By the end of 2021, BMW plans to have more than a million vehicles with electrified drive on the road. In addition, 25 percent of BMWs sold in Europe will have an electric powertrain. As part of reaching this goal, BMW’s newest SUV has come out with a plug-in hybrid model. Here’s what to know about the BMW X2 xDrive25e.

The BMW X1 xDrive25e

BMW recently announced plug-in hybrid versions of both the X1 and the X2. In 2019, BMW introduced the electric version of the X1 first in China and then in Europe. China has also had the X1 xDrive25Le since 2016. BMW rolled out the X1 xDrive25e in the European market in September 2019.

The X1 xDrive25e includes many of the same features that are included on the X2 xDrive25e. The gas-powered X1 and X2 are also mechanically quite similar. The X1 has more room for seating and cargo plus a lower starting price. The X2 has a sleeker look, according to U.S. News. The X1 xDrive25e will start delivery in Europe in March 2020, and the X2 xDrive25e will follow in Summer 2020.

The BMW X2 xDrive25e

In appearance, the plug-in hybrid X2 is very similar to the gas-powered X2.  The most noticeable differences are a cap on the front-left fender that covers the charging port and the badge on the tailgate. The battery is located under the rear seats, so the X2 xDrive25e has a low center of gravity but also a smaller cargo area.

It takes about five hours to fully charge the battery, and charging to 80 percent takes 3.8 hours. When using the BMW i Wallbox, charging goes faster: 3.2 hours for a full charge and 2.4 hours for an 80 percent charge.

There are a few features specific to the electric version of the BMW X2. The eDrive button on the center console lets the driver influence the operating mode of the drive system. In AUTO, the drive system balances the use of the two power units. In MAX eDrive mode, the use of the electric drive system is maximized. In the SAVE BATTERY mode, battery capacity can be saved for another time.

The X2 xDrive25e has an acoustic pedestrian protection feature, which comes standard. It emits a unique sound when driving electrically so others in the roadway will hear the vehicle coming. The X2 xDrive25e has four trim levels: Advantage, Advantage Plus, M Sport, and M Sport X. It offers nearly all the same packages and options as the gas-powered X2.

The X2 xDrive25e’s new powertrain

The X2 xDrive25e has a small engine. It’s a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that generates 123 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a six-speed transmission and is connected to the front wheels. The gas engine is paired with an electric motor connected to the rear wheels. The motor gets 94 horsepower and 122 lb-ft of torque. It’s powered by a 10-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which has a range of about 34 or 35 miles.

Together, the engine and motor allow the SUV to have all-wheel drive. With both the engine and motor, the X2 xDrive25e has 217 hp combined and 284 lb-ft of torque. It’s able to go from 0 to 62 mph in 6.8 seconds and has a top speed of 121 mph. It’s about a tenth of a second faster than the X1, and its top speed is slightly higher. In pure electric mode, the top speed for the X2 is just 84 mph.

Reception of the BMW X2

The gas-powered BMW X2, which first came out for the 2018 model year, has been well received. U.S. News ranks it No. 4 among luxury subcompact SUVs. While it has strong engines, good handling, and a nice cabin, it falls in the middle of its competitors because it also has a small backseat and average cargo space and fuel economy.

Car and Driver says the BMW X2 is “a more stylish alternative” to the X1, and the M35i trim “provided blistering acceleration” during their tests. The gas-powered X2 has two engine options. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine comes in the front-wheel-drive sDrive28i and the all-wheel-drive xDrive28i. It generates 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

The upgraded version of the same engine comes in the all-wheel-drive M35i. This engine has 301 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. All models include an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The plug-in hybrid versions of both the BMW X1 and X2 have not yet been announced for the U.S. market.