We already knew there was a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the X1 on the way, but now BMW has confirmed the petrol-electric drivetrain from this machine will be dropped into the sportier X2, creating the X2 xDrive25e in the process. This means it has the same 220hp/385Nm system as the X1 PHEV, with a 125hp/220Nm 1.5-litre turbo three-pot petrol driving the front wheels through a six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and a 70kW (95hp)/165Nm electric motor handling the rears via a single-speed reduction gear. Given the X2 is a slightly lower, slipperier shape than the X1, the latest xDrive25e is a little bit cleaner on CO2 (43-47g/km for the X2, 43-48g/km for the X1), a little bit quicker for 0-62mph (6.8 seconds plays 6.9 seconds) and a little bit faster for its top hybrid speed (121- versus 120mph), although the X2 PHEV is also a little bit less practical and spacious on the inside than the X1, and it'll likely be a little bit more expensive to buy as well, because it's a coupe. Isn't it? Ahem. Anyway, claimed economy of 134.5-148.7mpg for either compact crossover PHEV from BMW is impressive (if highly unlikely in the real world) and you should be able to charge the 10kWh lithium-ion battery pack of these vehicles in less than two-and-a-half hours on a BMW i Wallbox charger at home. Expect to go up to 35 miles on electric power alone in either BMW PHEV, with their top speeds limited to 84mph in EV mode.
Matt Robinson - 9 Jan 2020