BMW X2 review - Practicality, comfort and boot space

Given the crossover pretentions of the X2, the low slung driving position is a bit of a surprise at first. Rather than offering the commanding view of the road ahead you'd expect of an SUV, it's almost like you're getting behind the wheel of BMW's 1 Series hatchback. It's an unusual sensation, but emphasises the X2's sportiness.

The low roof also compromises cabin space when compared to the old BMW X1. The small windows and thick C-pillars make the rear of the X2 feel claustrophobic, while rearward visibility isn't great, but BMW has sensibly added standard-fit rear parking sensors.

The various storage cubbies around the cabin are lifted straight from the second-generation BMW X1, with a centre armrest cubby, a decent glovebox and door bins and a useful tray for storage ahead of the gear lever.

Size

The BMW X2 is 4,360mm long, 1,824mm long and 1,526mm high. In comparison, the BMW X1 is slightly longer, narrower and taller, but has the same wheelbase.

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Leg room, head room & passenger space

Leg and shoulder room is comparable to even the newest X1, but the X2's rakish roof line does limit rear headroom a little. The small windows and high door line also make it feel a little claustrophobic in the back.

Most crossovers and small SUVs trade on their ability to offer a commanding view of the road ahead, but the X2 isn't your typical SUV. The low-set driving position is very sporty, and emphasises its character as a sharp handling car. Still it's easy to get a comfortable driving position.

Boot

The BMW X2's 470-litre boot is equivalent to most family hatchback, but it's 60 litres less than you get with an Audi Q3 and 30 litres down on the new X1’s luggage area.Fold the back seats flat, and you get 1,355 litres of space, while there's room under the boot floor to add an optional space-saver spare wheel.

The X2 PHEV does lose a bit of luggage volume due to the battery, reducing the boot size by 60 litres to 410 litres – 25 litres larger than the Mercedes GLA PHEV’s boots. A powered tailgate is fitted as standard on all X2s, while there's additional storage nets in the rear cabin and boot.