What's the difference?
Following its global launch in February this year, the second-generation 'U10' 2024 BMW X2 and iX2 have landed in Australia.
The coupe SUV range comprises four variants with turbo-petrol and pure electric models sitting alongside each other in showrooms with precious few visual differences.
That'll either be a good or bad thing, depending on how much you want to parade your choice to go for current or combustion.
More clear cut is the X2's new – and more sensible – position in BMW's SUV line-up. Rather than a quirky curio that's smaller and less practical than the X1, the 20cm longer gen-two X2 finally makes sense in BMW's X line-up.
To see if the driving experience and build quality live up the shiny new exterior, we've been invited to Tasmania to sample the new car's attributes on typically testing (and picturesque) roads.
The Lexus RX holds broad appeal. Families with a bit of money that don’t need a third seating row, older people who love the brand and want a bit of space, and people stepping up into the premium marque from a mainstream brand are all potential buyers.
The fifth-generation version that launched in early 2023 proved to be a significant step up over the previous RX.
Lexus made it more dynamically capable, and there’s been a sharpened focus on refinement, value-for-money and safety credentials.
We spent three weeks getting to know the most affordable RX - the entry-grade Lexus RX350h Luxury two-wheel drive - to see whether it’s worth putting it at the top of your premium family SUV shopping list.
The second-generation BMW X2 is leagues better than the car it replaces. It now sits nicely in BMW's line-up and offers genuinely tempting electric variants.
This isn't an affordable car by any means but next to rivals from Mercedes-Benz and Volvo, the well-equipped iX2 xDrive30 feels a complete package.
Similarly, the entry-level xDrive20i petrol is a very compelling choice with a comfortable ride and sporty drive.
We'd skip the contrived M35i unless your heart is set on going quickly in a straight line. With the thinking cap on, it's also hard to make a case for the X2 over the objectively better (and more affordable) X1. Then there's the more spacious, powerful, efficient and cheaper Tesla Model Y.
That's not really the point of this car, though. It'll never sell in as many numbers as the X1. Those who love its fastback styling will be pleasantly surprised by the new X2. It does what it says on the tin, marrying the BMW badge with a sporty drive and daring style.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.
Itβs hard to look past the value equation of the RX350h Luxury 2WD when comparing it to almost all its competitors. The pricing is on point, but there are some features missing.
However, there are very few (if any) rivals with a true hybrid powertrain (sorry, mild hybrids do not count), so the RX will capture buyers looking for environmental credentials and efficiency without going full EV.
The drive experience is much better than before and itβs all wrapped up in a very stylish package. The Lexus RX should not be ignored.