BMW previews new X2 29 | 09 | 2016
BMW HAS PREVIEWED its Concept X2, which points to the production car which will enter Scottish showrooms in the second quarter of 2018. Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, it’s set to go go head-to-head with the Range Rover Evoque; expect prices to start around £30,000. (Related — New BMWi opens in Scotland)
A sister model to the recently introduced second-generation X1, the high-set five-door is set to become the sixth dedicated SUV model to join the BMW line-up. It will also be the second built on the company’s versatile UKL platform, which will also form the chassis of the forthcoming second-generation Mini Countryman.
The X2 mirrors the dimensions of the X1, meaning it’s 4439mm long, 1821mm wide and 1598mm tall.
Designed as a sporting alternative to the X1, the X2 boasts a distinctive looking front end dominated by a heavily structured bumper with a large central air duct and oversized air curtains on the outer edges.
At the front there’s a uniquely-shaped kidney grille which widens from top to bottom and is bordered by a heavy swathe of brushed aluminium. There’s also angular laser light headlamps with intricate graphics that mimic BMW’s traditional twin Corona ring design with blue design highlights.
In addition to a more steeply raked windscreen, lower roofline and more angled tailgate than the X1, the X2 also has a heavily-profiled bonnet and is shod with stand-out 21in alloys fitted with heavily treaded tyres.
And while the shallow glasshouse of the new BMW tapers quite dramatically towards the rear, the tailgate sports a prominent spoiler. There’s also a high mounted bumper and uniquely styled tail lamps.
It’s expected some of the more detailed styling touches of the Concept X2 will, unfortunately, be toned down for the production version. What will remain is the car’s sporting silhouette and five door layout.
When it enters Scottish BMW showrooms, buyers will have the choice from a range of transversely mounted turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.
The launch line-up will include one petrol variant, the X2 xDrive20i, powered by a 189bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. There will also be three diesels, all powered by BMW’s widely used turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel: the X2 xdrive18d with 148bhp, the X2 xDrive20d with 187bhp and the X2 xDrive25d with 227bhp.
We should also expect a sporting M-Performance model, likely powered by a more heavily tuned version of the X2 xDrive20i’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder. Don’t rule out power in the region of 300bhp.
A six-speed manual gearbox will be fitted as standard, though there will be the option of a six-speed automatic. Plus there X2 will be available in either rear- or four-wheel drive.
Related: BMW rolls out connected app
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Jim McGill