2020 BMW X2 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Looking for a new luxury vehicle? Then you might've already checked out BMW's line-up. And the 2020 BMW X2 might have caught your eye. The subcompact X1 might be a little too small for your needs, but the X2 has a lot of space for a small luxury hatchback. Despite having some big blind spots and a smaller cargo area than average for its class, the X2 has a lot of spunk to it that warrants a closer look.

What's New for 2020?

Don't expect too many changes since the X2 was just released in 2019. The 2020 BMW X2 does get the formerly-optional 8.8-inch touchscreen display as standard for the model year, thereby unseating the 6.5-inch screen. Also, navigation now comes integrated into every trim level. Otherwise, everything is basically the same as it was in 2019.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 BMW X2 – The Pros

1. More Stylish Than the X1

The first thing you will likely note about the 2020 BMW X2 is that is much more stylish than the subcompact X1. And that is exactly what BMW was going for when they constructed the X2. While the X1 retains a much more traditional exterior style, the X2 goes for the sportier, more high-end sedan-like vibe with the obvious crossover appeal the farther you get from the front fascia. And it totally works. It has sleeker lines and a more aggressive front grille which lends to its fierce personality.

2. High-Quality Materials Inside and Out

Of course, BMW spared no expense when building the X2. While you will find some hard plastics on the inside, the upholstery is clearly expensive. Also, everything looks nicely polished along the well-organized dashboard. No control seems out of place, and the touchscreen display is in an easy-to-see spot for the driver. The exterior, as well as everything under the hood and body, are clearly also built to last.

3. Swift Acceleration

The 2020 BMW X2 has one of the best 2.0-L engines on the market right now. It is engineered to perfection, it seems. Need that mid-range torque to get up to speed and pass other vehicles on the highway? The X2's engine has it. In fact, this vehicle has been clocked going from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.4 seconds, a swift speed for this segment. You will not even lose steam on this engine until it gets revved at high rpms.

4. A Well-Design Steering System

The X2 has a smartly designed steering column that has a well-weighted steering wheel. The front wheels track straight on, and you will get a good feeling for exactly what they are doing. You will put in just the right amount of effort, even if you switch over to Sport mode, which typically requires more effort from the driver. If you gbet the M Sport steering wheel, you will not regret it. This optional steering wheel feels completely natural in your hands.

5. Spritely Handly

The 2020 BMW X2 has spunky handling capabilities, which is not something that you can find so easily in this segment. The vehicle remains stable at all times, never showing any signs of body roll. Also, it is spritely without being too punchy. Take this vehicle on a winding country road or keep it on smooth suburban pavement; wherever you take it, the X2 will have you feeling confident about how it is handling the road.

6. The 8-Speed Automatic Transmission

The 2.0-L engine is smartly paired up with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 8-speed seems to always know when to avoid downshifting and when it is necessary to downshift. Upshift and downshift in any of the vehicle's three modes, and you will always get smooth shifts between gears. Not once does it feel sluggish or like it is just searching for gears.

7. Easy-to-Use Climate Control

Not all climate control systems are designed to be user-friendly, but the 2020 BMW X2 gets an easy-to-use system that drivers and passengers alike should enjoy. If you are sitting in the rear seat, you get center-mounted vents that blow air toward you. And, of course, those sitting up front will quickly be cooled down or warmed up. Overall, it is a simple system that functions well and leaves everyone feeling cozy at just the right temperature.

8. A Parent-Friendly LATCH System

Parents, you have probably struggled with the LATCH system in other vehicles. It can feel like you're fighting a losing battle just to get to those pesky anchors. But the X2 makes it easy to get your child's car seat mount securely attached. The system's latches are all clearly marked and easy to access. Also, the rear doors are wide enough to get the seats in and out, and the back seat is accommodating for rear-facing child seats.

9. The Optional 12-Speaker Harman Kardon Sound System

The standard sound system is nothing to scoff at, but if you can, upgrade to the optional 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system. It pumps out some seriously crystal clear sound. You might end up feeling like you are listening to concert quality stuff. It does not even cost a whole lot to get this upgrade, so if you can swing it, it comes highly recommended by music lovers.

10. It is Easy to Find a Driving Position

Settle yourself into the cockpit of the 2020 BMW X2 and find out just how easily you can get into the right driving position. The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and the power-adjustable driver seat give you plenty of room to finagle a position. Whether you are a taller or shorter driver, you can find a cozy position and settle in quickly for a fun-filled ride.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 BMW X2 – The Cons

1. Lacks Cargo Space

The biggest pitfall to owning the 2020 BMW X2 will be, at least for many drivers, the lack of cargo space that is available. For this segment, the X2 does not offer a whole lot. The X1 gets 27.1 cubic feet of cargo space while the X2 only gets 21.6 cubes. It is a vast difference, and the low, sloping roofline is mostly to blame. At least the 40/20/40-split folding rear seat gives you a little bit more versatility. You just can't load bulky items into the X2's cargo area.

2. A Too-Stiff Ride Quality

The X2's ride quality might seem overly stiff for this segment. You have to be on a totally smooth road surface for the ride to not feel excessively stiff. On any broken pavement or roads that are formed with big concrete slabs, you will feel the suspension is way too firm. Opt for the adaptive suspension, and you might fare a tad better. But it takes ride comfort down multiple notches if you stick with the standard suspension. It is far below BMW's normal standards.

3. Smooth Stops Aren't Easy to Make

Don't expect to come to a smooth stop in the 2020 BMW X2. Applying the brakes in any normal driving situation shows a lack of fluidity, and it will leave the driver feeling a lot less confident in how the vehicle performs in standard stop-and-go city traffic. Only under great duress do the brakes perform well, and that shouldn't be the case at all. Again, BMW dropped the ball.

4. Smartphone App Integration is Lacking

A real kerfluffle here is the fact that you can only get Apple CarPlay free for one year. After that one-year subscription is up, you have to pay for it annually. Not cool, BMW. Oh, and if you have an Android phone? Forget about it. Android Auto is not available on the X2, making for a real head-scratcher.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2020 BMW X2 vs. 2020 BMW X1

The 2020 BMW X2 is the "big sister" tot he X1, but they really are having some sibling rivalry here. The X1 is a little bit cheaper, of course, so there's that. The turbocharged engine gives the X1 a lot of pep, and the handling capabilities are on par with the X2. The X1's cargo area is spacious, as is the rear seat. However, the X1 also has issues with an unpleasant ride quality and not remaining quiet when you take it up to speed on the highway.

2020 BMW X2 vs. 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is another tough competitor for the X2 and is even more competitively priced. If you opt for the AMG GLA 45, you will get a mind-blowing list of standard infotainment and safety features. Also, with its all-wheel drive and high ground clearance, the GLA-Class is a good all-weather vehicle. The drive is enjoyable, and the decent gas mileage makes it even sweeter. However, the GLA-Class suffers from a lack of cargo and rear seat space. It also has a too-firm ride quality.

Conclusion

The 2020 BMW X2 is still a fresh face on the luxury block, and it does need some refining. The suspension is definitely too firm for a luxury vehicle, and the cargo space is a bit subpar. Still, it has an enjoyable driving performance thanks to the well-paired 8-speed automatic transmission and 2.0-L engine. This vehicle is also pretty affordable, which makes it hard to pass by while searching for your next luxury crossover.