BMW has grown its 'i' all-electric range rapidly. The electric-powered version of its smallest SUV, the iX1, which debuted early last year, is its best-selling EV model. Now there's another alternative, in the iX2.  

Also available with ICE engines, BMW believe like the iX1, EV iX2 versions will be the best fleet sellers. Think it looks familiar to the iX1? Well, you'd be right, as it's built on the same UKL platform, although the iX2 looks sportier. It is also 54mm longer, 64mm taller, and has a 22mm longer wheelbase.

Inside, apart from textured trim panels, the interior feels virtually identical to the iX1. So, almost as roomy as an SUV from the class above. This equals a comfortable, multi-adjustable driving position, that will please even the tallest drivers - like the iX1. Legroom is equally impressive in the back of the iX2, and thankfully despite the curvy roofline, rear headroom isn't affected. The battery pack under the floor means the 40:20:40 split/fold rear seat doesn't slide as it does in the ICE-powered car. Despite the high loading lip, the 525-litre boot is a practical space, and all models get a useful power tailgate. Choose the X2 sDrive 2.0i and M35i xDrive petrol models, and boot space jumps to 560 litres.

Outside, if you choose an iX2, you can only have it in more dynamic M Sport equipment grade. This means 'shark nose' detailing at the front, a gloss black rear spoiler, and 19in alloy wheels. 

The iX2, like the iX1, is available with a choice of two power outputs. Entry-level eDrive 20 versions offer 201hp and take just 8.6 seconds to get to 60mph, with power sent to the front wheels only, and a range of 283 miles. BMW is also predicting this will be the key fleet iX2 version, priced at £51,615. 

We had the chance to drive the more powerful BMW iX2 xDrive30, which is powered by one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear - equalling four-wheel drive, each combined with power electronics and transmission in a single, compact housing. The drive units deliver a combined output of 313hp (including temporary boost), overall torque of 493Nm and an official range of 267 miles. 

When it comes to charging, the iX2's combined unit allows single and three-phase AC charging up to 11kW, which can be optionally increased to 22kW (three-phase AC). As such, the battery can be fully recharged from empty to full in 6.5 hours - or 3 hours 45 minutes as an option. DC charging up to 130kW, also means the iX2 can be charged from 10-80% in 29 minutes, or the range can be increased by 75 miles in an incredible 10 minutes.

Rapid, grippy, and with more responsive steering best describe the drive - there's a 'Boost' paddle behind the steering wheel and when pulled like a gear, you get 10 seconds of peak acceleration. Although, it's largely irrelevant in everyday use. We tried 'Relax,' 'Efficient,' and 'Expressive' driving settings, which certainly lived up to their names.

The biggest compliment we can pay the iX2, is that despite the sportier styling it feels virtually the same to drive as the already excellent iX1- with more precise steering. Yet, practicality is not affected. There is still some body roll, but the xDrive four-wheel drive system gives welcome confidence and grip in corners. Our M Sport test car rode on the biggest 20in wheels, and like the iX1, the trade-off for the heavier battery was a weightier feeling, with the suspension working hard to mask road imperfections from the bigger wheels. It is only a minor issue that affects the car occasionally.

The iX1 will continue to be the top seller, but the iX2 offers a sportier alternative to the same solution.