Used BMW X2 for sale: everything you need to know

The BMW X2 has emerged as a stylish option in the crossover SUV market, offering handsome looks and a premium badge on the bonnet. This has rightly made it a popular choice for UK drivers. 

The X2 is not without its rivals though, including the MINI Countryman that it shares a platform with. There are also the Audi A3 Sportback, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volvo XC40 to consider. The Jaguar E-Pace is another contender, as are the Lexus UX and Range Rover Evoque. And don’t forget the BMW X1, which the sportier X2 is based upon. 

If you are considering a used BMW X2, keep reading for all the information you need to know. Why not check out the choice of models available on heycar, too?

Should you buy a BMW X2? 

The X2 is a very desirable compact crossover, with many characteristics that will appeal to UK drivers. Depending on your requirements for practicality, the X2 could certainly be one of the more stylish BMWs to have parked on your drive. 

In comparison to the more traditional BMW X1 SUV, BMW has ensured the X2 looks cooler and less upright. The makeover includes a lowered roofline that tapers towards the tailgate, along with smaller rear windows to enhance the coupe feel. In truth, it makes the X2 resemble a giant five-door hatchback, rather than a true coupe, but a handsome one at that.

The knock-on effect of the coupe-esque styling is, for passengers in the rear of the X2, a reduction in available headroom. Two adults should be able to fit on the rear bench, but children will fit far more easily.

With its large, hatchback-style tailgate, the X2 does manage to be practical when it comes to boot space. With the rear seats up, the total of 470 litres of capacity is only 35 litres less than the equivalent BMW X1. 

Where the X2 shines is in terms of handling. From a low-slung seating position to sharp steering and impressive levels of feedback, this is an SUV coupe that will genuinely put a smile on your face. The performance M35i has the feel of an overgrown hot hatchback, and even regular M Sport models are engaging to drive. Just beware the stiffer ride of these versions.

Provided you do not need the extra space of a more upright SUV, the BMW X2 delivers in almost every area. It feels luxurious on the inside, comes with a respectable range of standard equipment, and features a wide selection of engines. Having a plug-in hybrid option also adds to the appeal.

A BMW X2 not for you? We've got 1000s of used cars for sale to suit all budgets and needs.

What's the best used BMW X2 model to buy?

There’s a pretty even split between petrol and diesel BMW X2s on the used market so you’ll have to decide which will meet your needs better. Diesels are better suited to motorway driving, providing more power from low down in the rev range - meaning you won’t have to thrash the car down a slip road or shift gears when changing lanes.

If you spend more of your time driving in town or cover low annual miles, we’d recommend one of the petrols. With 140PS, the entry-level 18i is fine if you’re not fussed about outright performance, although you’ll find a wider choice of 20i models. With 190PS, this is more fun to drive and makes overtaking on open roads easier. 

Entry-level BMW X2 SE and Sport models are actually the most comfortable thanks to their standard suspension. Plenty of buyers will be tempted by the flashy looks of the M Sport or M Sport X trim levels, but you’ll have to be prepared for a firmer ride provided by the lowered suspension. If you want a hot-hatch-like small SUV, consider the BMW X2 M35i. Or do it properly and just buy the hot hatch M135i...

Used BMW X2 fuel economy and performance

Depending on the model chosen, used buyers have a choice of sDrive front-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive for the BMW X2. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard on lower models, with an eight-speed automatic used for the rest of the range.

• BMW X2 18i: Offered only as an sDrive model, the 18i uses a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, with a seven-speed dual-clutch unit optional. With 136PS, it delivers a 0-62mph time of less than 10 seconds, with potential fuel economy of up to 45.6mpg.
• BMW X2 20i: The 20i petrol engine is sold in both sDrive and xDrive forms, with an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard. The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 178PS, cutting the 0-62mph time to 7.7 seconds. Depending on the options chosen, average fuel economy peaks at 43.5mpg.
• BMW X2 18d: The entry-level 18d diesel uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, making a useful 150PS. It is offered in both sDrive and xDrive formats, with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard and a seven-speed dual-clutch auto optional. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in just over nine seconds and average up to 54.3mpg.
• BMW X2 20d: For more diesel power, the 20d uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 190PS. As a result, the 0-62mph sprint takes less than eight seconds, while average fuel economy drops only slightly to 51.4mpg. It is sold in xDrive guise only. 
• BMW X2 25e: The plug-in hybrid X2 combines a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor. This results in standard all-wheel drive, and the ability to travel on battery power alone for more than 32 miles. With a total of 220PS, the 0-62mph sprint takes less than seven seconds. 
• BMW X3 M35i: As the performance flagship in the X2 range, the M35i features a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine. With 306PS in total, it is by far the quickest model, hitting 62mph in less than five seconds. Naturally, fuel economy takes a hit, with an average of 36.7mpg.

What used BMW X2 trim levels are available?

The BMW X2 is available with a range of trim levels, including a range-topping performance model. Most can also be found with optional xDrive four-wheel drive.

• BMW X2 SE: The SE comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, automatic wipers and headlights, and cruise control. It also has a powered tailgate, dual zone climate control, Isofix child seat mounts in the back and front passenger seats, DAB radio, and sat-nav.
• BMW X2 Sport: Now the entry-level version for the X2, Sport trim includes features such as LED headlights, plus front and rear parking sensors. Important items like satellite navigation and Apple CarPlay connectivity are standard, as is climate control air-con.
• BMW X2 M Sport: For more dynamic looks inside and out, the M Sport adds larger alloy wheels and a bespoke body kit to the X2. The cabin benefits from heated M Sport seats, along with a black headlining and aluminium interior trim. M Sport models also gain lowered sports suspension.
• BMW X2 M Sport X: Similar to the M Sport in most respects, the X version has its own 19-inch alloy wheel design, aluminium roof rails, and aluminium finish for its exterior trim. Inside, this model has a pearlescent finish for its aluminium trim in place of Estoril Blue, and there is leather upholstery rather than Alcantara and cloth.
• BMW X2 M35i: The performance M35i model comes with a host of unique additions, such as a front grille and side mirror caps finished in Cerium Grey. Upgraded suspension and brakes are standard, as are 20-inch alloy wheels and even an M-branded engine cover. On the inside are more M badges, and even M Sport striped seatbelts.

Used BMW X2 dimensions and boot size

The BMW X2’s exterior dimensions are: 

• Length: 4360mm
• Width: 1824mm
• Height: 1526mm
• Ground clearance: 180mm

The BMW X2’s boot space is:

• 470 litres
• 1355 litres with rear seats folded

Used BMW X2 road tax

Launched in 2018, most versions of the BMW X2 will cost £180 for a year's road tax. However, the hybrid 25e models qualifies for an alternative fuel vehicle discount, so you'll only pay £170 for the same year's worth of road tax for this model at the time of writing. Some models will also attract the £390 surcharge for cars that cost more than £40,000 when new, so it pays to check this before doing the deal on a used X2.

How much is it to insure a BMW X2? 

Despite being a premium-badged SUV, the BMW X2 should be relatively affordable when it comes to insurance. The wide range of engine and trim options means a broad span of insurance groups, starting with the X2 sDrive18i in insurance group 22 (out of 50). M Sport models start from group 23. The plug-in hybrid xDrive25e is rated in group 30 and upwards, while the range-topping M35i is in group 40.

Read our full BMW X2 review