Bold new BMW X2 small SUV revealed

October 25, 2017

Exterior design is largely unchanged from 2016’s concept car

The firm's sixth SUV is a design-led crossover aimed at younger buyers and will feature a 4x4 range-topper with 228bhp

BMW has revealed the definitive production version of its new X2 compact crossover-style SUV ahead of the planned start of UK deliveries in March 2018.

The X2, which is scheduled to make its debut at the Los Angeles motor show at the end of November, will take BMW’s line-up of dedicated SUVs to six. A seventh, the range-topping X7 previewed by the Concept X7 at September’s Frankfurt motor show, is due this time next year.

As with the second-generation X1, the new X2 is based on BMW’s UKL platform – the same structure beneath the 2 Series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer, as well as the current range of Minis. It will also underpin next year’s third-generation 1 Series hatchback.

Conceived to appeal to a younger audience than BMW’s existing range of SUV models, the X2 has a unique exterior design largely unchanged from that revealed by the Concept X2 at last year’s Paris motor show.

Among the new model’s defining styling elements is a fresh interpretation of the German car maker’s signature kidney grille.

The X2 also sports a short bonnet that allows the base of the windscreen to sit well forward for added interior space, familiar taut surfacing treatment along the flanks and squared-off wheel arches front and rear.

Other features include a shallow glasshouse by SUV standards, a BMW roundel within the C-pillar (recalling a detail from earlier BMW coupé models) and a heavily angled tailgate.

Buyers will be able to choose from three styling lines: Basic, M Sport and M Sport X.

With a length, width and height of 4360mm, 1821mm and 1526mm respectively, the X2 is the same width but 49mm shorter and 69mm lower than the second-generation X1. Both cars have a 2670mm wheelbase and will be produced alongside each other at BMW’s Regensburg production facility in Germany.

The interior of the X2 shares many characteristics with the X1. Standard features include black panel instruments and a multifunction steering wheel, but buyers will have to pay extra for the optional 8.8in touch-sensitive iDrive panel and a head-up display.

With its engines mounted transversely, the X2 is claimed to accommodate up to five adults, although the rear seat is configured in a 40/20/40 layout. Nominal boot capacity is put at 470 litres – down 35 litres from the X1's boot, which has a longer rear overhang.

Turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines at launch include the front-wheel-drive X2 sDrive20i petrol unit, which makes 187bhp and 206lb ft. A four-wheel-drive X2 xDrive20d diesel also delivers 187bhp but has significantly more torque at 295lb ft.

Topping the first wave of models is the X2 xDrive25d, which runs a more highly tuned 2.0 diesel producing 228bhp and 332lb ft.

The X2 xDrive25d has a 0-62mph time of 6.7sec and top speed of 147mph. Despite running four-wheel drive, the X2 xDrive20d leads on economy and emissions, with combined cycle figures of 61.4mpg and 121g/km.

The front-wheel-drive petrol comes as standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox – a unit that is due to be available on various Mini models from early 2018. Alternatively, the four-wheel-drive diesels are equipped with an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

Other models and engines are planned to bolster the X2 line-up shortly after its arrival, including the front-wheel-drive sDrive18i and sDrive18d, as well as the four-wheel-drive xDrive20i and xDrive18d.