BMW iX2: the electric SUV that Mbappé could 'drive' when he is a Real Madrid player

Kylian Mbappé is in luck. When the French forward becomes a Real Madrid footballer, if his signing is finally confirmed this summer (Spanish and French media take it for granted), he will have one more BMW model to choose from as a private vehicle to get around Madrid .

BMW and Real Madrid signed an agreement in July 2022 that makes the German brand the main sponsor and official vehicle supplier of the Madrid club. Since then, Real Madrid players can choose any model from the BMW electric range to attend their daily training sessions at the Valdebebas Sports City.

It is unlikely that Mbappé will drive his own car, since the 25-year-old footballer has not yet obtained his driving license due to lack of time and because he does not need it (he has traveled with a private driver since he was 17).

But what is really important about this news is that BMW has just expanded its catalog of 100% electric models, one of the most complete in the world, with the launch in Spain of the new BMW iX2, the electric version of the X2 coupe SUV.

The second generation of the BMW X2, the Bavarian brand's third coupe SUV after the BMW X4 and public aid or discounts).

We have just tested the new BMW iX2 xDrive30 along a route of more than 60 kilometers between Pozuelo de Alarcón and Robledo de Chavela, two municipalities in the Community of Madrid separated by a winding road and with more than 1,000 meters of accumulated positive slope. .

The iX2 xDrive30 is powered by two electric motors, one on each axle, which give it a combined power of 313 HP permanently transmitted to all four wheels (all-wheel drive).

With such power and an impressive maximum torque of 494 Nm, available almost instantly from zero revs, the BMW iX2 xDrive30 feels really agile despite its generous size (4.55 meters long by 1.85 wide and 1.56 high) and a fairly considerable weight (2,095 kg empty).

Its excellent performance says it all: it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 180 km/h. If the 'sprint' from 0 to 100 is already quite fast for an SUV with compact dimensions, the recoveries from 80 to 120 km/h are just as dynamic and convincing.

A lithium-ion battery with a total capacity of 66.5 kWh (64.7 useful) powers the two electric motors and provides a range of up to 449 kilometers in the WLTP combined cycle.

According to BMW, the combined consumption of the iX2 xDrive30 is 16.3 kWh/100 km, although the on-board computer of our test unit read 21.2 kWh/100 km at the end of the route between Pozuelo and Robledo de Chavela. Probably, the actual consumption would have been close to the figure approved by the brand if we had made the return journey with the same unit, but we did the second part of the route with the diesel variant of the new X2.

Although derived from the BMW X1 (it is the same car but with a coupe silhouette), the X2 is 5.4 centimeters longer than the current X1 and also grows almost 20 cm compared to the first previous model, so it also grows 2.1 cm in width and 6.4 cm in height.

In addition, its longer wheelbase (22 cm up to a total of 2.67 meters) and its wider tracks provide a larger interior space for both passengers (five seats) and the trunk, which has a maximum capacity of between 525 and 560 liters, depending on the model variant.

The cockpit features the latest version of the BMW iDrive display and operating system with QuickSelect quick access technology. Based on the BMW ID9 operating system, it is combined with the 21-inch curved display and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. The newly developed seats are comfortable and support the body well, and customers can optionally choose sports seats, electric adjustment with memory function, lumbar support and even massage.

Dual-zone automatic climate control, BMW Maps navigation and a leather sports steering wheel are standard on the new BMW 12 V in both the center console and the trunk. The panoramic glass sunroof, larger than the previous model, is optional as is the electric tow hitch.

Driver assistance systems have also been significantly increased and, as standard, include forward collision warning system, cruise control with braking function, speed limit information, lane departure warning with return lane control and parking assistant with reversing camera.

In addition to the BMW iX2 xDrive30, a 150 HP diesel version called the DGT.

In the summer of 2024, a second electric variant with front-wheel drive will be added to the range, the BMW iX2 xDrive20, which will have a starting price of 50,700 euros and will be eligible for aid from the Moves III plan (up to 7,000 euros bonus if scrapped an old car). It will be powered by a 204 HP electric motor with a range of up to 478 kilometers.

The top of the X2 range is the BMW

The prices of the new BMW X2 range between 45,800 euros for the 150 HP X2 sDrive18d and 72,200 euros for the The mild hybrid versions are available for 47,300 euros (with the sDrive20i gasoline engine) and 49,400 euros (the variant with the xDrive20d diesel engine).