X2 and X7 on way as BMW plans onslaught of SUVS
Exclusive images show small coupé-suv, luxury seven-seater Lead range shake-up, with new X3, X4 and X5, plus M models
BMW’S range of X-badged SUVS is set for a radical overhaul, and bookending the new line-up will be new X2 and X7 SUVS, a BMW insider has revealed to Auto Express.
Every model in the family – with the exception of the X1 crossover and X6 coupé-suv – will either be updated by the end of 2018 or a brand new model.
The Concept X2 was BMW’S star at the Paris Motor Show in September, and buyers will be pleased to hear that the production X2 will remain largely unchanged. Our exclusive main image previews the car, which promises a virtually identical profile to the concept and many of the same sporty details.
While the large wheels and stylised headlights and mirrors may not appear, we have been told to expect the unique kidney grille to remain, along with the aggressive kink to the rear window line. There will also be a roof spoiler and rising waistline that smoothly transitions into slim tail-lights.
The X2 will share the X1’s petrol and diesel engines, which means all will be turbocharged and have four cylinders. While there may be a front-drive sdrive18d, most X2s will use xdrive four-wheel drive.
Auto Express also understands that a sportier M-developed high-performance version of the X2 is in the pipeline. This could be powered by an uprated version of the 2.0-litre petrol engine, and the car could carry the M25i badge. We’ll see the finished X2 at the end of 2017, ahead of deliveries in 2018. Prices are expected to start at just under £30,000 to position the car between the current X1 and an all-new BMW X3, due for launch in mid-2017.
Our source confirmed that there will be a ‘proper’ high-performance M version of the X3. That model is expected to be powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine, and will rival the Porsche Macan Turbo. However, we were also told not to rule out a diesel M Performance vehicle, in a similar vein to the current X3-based Alpina XD3. Standard diesel X3s should hit the UK before the end of 2017, while the X3M isn’t expected until 2018.
That will be a busy year, because the X4 will also be replaced, along with the X5. The next-generation X5 will use a version of the BMW 7 Series’ platform, with a focus on weight reduction and improved refinement. Its interior will take inspiration from the new 5 Series, with gesture control infotainment.
Also using the 7 Series underpinnings will be the brand new X7, previewed in our second exclusive image. It will be a full-size seven-seater that promises Range Rover-style luxury. It will go on sale here in 2018 with six and eight-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, plus an iperformance plug-in hybrid. Prices are expected to start at under £70,000.
There is also the possibility of this rangetopper being joined by an X8 coupé-suv. BMW lodged an application to trademark that name a couple of weeks ago.