BMW iX3 crowned World Car of the Year 2026 as EVs lead the way
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
- Industry News
- 2 April 2026
The BMW X2 is the car that first introduced the vehicle concept of a Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) for the premium compact segment. And now the even more distinctive, even sportier and even more forward-looking second generation is taking to the stage.
What’s new?
Significantly larger dimensions and a pronounced coupé silhouette clearly showcase the development leap taken by the new BMW X2 in its exterior design. The character of the new model is also evident in the large spread of systems enabling automated driving and parking as well as in the innovative digital services laid on by the new BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 9.
Exterior:
The new BMW X2 has a distinctive, visually expressive design that shows clear differentiation from the brand’s compact Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), the BMW X1.
The new BMW X2 has grown by 194 millimetres in length over its predecessor to 4 554 millimetres, by 21 millimetres in width to 1 845 millimetres and by 64 millimetres in height to 1 590 millimetres. Plus, its increased wheelbase and wider tracks benefit interior space.
The model-specific, upright front end of the new BMW X2 cannot be missed. Its defining elements are LED headlights and an almost hexagonal BMW kidney grille.
The roofline, which flows along an unbroken path into the rear end, creates a slim, coupé-shaped silhouette. At the rear, the prominently flared wheel arches and muscular shoulders come to the fore.
M-specific design features such as the two pairs of exhaust tailpipes, integrated into the rear apron, give the BMW X2 M35i xDrive a particularly dynamic aura. An M Sport package will be standard on the 18i variant in South Africa and will likewise add aerodynamically optimised exterior details.
Interior:
The interior of the new BMW X2 has a modern premium ambience with sporting touches. The slender instrument panel, housing the BMW Curved Display, is joined in the cabin by a “floating” armrest with integral control panel.
The newly developed seats are also offered in the Veganza perforated variant and Vernasca leather with attractive quilting as alternatives to the standard cloth upholstery. Customers can also specify sport seats, electric seat adjustment with memory function, lumbar support and a massage function. Further improvements have been made to both acoustic comfort and occupant protection. Standard equipment now includes an interaction airbag between the driver’s seat and front passenger seat.
Engines:
The BMW X2 M35i xDrive has intelligent all-wheel drive. Its 2-litre four-cylinder turbo engine produces 233 kW and is connected to a seven-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch. The X2 sDrive18 will have a three-cylinder turbo petrol engine with around 115 kW available, also with a seven-speed transmission.
Prices:
BMW X2 M35i xDrive (R1 223 935.70) and the X2 sDrive 18 (R879 738.20)
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
Retail new vehicle sales continue to surge in South Africa despite global and regional conflicts, local floods and droughts.
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