BMW X2 vs Range Rover Velar
What's the difference?

BMW X2

$59,885 - $79,999

2024 price

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Range Rover Velar

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2024 price

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Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Summary

2024 BMW X2

2024 Range Rover Velar

By Tim Nicholson

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Bi Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.4L/100km (combined)

2.2L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

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Electric range

69 km

Battery capacity

19.20 kWh

Seating

Likes

Broad range of EV or petrol options
Attention-grabbing design
Excellent powertrains

External looks shout prestige
Comfortable and practical cabin
Pleasant on-road manners

Dislikes

Pricier than some rivals
Some options should be standard
Overly thick steering wheel

Not as well-specified as it should be
Optional styling can make the cabin look cheap and nasty
PHEV element will only work for those who regularly charge

2024 BMW X2 Summary

BMW’s original X2 crossover from 2018 was not a massive sales success in Australia. The related X1, however, was and continues to be a very popular pick in the ultra competitive premium small SUV class.

BMW has flipped the script for the second-generation X2, giving it a dramatic makeover that ushers in a bold design that’s now in keeping with its SUV strategy. That is to offer a ‘conventional’ SUV - X1, X3 and X5 - and then a coupe-style sibling - the X2, X4 and X6 - to sit alongside it.

Beyond the new look there are significant changes throughout the car, including the introduction of an all electric version - the iX2.

We drove the two flagship grades at the international launch in Lisbon, Portugal - the petrol-powered M35i xDrive, and the iX2 xDrive30. They might look the same, but they maintain their own distinct characters. Let’s dive in…

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2024 Range Rover Velar Summary

The new Range Rover Velar P400e Dynamic HSE, or P400e for short, is the first Velar offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. In theory, this should make it a solid contender for those wanting a luxury SUV that produces a smaller and greener footprint.

It’s not as big as its Range Rover siblings, so if you’re after a sleeker Rangie that can do some 'mild' adventuring on the weekends while still looking flash during the week, this may be the one you’re looking for.

It faces competition from the BMW X5, Volvo XC90 and… at a stretch, the Porsche Cayenne. I’ve spent a week with the mid-level P400e Velar to see how it stacks up for everyday use.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 BMW X2 2024 Range Rover Velar

Verdict

There is little doubt the new X2 represents a vast improvement over the original model. The design alone gives it a lot more presence.

More interior and boot space also helps widen the SUV’s appeal and the significant tech updates are welcome.

It is on the pricey side and there are a few too many options that should be standard.

However, the M35i is hard to ignore as a sporty premium crossover, and the iX2 xDrive30 is the sort of electric SUV that should worry Volvo.

They both have their own distinct flavours, so there’s no dud in this line-up. Of course, we will hold final thoughts for the local launch when we can drive all four grades. But until then, it’s a welcome return to form for the X2.

Verdict

The Range Rover Velar P400e looks damn sexy and is large enough to house your family comfortably while still being easy to manoeuvre around town.

But I’m not a fan of these luxury brands forcing you to pay extra for what should be standard features when you’re at this grade level and price point. This is a model I’d pay close attention to in terms of the optional trims required to maintain a high-end feel.

But the powertrain works quite well here and it has pleasant on-road manners.

BMW X2 vs Range Rover Velar What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW X2 vs Range Rover Velar
What's the difference?