New cheaper BMW iX2 eDrive20 brings the coupe-SUV within easier reach

The BMW iX2 has been on sale for a few months, yet the only powertrain available has been the dual-motor xDrive30, which starts from a lofty £57,445.

A new version of BMW’s entry-level coupe-SUV has now arrived, though, with a single electric motor powering the front axle and (almost) 300 miles of range.

Badged the BMW iX2 eDrive20, this new model is available to order now, with prices starting from £50,710 - which still makes it around £5,000 more expensive than a Volkswagen ID.5. It is slightly cheaper than an Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron, although that car is more powerful and can go further on a charge.

Speaking of range, the lack of a thirsty second electric motor means that despite using the same 64.78 kWh (useable) battery pack as the xDrive30, the front-wheel drive iX1 eDrive20 can manage a maximum of 297 miles on a single charge, depending on the exact specification. Rapid charging speeds of up to 130kW are the same as for the dual-motor car, meaning the eDrive20 can be charged from 10-80% in as little as 29 minutes provided you find a suitable public charger.

Of course, the trade-off for this lower price and longer range is that of performance; while the 313bhp BMW iX2 xDrive30 can do 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds, the 201bhp eDrive20 completes the same feat exactly three seconds slower (8.6 seconds). Top speed is also reduced to 106mph from 112mph in the dual-motor car.

No matter which powertrain you choose, the sleeker BMW iX2 is only available in M Sport guise, unlike the more conventional BMW iX1 which can also be ordered in Sport and xLine forms. 

Standard equipment is strong – as you’d hope for a BMW costing over 50 grand – with all cars getting LED exterior lighting, BMW’s Veganza vegan leather and suede upholstery, heated front seats, adaptive suspension and a reversing camera. The iX2 also gets BMW’s latest iDrive 9 infotainment system which comprises two screens mounted alongside each other in one ‘Curved Panel’.