Say Hello To The New 2021 BMW X2 Hybrid

The BMW X2 PHEV offers 220 hp and a 35-mile electric range.

Spy shots have already shown that BMW is preparing to give the X2 a mid-cycle facelift, just three years after the youthful compact crossover launched. But before the updated BMW X2 arrives, BMW is offering a new plug-in hybrid variant as part of the company's strategy to offer as many as 25 electrified models by 2023.

Launching in Europe this July, the BMW X2 xDrive25e is the latest BMW model to get the plug-in hybrid treatment. Like the BMW X1 xDrive25e, the BMW X2 xDrive25e is powered by a 1.5-liter three-cylinder combustion engine that sends 125 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque to the front axle through a six-speed Steptronic transmission. A 95-hp electric motor powers the rear wheel to create an all-wheel drive system. Combined, this setup generates 220 hp and 283 lb-ft of torque, enabling the X2 xDrive25e to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 6.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 121 mph.

Providing the juice is a 10.0 kWh battery stored under the rear seat providing an electric driving range of up to 35.42 miles based on the European WLTP test cycle. Using a domestic power outlet, the high-voltage battery can be fully recharged within around five hours and up to 80 percent in 3.8 hours. At a BMW i Wallbox charging station, it takes 3.2 hours to fully charge and 2.4 hours to charge up to 80 percent.

By storing the battery beneath the rear seats, cargo capacity has only been reduced slightly compared to conventionally-powered versions of the BMW X2. With the 40:20:40 seats folded down, the electrified X2 offers between 14.48 cubic feet and 45.56 cubic feet compared to 16.6 cubic feet and 48.85 cubic feet in the regular version.

To improve the aerodynamics, the X2 PHEV's suspension has been lowered by 0.3 inches compared to other versions. As we saw on prototypes, the front foglights have been removed, giving the BMW X2 PHEV a cleaner, more stylish look than the standard version. We'll have to wait and see if this change will be applied to the upcoming BMW X2 facelift. LED headlights are offered as standard.

Standard equipment for the BMW X2 xDrive25e includes an acoustic pedestrian protection warning, 17-inch light alloy wheels, two-zone automatic climate control and air conditioning, which can be remotely controlled using the BMW Connected smartphone app. In Europe, the BMW X2 xDrive25e will start at 47,250 Euro ($52,626).