrest, and a space for two cupholders and a smartphone tray located below a wide central air vent.
BMW Curved Display
Expect the BMW iX2 to feature a BMW-typical driver-focused theme with a sports steering wheel, the BMW Curved Display (10.25 inches for the digital cockpit and 10.7 inches for the central infotainment screen), and a slim climate control panel. The iX2 could get BMW’s new Welcome Scenario function. In configurations shipped with ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, when the driver reaches three meters or closer to the vehicle, a light show using the exterior and interior lights would welcome them. The doors would automatically unlock when the distance drops to about 1.5 meters. The BMW Curved Display would continue the greeting with a customized welcome window once inside the vehicle.
BMW Maps navigation system would be standard in configurations equipped with BMW Live Cockpit Plus. The cloud-based navigation system will likely offer very accurate positioning along with a simple method of destination entry. In addition to real-time traffic data, it would take charging locations on the route also into consideration while making the selection. If there’s a planned mid-journey stop at a fast-charging station, the battery pack would pre-heat to ensure the charging process is as efficient as possible.
Augmented View function
An Augmented View function should supplement the navigation system, giving the driver a live video stream from their perspective on the central display. At confusion junctions, the driver would see an animated directional arrow integrated into the video image and ease the turn-off. An overhead interior camera that allows the occupants to take snapshots and capture their memories during the journey will also likely be available in the iX2. These pictures would be accessible through the My BMW App’s remote function. Remote Theft Recorder would record the cabin in case of an incident.
Expected specifications
The BMW iX2 will share the same modified version of the FAAR architecture with the iX1. Originally developed for ICE vehicles (X1, X2, 2 Series Active Tourer, etc.) FAAR is redesigned to allow 100% electrification.
Variants
The BMW iX2 is expected to come in the same variants as the iX1. For reference, BMW launched the iX1 in an ‘xDrive30’ AWD variant that has a 64.7 kWh battery pack with an energy density of 199 Wh/l and two motors generating 308 hp and 364 lb.-ft. of torque. The iX1 delivers a maximum WLTP range of 440 km (273 miles) in the xDrive30 variant, and thanks to the more aerodynamic body, the iX2 should perform marginally better in the range test. Expect the iX2 to be chargeable at 22 kW (AC)/130 kW (DC).
According to Bimmerpost forum member ynguldyn, who is regarded as a crystal ball for Munich’s product plans, an entry-level ‘eDrive20’ variant will follow. The iX2 eDrive20 variant is expected to feature a single-motor system powering the front wheels, similar to the iX1 version.
Production & Release Date
During BMW Group’s annual conference, Zipse confirmed that the company will manufacture the iX2 in Regensburg, Germany, and launch the vehicle towards the end of 2023. The German automaker is making the iX1 at this domestic plant since November 11, 2022. Speaking to Bimmer Today, Carsten Regent, the Head of the factory, said that the iX2 will enter production at the end of 2023, the German publication reported on April 26, 2023.
ynguldyn has said that the xDrive30 variant will enter production first, followed by the eDrive20 variant in March 2024. The first units of the iX2 should arrive at German dealerships in early 2024.
Spotted in the U.S.
Instagram channel kindelauto has posted an image of what it claims is a prototype of the BMW iX2, testing in the United States. The image uploaded on September 1, 2023, certainly is of the next-gen X2, but it’s hard to ascertain if it is indeed the EV model.
The first test prototypes of the iX2 were spotted by automotive photographers in Europe in October 2022, identified by the “Electrified Vehicle” badge on the doors, and the lack of exhaust tips. In February 2023, spy photos of a thoroughly-camouflaged iX2 test mule connected to a Tesla Supercharger near Arvidsjaur in Sweden surfaced online.
TopElectricSUV says
The BMW iX2 will be the smallest electric SUV from the German brand. Designed for young urban customers, it will be available in select markets. It’s possible that BMW won’t offer the iX2 in the United States due to its expected low range, but it could garner plenty of attention in Europe and other places where it’s sold. Price-wise, it might come at a slight premium over the iX1.
BMW iX2 (BMW X2 Electric) FAQs
What is the BMW iX2 release date?
BMW will launch the iX2 towards the end of 2023. There is no confirmation on the U.S. launch.
Which electric cars would be BMW iX2 rivals?
The iX2 will rival the Volvo C40, Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback and the Lexus RZ.
What is the projected BMW iX2 price?
The BMW X2 Electric should start at under EUR 60,000 (~USD 62,997) in Germany
Featured image: TopElectricSUV’s rendition of the iX2.
A Mechanical Engineer by qualification, I started out as an automotive editor of a regional magazine in 2011. In my 11 years of experience in creating automotive content, I’ve traveled around the world to review, analyze and report on the world’s top electrified cars.
