BMW X2

                                                             BMW X2

#ref-menu To be clear, the car doesn’t look bad, especially in that goldish yellow paint. And on paper it sounds just fine: it’ll launch with a turbodiesel engine, good for 192 horsepower, all-wheel drive and an eight-speed auto. We probably won’t get the diesel, but there are turbocharged four-cylinder variants in the pipeline as well.

The X2 features a long hood, a steeply raked windshield, a sleek greenhouse, and an aggressively styled rear end with horizontal taillights. It’s not just an X1 with a more steeply raked backlight but a distinctive design all its own. The pentagonal kidney grilles usher in a new design for Munich, and one of our favorite elements is the location of the BMW roundels on the C-pillar, which echo legendary BMW models such as the 3200CS, the 2000CS, and the iconic E9 coupe (2500CS, 2.8CS, 3.0CS, and 3.0CSL). It’s a strong design cue that shouldn’t be restricted to the X2, where the logos look right.

The bold appearance can be enhanced via the optional M Sport X package, shown here on the yellow car. A new offering from BMW, it aims to combine styling elements of BMW’s X SUVs and its M performance models and is said to be inspired by rallying. An X2 with this kit has its own bumpers and side skirts, 19-inch wheels (with all-season or summer rubber) that can be upgraded to 20s, and matte Frozen Grey exterior trim bits meant to accentuate the CUV’s ground clearance. Inside the M Sport X, the default aluminum trim features a hexagonal pattern but can be swapped out for one of three other options. (A more familiar M Sport package, minus the X, is available in Europe—that’s the blue car pictured here.)

Although the proportions might suggest a rear-drive model to some, the X2 mounts its engine transversely, as in the X1 and current Mini models that also use the UKL platform. While Europeans can order from among three- and four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engine options, the American lineup will restrict choices to just one: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four making 228 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. As is typical for BMWs, the chassis has Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport driving modes; each affects the steering weight, powertrain response, and, if the optional adaptive dampers have been fitted, suspension firmness. Additionally, an M Sport suspension is available that lowers the ride height by 0.4 inch. On base models, 18-inch wheels are standard and 19s are optional.The new X2 shares its UKL platform with the second-gen X1, 2 Series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer and the current Mini line-up. BMW will use the same platform to underpin the upcoming third-gen 1-series as well. Customers will be offered a choice of three trim levels – Basic, M Sport and M Sport X.

Aimed at enticing younger customers, the X2’s design is quite similar to the Concept X2 that was showcased at the 2016 Paris motor show. The SUV’s signature kidney grille has been tweaked, the short bonnet allows the windshield to be placed further ahead liberating more room on the inside a BMW badge adorns the thick C-pillar, and the taut surfacing treatment along the flanks and squared-off wheel arches lends it a rugged look. The exterior also sports a sharply raked tailgate.

The X2 is 4,360mm long, 1,821mm wide and 1,526mm tall, with a wheelbase that is 2,670mm. This makes the new SUV 49mm shorter and 69mm lower than the second-gen X1, which will be produced alongside the X2 at BMW’s Regensburg production facility in Germany.

The cabin of the X2 shares plenty of elements with the X1 including the black panel instruments and a multifunction steering wheel. The 8.8-inch touchscreen iDrive display and a heads-up display are optional extras. The five-seater sports a luggage carrying capacity of 470 litres, though it can be expanded thanks to the 40:20:40 split folding rear seats.

Under the bonnet, there are three turbocharged four-cylinder units available – a 190hp, 2.0-litre petrol that drives the front wheels, a 190hp, 2.0-litre diesel that sends power to all four-wheels, and the current range-topper is a 231hp, 2.0-litre diesel motor with four-wheel-drive.

The petrol engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, while the diesel engine come paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

It’ll slot in above the X1, so you can expect it to cost more than $33,750. And besides the fact that crossovers are the big moneymakers right now, my question is why. Why do we need this? It accomplishes the same thing that the X1 does, it will just be more expensive. Whatever keeps the lights on, I suppose.

 

Anyway, if you do wind up getting this thing, I’d strongly suggest opting out of that piece of wraparound cladding strip that runs along the car’s bottom. It’s busy-looking and tacky.