Same leaked document that confirms the M2 Competition and the X7 engine options for the U.S. also confirms the X2 SUV for the American market. Unveiled first in concept form at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, the X2 will arrive in 2018 as the front-wheel-drive X2 sDrive 28i and the all-wheel-drive xDrive 28i. Both will be powered by the same 228-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that drives its X1 sibling.
The transversely mounted four-cylinder engines will, in the case of the X2, usually drive all four wheels as standard, but in addition to the xDrive variants, sDrive models with a front-wheel drive are also planned in the course of the lifecycle.
It’s built on the brand’s UKL architecture, which underpins everything from the MINI Cooper to the BMW X1, and that’s produced some damn fine handling cars. The X2 is one of the 23 completely new models we will see on this platform. Likewise, the new X2 will share range of engines from the X1, in gasoline and diesel, with blocks of three and four cylinders turbo with powers between 116 and 231 HP, most of those offered in Europe. Also, there will be a version of M Performance with a maximum power of 300 hp baptized as X2 M35i xDrive, but won’t be introduced at launch time.
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Due to its size and styling, the X2 is certainly less practical than its brother, resulting in very confined space conditions and reduced rear visibility. From the front end, the X1 resemblance is obvious, yet the design is sportier and more refined. Even in profile, it isn’t much different looking than the X1, without seeing the two side-by-side. It’s when you really get to see the tucked rear end and more aggressive roofline toward the C-pillar.
The X2 will be built in Leipzig.
