► New BMW X2
► Latest SUV from Munich
► On sale March 2018
Had enough of SUVs yet? BMW definitely hasn’t. This is the new BMW X2, the latest crossover from Munich that fits into the brand’s nomenclature of giving even-numbered models swoopier designs.
As you’d expect, the X2 sits between the more upright X1 and larger X3 and was born out of the bright orange Concept X2 that attracted attention at the 2016 Paris motor show. The new X2 uses the UKL2 platform, which also sees service in the Mini Countryman and the upcoming new 1-series.
BMW calls it ‘the cool X’ in a bid to attract well-off young’uns, and will go on sale in March 2018 after a debut at the Detroit motor show.
The ‘cool X’? Give me a break…
‘Fraid so. Just like the X4 and X6, this new X2 is meant to be the swoopier, more stylish compared to the X1. Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW’s senior VP for design calls it ‘an expression of modern and extrovert vehicle dynamics’, whatever that means.
Some key styling cues include BMW’s trademark kidney grille (only upturned this time), short overhangs and a badge on the C-pillars that BMW says is like the 3.0 CSL and 2000 CS models. Pick the top-end M Sport X trim and your X2 will look like Jaws from the James Bond films, thanks to that light grey insert on the front bumper.
So far, so BMW – what about inside?
The shock news is that a BMW SUV has an interior from a BMW. The usual clean dashboard awaits you here, with sporty details like the brand’s slick gear selector, top-set infotainment screen and iDrive controller.
There are three trim levels to choose from: X2, X2 M Sport and X2 M Sport X. The blue car in our images is the M Sport, while the metallic yellow one is the plusher M Sport X.
All X2s come with 17-inch alloys, chunky black cladding and gloss black interior panels, M Sport cars have some choice design touches finished in ‘Dark Shadow’ grey, perforated leather seats and aluminium interior trim.
Pick the top-end M Sport X and not only will you have the aforementioned Jaws front bumper arrangement but light grey side skirts and part-leather, part-Alcantara seats.
What engines can I pick?
There’ll be an initial list of engines from launch, with others joining later in the 2018. Just one petrol engine will be available from March, the front-wheel drive sDrive20i with 189bhp, and two all-wheel drive diesels: xDrive20d with 187bhp and xDrive25d with 228bhp.
A three-cylinder petrol will join the line-up in ‘early 2018’, as will a lower-powered diesel.
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