BMW X2 2026 review: sDrive20i | Mercedes-Benz GLA rival tested

Here’s a mildly deflating fact.

Outperforming BMW’s brilliant 3 Series, the X2 is the one-time “Ultimate Driving Machine” brand’s fourth best-selling model in Australia, behind three more SUVs, the X5, X3 and X1.

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But a week in the newly revised and de-specced base sDrive20i M Sport forced us to reassess our attitude.

What’s new with the 2026 BMW X2 sDrive20i M Sport

Not much visually, given that the second-gen version only landed in 2024, remains quite fresh, and still possesses the same surprised-looking nose and somewhat odd proportions. The X1 is prettier.

However, mechanical updates see new cleaner Euro 6e powertrains.

These include a switch in the base X2 from the $77,300 (all prices are before on-road costs) xDrive20i M Sport with a 150kW/300Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine and all-wheel drive (AWD), to a $72,800 125kW/280Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo unit with 48-volt mild-hybrid electrification and front-wheel drive (FWD).

Remember back in the 2000s when BMW ribbed rivals for being FWD…

Note that, to reinstate four cylinders and AWD in an X2, you’ll now need to spend an extra $20K for the (albeit more-powerful) M35i xDrive AWD from $96,700. Sneaky.

What the 2026 BMW X2 sDrive20i M Sport comes with

Equipment levels include:

• Adaptive LED headlights

• Adaptive cruise control, as part of a long list of standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)

• Head-up display

• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

• Wireless smartphone charger

• BMW’s connected services subscription service with emergency callout

• Digital key with auto entry with walkaway lock

• Artificial suede and leather upholstery

• Heated and powered front sports seats with driver’s side memory

• Sat-nav with augmented view

• Surround-view reverse camera with auto-parking assist

• Powered tailgate

• xLine sports body kit and interior package

• 19-inch alloy wheels

Our car is fitted with a $6500 Enhancement Package, which adds metallic paint, sunroof, 12-speaker audio upgrade, front-seat lumbar with massage function and a heated steering wheel.

Or, in other words, nearly $90K drive-away for a base X2 FWD. Oof.

Why the 2026 BMW X2 sDrive20i M Sport interior is special

That said, the interior presentation really is up to brand expectations.

Getting in and out isn’t too bad for a sleekly silhouetted SUV, and once in, the front row feels both vast and cosy all at once.

Much of that has to do with the utterly superb bolstered front seats, that hold and caress you in all the right ways, whilst providing vast legroom.

Unsurprisingly, the X2’s driving position is first class, with thoughtful access to all the main controls, starting with the gear shifter, which is surely one of the best in the business.

The same applies to the auto climate set-up and performance, offering each occupant the luxury of personal temperature control. And storage is downright abundant.

Quick and crystal clear, the extended curved display screen features one of the best multimedia operating systems in the business, with set-and-forget connectivity and bombastic audio quality.

The back of the 2026 BMW X2 sDrive20i M Sport is not bad either

Moving into the back-seat area, headroom should also be fine for most folk, despite the fastback roofline and small-ish apertures, and legroom is OK too.

The comfy seats offer a nicely shaped cushion and reclinable backrest, along with access to a full array of expected amenities.

These, together with a tight fit and finish, compelling textures and alluring lighting ambience, help explain why today’s BMW small SUVs are such a big hit.

Our only notes are fat pillars and shallow side glass do limit vision and the hexagonal instrumentation is no patch on BMW’s historic dials that remain paragons of elegance

Further back, the X2’s cargo capacity extends from a useful 515 litres to 1400L with all three (fiddly) backrests folded flat, and there’s some extra underfloor storage too, but the lack of a spare wheel is a black mark. Tyre repair kits are insufficient for Australia.

The 2026 BMW X2 sDrive20i M Sport has lost a cylinder but gained a motor

At the other end of the BMW, behind that crass illuminated oversized kidney grille, is that 125kW/280Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid electrification, complete with a 0.9kWh Lithium-Ion battery.

For maximum efficiency, it sends power to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), and is assisted by an integrated electric motor providing an additional 15kW and 55Nm.

The 2026 BMW X2 sDrive20i M Sport from behind the wheel

Now, this really is a powertrain of two halves.

In regular driving modes, the performance is adequate, with lively off-the-line acceleration, unless you’re in a hurry, because flooring the throttle only seems to result in further delay.

We found that selecting Sport helped reduce that.

One spooled up, though, the three-pot turbo really comes alive, roaring along as the revs soar, providing strong yet silky-smooth performance.

Find a string of corners, pull the left paddle shifter into Boost mode, and there’s an added wallop of thrust, accompanied by a rorty exhaust note that puts you in mind of the Toyota GR-developed Lexus LBX Morizo.

Combined with the X2’s lovely, tactile steering, fluid handling and sturdy, controlled chassis, the BMW SUV turns into a frenetic and fun driving machine. Very on-brand.

Unfortunately, so is the stiff suspension’s hard ride, as well as the endless tyre drone, on anything other than ultra-smooth surfaces. Pity.

The big payoff in the 2026 BMW X2 sDrive20i M Sport

At least the sDrive20i delivers on economy, with the trip computer displaying an impressive 6.8 litres per 100km – against the 6.5L/100km claim. Top the tank up with premium 95 RON unleaded, and over 800km between refills is possible.

There’s no ANCAP crash-test rating, but the high level of safety tech suggests you’re in safe hands, while the ADAS tune is mercifully nuanced so unobtrusive.

What's the 2026 BMW X2 sDrive20i M Sport warranty like?

The X2 comes with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and the X2 has condition-based service intervals. We recommend annually or every 10,000km.

There is no capped-price servicing but pre-paid packages are available, including a five-year/80,000km one for $2495. This is cheaper than five-year service packs for the Audi Q3, Volvo XC40 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.