[BarrettDB]

During the just concluded CES extravaganza in Las Vegas, I had the opportunity to spend some time with the new 2024 X2 m35i, live and in person.

First of all, the vehicle looks MUCH better in person. Sometimes, we're challenged with change, and clearly BMW is aiming at a new audience, and a new design language overall. It doesn't sit well with traditionalists. In fact, I was not impressed with the initial photos and video I saw. However, in person, it was actually inviting and looked strong. I think some of the issues relate to perspective - most specifically, when looking at a photo, it's often difficult to determine the size and scope of any vehicle. The new X2 is not a small vehicle. In person, it has bold attributes, as while not a "true" M car, it represents a new "class" of M-light. I spent a considerable amount of time discussing this with several BMW AG product managers. Ultimately, we all have our opinions, and I love the way the new 2024 X1 m35i looks, in photos AND in person. The big surprise was how much I liked the X2 when I was there, in person, both outside and inside.

Speaking of inside, there are some slight changes from the 2024 X1 m35i interior. The use of alcantara on the dash is a bit different, as one example. By the way, the M-sport seats when ordered in black alcantara are absolutely amazing. The quality of materials, fit and finish, and comfort are much better than I'd expect from an "entry" level BMW. By the way, BMW product managers were quick to note that they don't view either the X1 or X2 as entry level vehicles. They view them as "small size segment" SAVs.

I also spoke to two software engineers from BMW who were at the show. We discussed a number of issues, but most importantly, the ongoing complaints about buggy software in i-Drive 9. They were fairly direct, acknowledging that there were "challenges," but asserted that an aggressive effort was underway to resolve the issues. They also noted that in some cases, updates will be over the air. In others, a few hours in a dealership will see the update completed. In some cases, a new head unit may be required, but all of that would be under warranty.

We also talked about some new tech for i-Drive 9. This includes the ability to watch video on the media display. Essentially, you now have TIVo built into your X model (and soon others) for watching news, entertainment, etc. This is part of what BMW is calling "Digital Premium," and will certainly at some point become a subscription service. This also includes the ability to play games and run a variety of apps in the vehicle. Is your BMW becoming a multimedia device? Without a doubt: yes.

We also covered the news that i-Drive 9 will support greatly expanded "voice assistant" LLM or Large Language Model code into new vehicles. Important to note that if you take delivery of a 2024 model with i-Drive 9, new capabilities, such as voice assistant will be available even when introduced in future years. Digital voice assistant has actually been available since 2018, but now, utilizing Amazon's Alexa LLM, you'll have an AI assistant, primarily designed to allow direct interaction with the user manual and the "how to" issues most owners don't understand to begin with, but who run into the need to utilize them at some point.

Speaking of forward thinking, BMW is working with Valeo to implement an "auto-park" valet mode. You get out of the car at a drop off point, and the car will seek an open parking spot on its own and park. When you return, the car will (safely?) exit the parking space and return to the pick up spot.

ALL of these capabilities are in any BMW running the new Android-foundation i-Drive 9. BMW is using Android as the backbone of its latest operating system - it isn't related to using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as those are layers on top of the OS - and both work really well.

So, clearly the next step is to drive the 2024 BMW X2 m35i. I've spent a few hours in an X1 m35i and found it to be a lot of fun, responsive, and while not a rocket ship, very zippy and quick. If the X2 has a lower center of gravity, a suspension tuned for it, etc., it could be a very capable vehicle. Don't forget that these are both all-wheel drive vehicle with front wheel bias, and are based on the same platform as the Mini Countryman (2024 on).

There's more, but this has already been a long post. I'll address this more in my next podcast.

[COOLGREANY]

Originally Posted by BarrettDB

We also talked about some new tech for i-Drive 9. This includes the ability to watch video on the media display. Essentially, you now have TIVo built into your X model (and soon others) for watching news, entertainment, etc. This is part of what BMW is calling "Digital Premium," and will certainly at some point become a subscription service. This also includes the ability to play games and run a variety of apps in the vehicle. Is your BMW becoming a multimedia device? Without a doubt: yes.

Rather than the ability to "play games" I'd prefer they focus on the software working properly with the basic functions of the vehicle and focusing on eliminating the bugs.

[SpaceSilver.X1]

so they will be putting "M" fender badges(left and right) on the X2 M35i.... which the X1 M35i didn't get? (for U.S. models)

BMW logic escapes me again.

[BarrettDB]

Originally Posted by SpaceSilver.X1

so they will be putting "M" fender badges(left and right) on the X2 M35i.... which the X1 M35i didn't get? (for U.S. models)

BMW logic escapes me again.

This is a pre-production vehicle, built awhile ago, so it is unclear if those badges will appear on NA production vehicles. My guess (and I didn't ask) is that they will not. We'll see.
DB

[BarrettDB]

Originally Posted by COOLGREANY

Rather than the ability to "play games" I'd prefer they focus on the software working properly with the basic functions of the vehicle and focusing on eliminating the bugs.

That certainly sounds like a reasonable request. It's worth noting that there are literally hundreds of engineers, both as part of BMW AG internally, and contractors, as well as partners, working on all of this. So, the folks working on the "bugs" aren't related to the people working on the other bits. Regardless, it's frustrating to invest a lot of $$$ into a vehicle that has spotty software...

[timesone]

Thanks OP but imo no thanks

[richiro]

Originally Posted by SpaceSilver.X1

so they will be putting "M" fender badges(left and right) on the X2 M35i.... which the X1 M35i didn't get? (for U.S. models)

BMW logic escapes me again.

bet those disappear for the US Market, along with those seat belts going back to regular black straps.

[[/:\] GP9000]

Thanks for the great insights and pictures. I look fwd to see more live pictures once the X2 hit the dealer floors.

[Wing Co]

Cheers OP probably going to order one in black and red without seeing one on those 21 wheels! Due in dealers in Baden-Württemberg Germany in March. Might go to the Welt in Munich as they could have one on display.

[SpaceSilver.X1]

am I the only one who can't stand those amber reflectors on the front wheel arches? on the X1, at least BMW had the decency to incorporate them into the headlight housing(still ugly, but less noticeable) Not sure why they put the reflectors on the wheel arches on the brand-new X2. BMW logic never ceases to amaze me.

[FlashMonkey929]

Originally Posted by SpaceSilver.X1

am I the only one who can't stand those amber reflectors on the front wheel arches? on the X1, at least BMW had the decency to incorporate them into the headlight housing(still ugly, but less noticeable) Not sure why they put the reflectors on the wheel arches on the brand-new X2. BMW logic never ceases to amaze me.

I'd much rather have them on the fender, they're easier to replace and get color matched ones. Did that on all my previous BMW's.

[Zorn]

Local dealer says their demo X2 should arrive around Jan 20th, hoping to get to drive it and see the interior in person. Planning to custom order one assuming I donÂ’t dislike it for some reason.

[richiro]

Originally Posted by FlashMonkey929

I'd much rather have them on the fender, they're easier to replace and get color matched ones. Did that on all my previous BMW's.

100% on this, wish the X1 had the bumper strip to swap out instead of having to be stuck with the orange reflector in the lamp that cant be removed.

back on topic,

I don't hate it, but it's lack of cargo space due to the slim roofline is a deal breaker for me. If I didn't have a daughter and a dog, i would consider it.

[BarrettDB]

Originally Posted by richiro

100% on this, wish the X1 had the bumper strip to swap out instead of having to be stuck with the orange reflector in the lamp that cant be removed.

back on topic,

I don't hate it, but it's lack of cargo space due to the slim roofline is a deal breaker for me. If I didn't have a daughter and a dog, i would consider it.

Pretty much the same for me... no daughter, but two dogs! Still want to drive it just to see if it has a different character than the X1m35i, but doesn't change my order...

[Fish Fingers]

Originally Posted by BarrettDB

Pretty much the same for me... no daughter, but two dogs! Still want to drive it just to see if it has a different character than the X1m35i, but doesn't change my order...

We have no need for extra space as no kids / no dogs.
Preferred the X2 in the last model (which we owned) but much prefer the X1 in the latest guise.
I prefer the looks, as well as it being more practical.

X2 now looks like a shrunken X6, which I'm really not keen on personally.

Pretty much like I prefer the M3 over the M4.

[richiro]

Originally Posted by Fish Fingers

We have no need for extra space as no kids / no dogs.
Preferred the X2 in the last model (which we owned) but much prefer the X1 in the latest guise.
I prefer the looks, as well as it being more practical.

X2 now looks like a shrunken X6, which I'm really not keen on personally.

Pretty much like I prefer the M3 over the M4.

it does look a little disproportionate now compared to the rest of the models.

I personally wanted/love the X4 M40i because I don't really need a full on SUV but also love the coupe style, paired with a B58, MHT. It's the same as the X3 M40i but less bottom heavy.

[Tomduck]

I agree re X2, to my eyes it looks homogenized whereas the X1 U11 has a distinct bespoke look to it and a cohesive design. I’m sure some will love the X2 because it’s a coupe SUV but to me the back end doesn’t belong to the rest of rhe car (side and front on), each section looks like it’s a separate design, and also with design language from other manufacturers cars. Maybe it will look much better in the flesh…

[IAmSpeed]

Looks a lot better than the previous version but still looks weird, maybe it's just me lol

[BarrettDB]

Originally Posted by IAmSpeed

Looks a lot better than the previous version but still looks weird, maybe it's just me lol

It absolutely looks better in person, and there are some little touches in the cabin that are different than with the X1m35i, but make no mistake -- you're not alone in your opinion.

[Chris_Tas]

Well I Pulled the trigger on this, delivery scheduled for May

[dzaborn]

BMW X2 M35i xDrive
https://www.bmw-m.com/en/all-models/...5i-xdrive.html

BMW Individual for the BMW X2 M35i xDrive
https://www.bmw-m.com/en/topics/maga...l-colours.html

2024 BMW X2 vs. 2023 BMW X2: What Has Changed?
https://www.bmwblog.com/2024/01/16/2...t-has-changed/

[jocamryn]

I’m debating driving over to BMW Welt in München today, just to see it in person.