
The cigarette lighter in the BMW X2 is located in the storage compartment in front of the gear lever. Simply press down on the handle of the cigarette lighter to start heating, and it will automatically pop out when finished. The cigarette lighter is a component of the car, designed to provide a convenient ignition source for smokers, and can also be used to charge mobile electronic devices. The BMW X2 is a compact SUV under the BMW brand, with dimensions of 4379mm in length, 1824mm in width, and 1560mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2670mm. The car's signature kidney grille adopts an innovative design language that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom, further lowering the visual height of the front face. The extended LED headlights continue the classic design, enhancing safety during night driving.

When I first got the car, I also spent a while looking for the cigarette lighter. Now that I've been driving the BMW X2 for almost two years, I can tell you it's located inside the center armrest console. Open the front lid of that large armrest box, and you'll find the round cigarette lighter socket at the frontmost position near the driver's seat. Some older models might have it near the glove compartment, but the X2 generally places it in the armrest. Last time I used it, I noticed the charging cable could easily get pinched by the armrest lid, so now I make a habit of threading the cable through the lid gap. The advantage of having the cigarette lighter in the armrest is it keeps the interior tidy, though you do have to open the compartment to use it – which can be slightly inconvenient when using the heated cup holders in winter.

Last month I discovered the versatility of the cigarette lighter while camping with my X2. It's located at the bottom inside the front center armrest - that round 12V power outlet. When needed, I just rest my elbow on the armrest and can easily reach the socket with my left hand. This German-style placement is more discreet compared to Japanese cars where it's usually on the dashboard. Besides lighting cigarettes, it's great for connecting an air pump to inflate camping mattresses, though remember not to exceed 180W for high-power devices. Once I even tripped the circuit when trying to power a mini hotpot - now I only use it for small devices like dashcams and phone chargers.

While carpooling in a friend's BMW X2, I noticed the cigarette lighter is tucked deep inside the center console. The operation is actually quite simple: first pull open the front center armrest without fully flipping the lid, and you'll find a round socket with a cover at the bottom facing the driver's seat. Compared to my Honda's exposed design below the steering wheel, the X2's hidden placement prevents accidental contact. Remember when a passenger couldn't find the USB port during weekend ride-hailing? I just had them use this socket with an adapter for fast phone charging – it powered up incredibly quickly. Although the location is discreet, it's quite handy to use, though I occasionally forget to close the armrest lid.


