Peter Lyon
February 10, 2024
BMW’s all-new iX2 may have been teased on the company’s Malaysian website in early February, but Thailand has managed to get the new electric SUV into its showrooms before us. At present, there is only one xDrive30 M Sport version available with a starting price of THB3.39 million (about RM451k).
Largely based on the iX1’s overall platform and design cues, the iX2 boasts a sportier appearance thanks to its slanted roofline.
Like its more upright sibling, the iX2 is made for individuals who demand more style. To that aim, it has a few extra features, such as a bigger kidney grille design and distinctive tail lights that may take some getting used to.
The standard M Sport option, which wears a pair of 20-inch alloy wheels and a more aggressive bumper design, gives the Thai-spec BMW iX2 even more aesthetic drama.
Despite its external attempts at differentiation, the BMW electric iX2’s cabin is essentially the same as the iX1’s. It features the same understated dashboard design using BMW’s Curved Display, which features a 10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment display and a 10.25-inch instrument cluster.
Similar to the iX1, the drive controls are situated on a “floating” centre console, but as the iDrive rotary dial is no longer present, all operations must be performed using the touch screen. Other interior features on the car headed for Thailand (and potentially Malaysia) include a head-up display, a wireless charging pad, a 205W Harman Kardon sound system, and a panoramic sunroof.
Boasting the same single powertrain option as the iX1, the EV employs a dual-motor setup on the xDrive30 version that allows the small SUV to have all-wheel drive while producing 313 hp and 494 Nm of torque. Quick off the mark, the iX2 sprints from zero to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.
The iX2 xDrive30 has a driving range of up to 449 km (WLTP) when paired with a 64.8 kWh battery. Using the 22 kW on-board AC charger that comes standard on the Thai-spec vehicle, charging takes just under 3.5 hours. But more importantly, the BMW iX2 can accept up to 130 kW of input power via DC, taking about 29 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%.
Unlike the X1, the iX2 is not currently available with an internal combustion engine option in Thailand. However, if the former is anything to go by, we can also expect a petrol version soon.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
To be honest, we think the iX2’s more subtle front end looks a lot better than the original iX, and its size, power, and price all bode well for a strong presence in the local market. The sharp-looking iX2 is already making appearances on BMW Malaysia’s website, so we can expect to see it on our streets within the next few months.
