Opt for electric or gasoline in this crossover without hesitation

Estimated Price: Over 400,000 shekelsCompetitors: Audi Q3 Sportback, Mercedes EQA, Volvo C40, Mini Countryman, Genesis GV60Liked, (iX2 electric): Sporty design, passenger compartment, practicality, engine power and driving refinementDisliked (iX2 electric): Ride comfort, driving range

Liked (M2 35i gasoline): Sporty handling, exterior design, passenger compartment, practicality.Disliked (M2 35i gasoline): Despite everything, it's not a pure M

Score: 9.5/10 gasoline, 8.0/10 electric

The embarrassing truth is that after driving the electric iX2 in the morning, I was less eager to grab the wheel of the gasoline version; I was a bit tired from the flights, lunch was heavy. The electric was fine but it didn't particularly excite me, and for a moment I thought about slumping into the right passenger seat. But after a slight hesitation, I sat behind the wheel, started the car, and we were on our way.

Not even 300 meters had passed when I floored the right pedal; the 2.0-liter engine sprang to life, the four exhausts grumbled angrily, and the green machine flew towards the first turn. Old sensations awoke within me, creating an immediate connection between the gas pedal and the steering wheel and my adrenaline glands. Within a few seconds, a sudden craving for pure driving emerged, and the M2 35i revealed itself as an exciting driving machine that communicates with you in an ancient language. The steering is sharp and communicative, the suspension easily copes with the curb weight, the brakes bite, the car speaks to you at every turn, braking, and acceleration.

My fatigue dissipated like the fumes of gasoline escaping from the exhaust, because indeed - this is a genuine BMW, as we've always loved. The purists might say that it's not a fully low and tight M2, because, after all, we are talking about a raised crossover. But in relation to heavy electric crossovers, the X2 M35 is indeed a very enjoyable car.

Don't get me wrong - the electric iX2 is also fast and of high quality, leaning on the sporty DNA of the Bavarian manufacturer. But there is no denying it weighs 325 kilograms more than the gasoline version; it's as if you have four hidden passengers in the back seat swaying back and forth, right and left with every turn or braking. We talk a lot about the disadvantages of the high weight of modern electric cars, but for me, this was the first time I could sample side by side almost identical cars, differing only in the propulsion section. The double test illustrated in the best way what price we pay for the heavy batteries that drive modern electric vehicles.

The versatile UKL platform allows BMW to mount both propulsion versions on the same production line and to meet market demands in different countries, according to the level of electrification in each of the markets. BMW believes that most X2s will be supplied with electric propulsion in the future, while the share of gasoline and diesel will continue to diminish. The X2 will arrive in Israel around mid-2024, with electric and gasoline propulsion. At this stage, it is still unclear which versions will be available.

The manufacturer offers two electric versions: the powerful iX2 30 that we drove (313 hp and 5.6 seconds from 0 to 100), which will arrive later this year, and the iX2 20 with a power of 204 hp and front-wheel drive only. In the gasoline segment, we drove the exciting X2 M35i xDrive (300 hp, 5.4 seconds from 0 to 100). Later in 2024, the X2 20 with 170 hp and front-wheel drive will arrive. There are other gasoline and diesel versions that will not come to Israel.

Design: The second generation of the X2 is about 20 centimeters longer than the outgoing model; it is also wider and taller. The squared crossover shape of the outgoing X2 and X1 was replaced by a sleek and elegant body, a kind of Coupe crossover standing on heels. The outgoing model's rounded curves and chrome decorations were replaced by a clean front that is sculpted with more decisive lines, with minimalist and clean design. The kidney grille has shrunk slightly; below it is a large air intake. At the launch, both models (the electric in concrete gray, the gasoline in glowing green) were wearing 20-inch rims and 245/40R20 tires. These are optional tires with a pronounced sporty look; the standard tires are 245/45R19.

From the side view, the sloping rear part of the roof stands out. It's elegant and conveys a sporty atmosphere, for those who are not interested in the squared structure of the X1. The X2 will not turn heads in the street, but it is a very edgy urban car, emitting an adequate degree of sporty aggressiveness. The gasoline M35 version comes with all the symbols of M cars: M badges front and rear, four angry exhaust outlets, a relatively pronounced rear spoiler. The grille of the electric model is framed by a bright border that lights up at night to highlight the traditional kidney grille. The M boasts a black grille with the option to close the air openings, in particularly cold weather. The electric model comes with the sporty M-Sport decoration package.

Passenger compartment: The X2 provides enough interior space for four adult passengers, albeit not with ample width. The sport seats offer excellent body support with electric adjustment that includes lateral support changes, heating, and even a back massage. The feeling is of high-quality luxury and technology, with a curved display that includes a 10.25-inch gauge cluster for the driver and a main 10.7-inch multimedia screen. With the new OS9 operating system, the quality of the screens and cameras is excellent and their response is fast; but the lack of physical switches requires navigating through menus. In this spirit, the iDrive controller has also disappeared, which even it was more intuitive. There are many shortcuts on the screens, but we still prefer plastics that can be pressed, without looking away from the road.

With an extended wheelbase, there is excellent knee room in the back, although the sloping roof may interfere with tall people, especially in the electric model, where the floor is slightly higher. The trunk has a respectable volume of 525 to 1,400 liters (without a spare wheel). The rear passengers get charging sockets and air conditioning outlets. The seating is high and commanding and the outward visibility is good, despite the front roof beam interfering with the forward diagonal view. The insulation and upholstery materials are excellent and the workmanship is flawless, as we have come to expect from the German manufacturer. The dominant colors in the passenger compartment are black and a selection of dark greys; despite a richness of textures, aluminum finishes, and graphic motif printing, this is a rather muted passenger compartment. The passenger compartment of the M35 is a bit more cheerful with Alcantara leather upholstery and padding (also black), M decorations in red-blue hues, decorative stitching, and safety belts adorned with M colors, and sporty seats.

Electric Motor - Performance, Range, and Charging: The IX2 xDrive30 is equipped with two electric motors delivering 313 horsepower and 49.4 kgm, with constant all-wheel drive. The 64.7 kWh battery is supposed to last for 450 kilometers, but during our test, we only achieved a range of about 315 kilometers; it can be assumed that with routine use, the actual range would reach 350-420 km. It's not bad, although there are competitors that will go further. At a maximum charging rate of 130 kW, the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.

The electric motors provide very strong and linear acceleration, operating quietly and smoothly. The acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes 5.6 seconds, which is completely satisfying although there are competitors offering much more power for less money. A Boost switch allows for an extra burst of power for 10 seconds. The car emits a synthetic acceleration sound from the speakers, which can be muted. You can choose between three driving styles that affect the engine responses and steering; the driver has no control over the operation of the adaptive suspensions. Selecting the charging level is done through the multimedia screen, which requires some digging.

For those who desire the IX2 but are willing to forgo the sporty performance, a tamer version, the iX2 xDrive20, will be released down the line. The 20 will make do with a single engine driving the front wheels, with an output of 201 horsepower - it doesn't rip up asphalt but is good enough for every routine customer. The 20 will be cheaper than the version we drove and will have softer suspensions, with a driving range about 50 kilometers greater than the powerful test version. It is definitely an interesting option.

Gasoline Engine - Performance and Fuel Consumption: The 2.0-liter gasoline engine delivers 300 horsepower and 40 kg-m of torque. This is slightly less than the electric version, but the gasoline version weighs 1,695 kg compared to 2,020 kg in the electric version. Acceleration to 100 km/h will take only 5.4 seconds, and the feeling on the helm is very different: while the electric motor pushes the car with a steady and smooth force, the gasoline engine roars and growls, the RPMs rise and fall, the gearbox vibrates, the exhaust pipes bellow with every gear change. At first, this behavior seems a bit primitive and stuttering - why make such an effort, when you can do the same thing in perfect and continuous silence?

But suddenly you realize that it's actually great fun, the sounds and drama are an important part of the experience and the communication between driver and machine. Driving a sporty gasoline car involves the driver in every gear change and engine braking, these are sensations that have completely disappeared in the electric era. The sharp steering and brake bite are much better than what is common in the electric world, into which we are rapidly being drawn.

In relaxed driving, the gasoline engine demonstrates calm and pleasant behavior while maintaining a smooth and refined acceleration. I guess that someone who buys a BMW M isn't too excited about fuel consumption; the manufacturer claims about 12.5 km/l, we only got out 7.5 km/l.

Comfort and Road Behavior: The driving comfort of the electric iX2 is derived from its high own weight and the sporty 245/40R20 tires, which stiffen the vehicle's responses. On any road that is not excellent, the car jolts sharply, and large potholes require slowing down significantly. The base 245/45R19 tires will improve the ride comfort, but not significantly. Beyond that, the car is highly refined, quiet, and built to the highest standard. Wind noises start to appear relatively early. The road behavior allows for fast driving even on mountain roads, but there is something alien in the quiet linearity with which the engine operates and in the steering that does not have much feedback. We enjoyed the drive but there is no real news here, in the sporty spirit of BMW.

Things change when we switch to the fiery M235i. Since it is elevated on crossover heels, it is no longer a pure M, but despite this, it is very easy to enjoy the petrol version. Ride comfort is less good at low speeds, but once you start speeding up, it becomes relatively comfortable - and even if it jolts you occasionally, you are willing to accept it with love, aboard such a finely tuned driving machine. The M235i communicates with you, easily finds its place on the road, and is highly rewarding. There's a noticeable light steering wheel fight during initial acceleration, but it's easy to control. The brakes bite well, the steering is precise, and all this goodness you receive in a practical and family-friendly vehicle. All X2 models are equipped with the Bavarian manufacturer's best safety features.

The bottom line: Two X2 versions join their older sisters, X4 and X6, creating BMW's coupe crossover line. As excited as I am about the sporty petrol version, I reckon it won't be the most sought after. The M235i is suitable for the dynamic driver who needs to drop off the kids at school and do some grocery shopping, but occasionally wants to take a secretive spin on his favorite driving road. For such playful use, the M235i is an excellent solution.

But most people don't go out in the evening to wear down tires in the Jerusalem mountains. They will want the luxury brand and its image, the sporty design and external dimensions that allow easy city navigation. The electric driving range will satisfy most customers, and the X2 remains practical and family-oriented, even if not quite like its X1 brother. With its expected relatively high price, BMW's sporty crossover will not flood the streets, but it will find its loyal customers.

The writer was a guest of BMW in Portugal.