BMW X2 vs BMW X3

Since its inception in 2003, the BMW X3 has grown to become one of the brand’s top sellers. And starting with its second generation (circa 2010), the luxury compact crossover has been built at BMW Spartanburg—the automaker’s only United States manufacturing facility. Incidentally, because Spartanburg is the global producer of every gas-powered BMW crossover besides the X1 and X2, the plant also boasts the highest production numbers of any BMW plant worldwide. One can speculate that the popular X3 has a lot to do with that.

Last redesigned for 2018, the X3 receives a rather hefty mid-cycle refresh for 2022. Although the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid has been dropped from the lineup, updates to the remaining models include design tweaks, new engines, more technology, and an expanded suite of safety features.

Based on the BMW X1, the new 2024 X2 is an SUV coupe because it has a sloping roofline for a sportier appearance. However, the X2 is longer than the X1 and offers about the same passenger room and cargo space, so aside from its higher price, there isn’t a downside to choosing it over its boxier sibling. The 2024 BMW X2 comes in xDrive28i and more powerful M35i flavors with Sport or M Sport trim.

Verdict: Get the 2024 BMW X2 M35i for maximum driving fun because the X2 xDrive28i is disappointing in that respect. Simply put, the xDrive28i lacks the dynamism expected of a BMW, even with the M Sport upgrade. That makes it harder to overlook the X2’s awkward new styling and sometimes confusing controls.