BMW X2 F39 vs BMW X4 F26
BMW X2
F39 · 2017 – 2023
The first-generation X2 (F39), on the UKL2 platform shared with the X1 and MINI Countryman.
BMW X4
F26 · 2014 – 2018
The first-generation X4 (F26), on the F25 X3 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 X4
Pick the F26 only with documented N20 chain work or a later build — otherwise the timing-chain risk is real.
Performance
sDrive20i · Petrol vs xDrive28i · Petrol
| BMW X2 | BMW X4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
192 hp
|
245 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
280 Nm
|
350 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,4 s
|
6,4 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
227 km/h
|
232 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
118,9 hp/t
|
136,5 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
146 g/km
Winner
|
179 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,4 L/100km
Winner
|
7,2 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW X2 | BMW X4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
470 L
|
500 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.355 L
|
1.400 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,67 m
|
2,81 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,36 m
|
4,67 m
|
| Ground clearance |
18,2 cm
|
20,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,3 m
Winner
|
11,9 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.800 kg
|
2.000 kg
Winner
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW X2 | BMW X4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | UKL2 (front-wheel-drive base) | F25 (F26, xDrive) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 petrol · B37/B47 diesel | N20/N55 petrol · N47/B47 · N57 diesel |
| Transmission | 7-speed DCT · 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 6 |
| 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
- N20 timing chain and tensioner (biggest risk)
- Electric water pump and coolant loss
- Oil-filter housing and valve-cover leaks
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
- First X4: more aggressive style than the X3 F25
- N55 (35i) is the reliable petrol choice
- B47 diesel (20d/25d) much improved over N47
Cons
- Wind noise around A-pillars and mirrors at speed
- Boot and rear headroom smaller than the X1
- N20 cold-start chain rattle is a warning sign
- Sloping roof limits rear headroom
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 X4
More dynamic than a standard X3 of the same generation. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted, body control is good, and the car feels planted and secure with xDrive. It is engaging for a crossover but not a pure sports car — weight and the higher centre of gravity are noticeable when pushed. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) helps balance firmness and comfort. The N55 petrol sixes (35i/M40i) deliver strong, linear performance and a characterful engine note. The N20 four-cylinder petrols are competent but less refined. Diesels (especially the N57 sixes) offer strong low-end torque and effortless cruising. Overall a stylish, capable crossover that prioritises road presence and dynamics over maximum practicality.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
