I drove BMW’s new $53,000 X2 SUV. It was sporty and fun, but there are better options for less money.

• The BMW X2 is a subcompact luxury SUV that competes against the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Audi Q3.
• I liked the X2’s peppy performance, well-designed interior and standard all-wheel-drive.
• I wasn’t a fan of its funky styling, poor rear visibility, and expensive optional tech package.

Premium automakers like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz depend on subcompact crossovers as entry points to their brands, targeting younger consumers looking to get a taste of luxury at an attainable price.

Audi has the Q3, and Mercedes-Benz has the GLA.

BMW has mechanically identical twins: the conventionally styled X1 SUV and the sleek, second-generation X2, updated for 2024.