BMW’s small premium electric coupe-SUV might be a little left-of-field. But it is very practical transport for those who see the need to step away from boxes
Singapore – BMW’s approach for their electric range is a little different from their compatriots. The iX2 small coupe-SUV (or in BMW talk – SAV), is built upon the same underpinnings as the petrol-powered X2. At least on the surface, this could mean greater synergies and lower overall cost savings. But the other advantage for BMW, is a model line-up which is more congruent.
A Little Anger for Good Measure
We all know that the iX2 is the edgier sibling of the iX1 SUV, BMW has sought to create significant visual distance from the iX1, by amping-up its looks. Perhaps a little polarising, but the iX2 is a car which shouts for attention.
A wider-more pronounced grille, makes for an angrier demeanour. While at the rear, the sporty theme continues, with tail lights mounted at the top of the boot lid, which provide a sense of girth – further emphasised by the tucked-in C-pillar.
For Singapore, this variant is specced with the M Sport and Shadowline kit, therefore it has fancier 20-inch M V-spoke alloys, while the bodywork gets a good scatter of high-gloss surfaces.
All is (Almost) the Same on the Practical Front
The interior brings with it a little bit of… and all of the iX1. The iX2 also shares its fascia componentry with the 2 Series Active Tourer. After all, the three body shapes can be further boxed into a close family of their taller premium cars.
Sharing a single panel with the digital instrument cluster, the 10.7-inch infotainment screen, powered by BMW’s newest Operating System 9, runs smoothly, and offers voice assistance, which is arguably the best-in-class. Wireless charging is offered via an upright pad, located at the base of the centre console. While the pad does look quite large, it is only designed to charge one mobile device at a time.
Like in its sister car, the floating console, which houses the drive selector tab, takes inspiration from the larger BMW iX. If you are rather sharp, you might just spot a bit of a cost-cut here, as the lid for the container/armrest opens toward the right, which means the more lucrative left-hand drive markets are prioritised here.
Overall, the iX2’s interior is generally comfortable. The front seats have adjustable thigh cushions for better support. At the rear, despite its sloping roofline, the average Singaporean male, who’d be 1.72m tall… which is also me, standing against a measuring tape, wouldn’t find it a struggle to fit in.
As for its luggage space, the iX2 benefits from a longer rear overhang, which affords the coupe-SUV with an additional 35 litres more in terms of room, over its iX1 sibling’s already generous 490 litres. The same class, same silhouette Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback tops the iX2 by just 10 litres.
All Show, Mild Go!
While its styling does ooze plenty of aggro, this eDrive20 iX2 is built seemingly to fit into our Category A COE band. Powered by a single front motor, which puts out (a spot-on) 150hp (110kW) and 250Nm (which are coincidentally the same numbers as the new Skoda Superb Combi, with its 1.5-litre MHEV powertrain), the motor’s best performance would be between moving off-the-line, till around 70-80km/h, where things taper-off. This mild performance can be confirmed by the humble 10.5-second century sprint timing.
However, if you happen to be in need of more grunt, there is a boost paddle, located behind the left side of the steering wheel; which when pulled, provides that little bit more “go”, if you have to perform an overtake (or in roadhog-heavy Singapore – an undertake).
Like in all BMW EVs, the iX2 allows you to tweak the regenerative braking only via the infotainment system. However, you can adjust it as low as ‘Low’, unlike the Audi Q4 e-tron (to which my driving style matches how it lets you coast), therefore the drivetrain does shave off some speed, whenever you lift-off the accelerator to coast. With a WLTP range of 478km, this car provided me with four days worth of anxiety-free driving, and still had mileage to spare, at the end of my drive.
Perhaps if I were to fuss, the 20-inch rims do add to some of the iX2’s firmness. But overall, the coupe-crossover feels incredibly refined, and sticks into turns with enough eagerness to keep the average driver engaged.
That Price vs Power Balance
While it does check many good boxes, competition is very tight. At $277,888*, the iX2 eDrive20 is priced very close to the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron’ $277,999*. But the latter does have the advantage of significantly more power, and also benefits from a 2-stage gearbox.
Text & Photos: Clifford Chow
*Prices correct at time of publication
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extroverted styling | Competition has way more power |
| Drives well | Lacks buttons |
BMW i4 Gran Coupe eDrive35 M Sport
| Drivetrain | Full Electric |
| Layout | Single Motor, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Motor power / torque | 150hp / 250Nm |
| Battery capacity | 64.8kWh |
| Efficiency | 17.5kWh/100km |
| Electric Range | 478km |
| 0-100km/h | 10.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 170km/h |
| VES Band | A1 |
| Dealer | Performance Motors / BMW Eurokars Auto |
| Price | S$277,888 with COE and VES |
| Verdict | Unique styling can be polarising. The BMW iX2 is quite the accomplished coupe-SUV. But with stiff competition, even fancy styling simply not be enough |
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