BMW X2 F39 vs BMW X3 G01
BMW X2
F39 · 2017 – 2023
The first-generation X2 (F39), on the UKL2 platform shared with the X1 and MINI Countryman.
BMW X3
G01 · 2017 – 2024
The third-generation X3 (G01), on the CLAR platform.
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.
BMW X3
Pick the X3 for sharp handling, a big boot and strong engines in a premium mid-size SUV.
Performance
sDrive20i · Petrol vs B48 20i · Petrol
| BMW X2 | BMW X3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
192 hp
Winner
|
184 hp
|
| Torque |
280 Nm
|
290 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,4 s
Winner
|
8,3 s
|
| Top speed |
227 km/h
Winner
|
215 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
118,9 hp/t
Winner
|
105,4 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
146 g/km
Winner
|
154 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,4 L/100km
Winner
|
6,8 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW X2 | BMW X3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
470 L
|
550 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.355 L
|
1.600 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,67 m
|
2,86 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,36 m
|
4,71 m
|
| Ground clearance |
18,2 cm
|
20,4 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,3 m
Winner
|
12,0 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.800 kg
|
2.000 kg
Winner
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW X2 | BMW X3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | UKL2 (front-wheel-drive base) | CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 petrol · B37/B47 diesel | B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 30e PHEV |
| Transmission | 7-speed DCT · 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 6d-TEMP |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- 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
- EGR cooler can leak on B47 diesels
- Transfer case (xDrive) judder on early cars
- Adaptive dampers need checking at high mileage
Pros
- 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
- Sharp handling from rear-wheel drive
- Big boot & roomy rear seat
- Strong, efficient B-series engines
Cons
- Wind noise around A-pillars and mirrors at speed
- Boot and rear headroom smaller than the X1
- Firm ride on M Sport (run-flat)
- Pricier than most rivals
Driving experience
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.
BMW X3
Poised, accurate and remarkably car-like for an SUV. Steering is quick, well-weighted and precise, body control taut, and the X3 corners with the composure of a lower, lighter car. xDrive brings tenacious all-weather grip and a neutral, rear-biased balance, while the rare sDrive is lighter and more playful. Adaptive suspension keeps it composed on rough roads, if a touch firm on big wheels. The B48/B58 petrols are smooth and eager, the B47/B57 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed, and the xDrive30e plug-in glides on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick, seamless and always in the right gear. Overall a polished, driver-focused SUV that shrinks around you on a good road.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
