Is this 2018’s sexiest new SUV? We have official pictures of BMW’S stylish new X2
Wraps are off sexy new small SUV ahead of launch next month
“Despite the platform’s capability, there’s no sign of electrification in the X2 launch line-up”
Cool new X2 shares mechanicals with X1, but has lower roofline
Full UK prices yet to be revealed; range starts at £33,980 for 20d SE
BMW is aiming to fill yet another niche within the ever-growing ranks of premium SUVS with its latest creation: the X2. It has now been revealed in full – ahead of its launch next month.
The X2 is designed to slot in between the entry-level front-drive-based X1 and the larger X3, as a model that focuses more on style than outright practicality. It shares many of its mechanicals with the X1, as well as the MINI Countryman. That means it uses BMW’S UKL2 platform – a chassis that restricts the car to four-cylinder engines but that offers the possibility of four-wheel drive on high-end models and, in theory, plug-in hybrid powertrains.
Dynamic
The newcomer sticks admirably close to the looks of the Concept X2 seen at 2016’s Paris Motor Show. It has the same wheelbase as the X1, but shorter overhangs for a dynamic look. Perhaps more significantly, its roofline is a full 70mm lower, making the X2 more of a hatchback than a coupé-suv. The 470litre boot is 35 litres smaller than the X1’s.
Other concept car touches to make production include the swept-back lights, the rising window line (incorporating BMW’S signature Hofmeister kink), the ultra-slim hatchback glass and even the BMW badge inset into the C-pillar. Basic SE models get 17-inch wheels, but more expensive trim levels will be available with 20-inch rims.
Despite the platform’s capability, there’s no sign of electrification in the X2 launch line-up. Its range will comprise the twowheel-drive, petrol-engined sdrive20i, and a pair of four-wheel-drive diesels, badged xdrive20d and xdrive25d. The sdrive20i has 228bhp and 450Nm, and is available only with a seven-speed Steptronic dualclutch auto transmission. It covers 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds, and emits between 126 and 134g/km of CO2 depending on wheel size.
The diesels are both equipped with an eight-speed auto box. The xdrive20d has 188bhp and 400Nm, but emits between 121 and 126g/km of CO2, while the xdrive25d produces 228bhp and 450Nm, and emits between 133 and 139g/km.
BMW has already confirmed that further engines will join the line-up in early 2018 – two more petrols, and a pair of diesels. The entry-level 138bhp 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol sdrive18i will join the four-wheeldrive xdrive20i, which has 189bhp. The diesels will be the 148bhp sdrive18d and xdrive18d; the front-drive edition of that variant will be the most efficient X2, with CO2 emissions as low as 119g/km.
The car will be offered in SE, Sport, M Sport and M Sport X specs; the latter command a £3,550 and £4,350 premium over SE models respectively. SE features satnav, dual-zone climate control and a power tailgate, while Sport has sports seats and LED lights. M Sport variants get larger wheels and body-coloured side skirts, and M Sport X versions switch some of the design details to grey, for a more off-road-biased look. Confusingly, M Sport and M Sport X models are 10mm lower than regular X2s.
Inside, the X2 gets familiar BMW cues, including idrive and a 6.5-inch infotainment display that’s standard across the range, but which can be upgraded to a similarly sized Touch Control set-up, or an 8.8-inch screen with the same features. A head-up display will also be offered, as an option, along with Wifi hotspot preparation. Apple Carplay will also be an extra, however, and Android Auto won’t be available.
The X2 is due on sale here in midNovember, priced from £33,980 for the 20d SE. But full prices haven’t been revealed, and first UK deliveries aren’t expected until March.