BMW shows off disguised X2 ahead of 2018 launch

BMW has released camouflaged images of its forthcoming X2 small SUV coupe, showing a more conservative design than the X2 concept revealed at last year’s Paris motor show.

The X2 features some signature BMW design elements including the kidney grille, L-shaped LED tail-lights and dual hexagonal LED headlights, a feature being gradually rolled out across the BMW range.

A subtle coupe-style profile sets the X2 apart from the X1, as do the shape of the kidney grille and headlights.

Gone from the Paris concept are the pronounced lower air intakes and front fenders, as well as its narrow, sleek headlights and glass roof.

The aggressively-styled lower front end has been swapped out for a simpler design with a series of horizontal slats, however higher-specced variants of the production models should bring some of the style back if an M Sport bodykit is offered.

BMW has not yet revealed specification or pricing, but if the X3/X4 and X5/X6 twins are anything to go by, the X2 will share similar powertrains with the mechanically related X1, including 2.0-litre petrol and diesel four-cylinder engines in front- and all-wheel-drive guise.

The X2 will also likely command a small price premium over the X1, which currently starts at $49,900 plus on-roads for the diesel-powered sDrive18d variant.

GoAuto understands that the new X2 will hit Australian showrooms in February next year, following a likely Frankfurt show reveal.

When it does arrive, the X2 will fill a niche in the premium compact SUV segment, with no other manufacturer offering a similarly-sized small crossover/coupe.

While there are a number of offerings in the small SUV segment – including the Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q2 and Q3, Range Rover Evoque, Mini Countryman and upcoming Jaguar E-Pace – buyers have to step up to the medium SUV segment to find a model with a coupe body style.

BMW and Mercedes-Benz have proved that Australians have an appetite for coupe-styled SUVs, with the likes of the X4, X6, GLC Coupe and GLE Coupe recording strong sales numbers.

So far in 2017 BMW has sold 1024 examples of the X4 (compared to 2073 X3s) and 298 of the X6 (compared to 2228 X5s).

Meanwhile Mercedes-Benz has recorded 625 sales of the GLC Coupe (2070 GLCs) and 468 of the GLE Coupe (1463 GLEs).