BMW reveals X2 crossover SUV

AHEAD of a launch around March next year, BMW has finally lifted the lid on its forthcoming three-variant X2 crossover SUV range, which will take on the likes of the Audi Q2.

One petrol and two diesel powertrains will be offered from launch, with the potential of more variants joining the range further down the track.

Opening the range is the petrol-powered, front-drive X2 sDrive20i, which teams a 141kW/280Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Next up is the xDrive20d, which employs a 140kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, driving all four wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.

Topping the range is the xDrive25d, which uses the same powertrain as the xDrive20d with power boosted to a meatier 170kW/450Nm.

BMW Australia general manager corporate communications Lenore Fletcher said the local range had yet to be locked in, and will be confirmed closer to launch.

After first being revealed as a concept vehicle at the 2016 Paris motor show, the production X2 shows a design that is both instantly recognisable as a BMW while being easily distinguishable from its X1 and X3 siblings.

Despite sharing the same wheelbase length as the X1, the X2 is shorter, meaning smaller overhangs, while also standing 70mm lower.

One design feature unique to the X2 is the signature kidney grille, which is wider at the bottom than the top, the first time such a detail has been included on a modern BMW.

The inclusion of the BMW logo on the vehicle’s C-pillar is a nod to racing models of yesteryear, such as the 2000 CS and 3.0 CSL, which BMW says points to the vehicle’s sporty aspirations.

Headlight design features BMW’s typical twin hexagonal lighting signatures, which come with halogen headlights and LED daytime running lights, with a full LED set-up offered as an option.

As with other even-numbered BMW SUV model designations, the X2 is designed to have a more coupe-like appearance, while the rear spoiler adds to its sporty appearance.

M Sport and M Sport X variants come standard with M Sport suspension, which lowers ride height and increases spring and damper firmness. Dynamic damper control is available as an option.

Three different trim levels are available on the new X2 – basic, M Sport and the newly-created M Sport X, with the latter finishing the front bumper, side skirts and rear bumper in Frozen Grey colour.

Wheel sizes range from 17-inches on the basic trim up to optional 20-inch hoops on the M Sport X, while ten exterior colour choices are available for the basic, six for the M Sport and eight for the M Sport X.

Inside, the X2 gets BMW’s latest iDrive 6 multimedia interface, which is projected onto a 6.5-inch display that can be upgraded to an 8.8-inch touchscreen. A colour head-up display is also available as an option.

M Sport and M Sport X models are upholstered in Alcantara/Anthracite fabric with contrast stitching, while the optional Driving Assistant package offers increased active safety features.

Luggage capacity measures 470 litres with the rear seats up, which expands to 1355L when folded. The X2's capacity is down 35L and 195L respectively on the X1.

Assistance systems include lane departure warning, speed limit info anti-dazzle high-beam assistant, collision warning and pedestrian warning with city braking function.

Upgrading to the Driving Assistant Plus package adds active cruise control and traffic jam assistant.

More variants have been slated to join the X2 range at a later date, including the three-pot sDrive18i, a all-wheel-drive version of the sDrive20i, and an entry-level diesel in both front- and all-wheel-drive guise.

Ms Fletcher reiterated that it was still too early to determine which, if any, additional variants will make it down under.

Given the pricing structure of the X3/X4 and X5/X6 twins, the X2 is likely to be offered with a slightly higher sticker price than the X1, which currently starts at $50,600 plus on-roads for the sDrive18d and tops out at $60,700 for the xDrive25i.

Ms Fletcher also told GoAuto that BMW does not believe the X2 will cannibalise any sales of the X1, given that it will be bought by a different type of customer.

“Not at all as it is a completely different vehicle with a different audience,” she said.

“A good example of this is the combination of X3 and X4, and X5 and X6 – all purchased by different customer groups with different priorities.”Exact Australian pricing and specification will be revealed closer to the X2’s local launch in the middle of the first half of 2018.