There's no exterior embellishment to identify the X2 xDrive25e as a PHEV model, though the eagle-eyed might notice the bespoke badging and the addition of an extra charging flap. This updated version of this model features high gloss black design elements at the front. Even next to its bigger coupe-SUV BMW range stablemates, the X4 and X6, the X2 makes a distinctive impression. It's 2cm shorter and more than 7cm lower than the MINI-derived X1 crossover model it's based upon, yet has the same wheelbase. Featuring short overhangs, it also has a stretched, coupe-style roofline and slim window graphic. The kidney grille has always been an identifying feature of the Munich marque but on this car, it's wider at its base than at the top, which gives the nose a broader, more distinctive and sportier appearance. At the rear, horizontal design lines emphasise the car's width, with these creases continuing into high-set LED rear lights that feature an 'L' shape familiar from BMW coupes.
Lower down, the car hints at the power of its BMW TwinPower Turbo engines through the design of the tailpipes, all X2 models coming with a twin exhaust arrangement that's 90mm diameter. A spoiler provides a flourish to round off the roofline and contributes to a drag co-efficient of just 0.28Cd. Inside, there's a driver-focused cabin and a soft-finish instrument panel with contrast decorative stitching. There are eDrive-specific displays in the instrument cluster and an eDrive button activates the PHEV 'AUTO eDrive', 'MAX eDrive' and 'SAVE BATTERY' modes. A couple of adults can sit comfortably on the back seat, but boot space has been compromised by the plug-in installation, falling by 60-litres over the standard car to 410-litres. Fold the 40:20:40-split rear bench and that capacity rises to 1,295-litres.