BMW iX1 U11 vs BMW X2 F39

BMW iX1

U11 · 2022 – 2026

The first-generation iX1 (U11), BMW’s fully electric compact SUV on the FAAR platform.

BMW X2

F39 · 2017 – 2023

The first-generation X2 (F39), on the UKL2 platform shared with the X1 and MINI Countryman.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW iX1

Pick the U11 for BMW’s smallest electric SUV with a usable 490-litre boot and the punchy dual-motor xDrive30.

Best engine: The xDrive30 (313 hp, dual motor) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

BMW X2

Pick the F39 if you want coupé style and sporty driving in a compact crossover — accepting a smaller boot and tighter rear headroom than the X1.

Best engine: The B48 20i (192 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

xDrive30 · Electric vs sDrive20i · Petrol

	BMW iX1	BMW X2
Power	313 hp Winner	192 hp
Torque	494 Nm Winner	280 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,6 s Winner	7,4 s
Top speed	180 km/h	227 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	150,1 hp/t Winner	118,9 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	146 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	6,4 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW iX1	BMW X2
Boot	490 L Winner	470 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.495 L Winner	1.355 L
Wheelbase	2,69 m Winner	2,67 m
Length	4,50 m	4,36 m
Ground clearance	17,0 cm	18,2 cm
Turning circle	11,9 m	11,3 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.200 kg	1.800 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX1	BMW X2
Platform	FAAR (electric)	UKL2 (front-wheel-drive base)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	Single front motor (eDrive20) · dual front + rear motors (xDrive30)	B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 petrol · B37/B47 diesel
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	7-speed DCT · 8-speed automatic
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW iX1

OS8/OS9 software: connectivity and CarPlay glitches (mostly fixed via update)
IBS recall (2022–2024): brake assist/ABS — verify via VIN
12V battery can drain when parked or with frequent app use

BMW X2

B48 oil-filter housing gasket leaks and possible coolant-oil mixing
B47 EGR cooler: fire-risk recall (verify completed)
Plastic coolant lines and expansion tank

Pros

BMW iX1

Fifth-generation eDrive motors are notably efficient
Large usable battery (~65 kWh) with 430–514 km WLTP range
xDrive30 delivers 313 hp with all-wheel drive

BMW X2

B48 20i (192 hp) is refined, responsive and the sweet spot
M35i (306 hp) delivers hot-hatch pace in a crossover
Quick, direct steering — drives like a raised hot hatch

Cons

BMW iX1

DC fast charging peaks around 130 kW — slower than some rivals
Regenerative braking takes getting used to in Efficient mode

BMW X2

Wind noise around A-pillars and mirrors at speed
Boot and rear headroom smaller than the X1

Driving experience

BMW iX1

Quiet, refined and responsive in typical EV fashion. Instant torque makes it feel brisk in traffic. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted for a crossover; body control is good and the car feels planted. The xDrive30 (dual motor) is notably quicker and more secure in poor conditions; the eDrive20 (front-drive) is lighter and more efficient. Regenerative braking is strong in Efficient mode and takes some getting used to. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) helps, but the car can feel firm on poor Belgian roads, especially with larger wheels. Overall a capable, composed electric crossover rather than a pure driver’s car.

BMW X2

The F39 is more engaging than a conventional compact SUV. Steering is quick and direct, body control is good, and the car feels agile and planted on twisty roads, especially with M Sport suspension and larger wheels. Ride is firm — acceptable on smooth roads but it can feel busy and thumpy over Belgian cobbles, patched asphalt or motorway expansion joints. The B48 20i is the sweet spot: refined, responsive and willing without being harsh. The 18i is adequate but coarser; the M35i is properly quick and sounds more purposeful. Diesels are strong and refined for the class. Noise levels are good at speed, though wind noise can be noticeable around the A-pillars and mirrors. Overall it drives more like a raised hot hatch than a soft family crossover.