The growing demand for crossovers among premium car buyers has prompted several carmakers to develop new and refreshed models at a rather swift pace. BMW, for one, is currently working on an all-new sporty crossover that will join the X1, X4 and the X6. This new model is to be called X2 and it will be officially out early next year. BMW India is expected to add the X2 to its line-up as a niche offering. When launched, it will be positioned between the family-oriented X1 and X3 crossovers.
Like the X6 and the new X4, the X2 will feature a five-door layout with a low sloping roofline and a tailgate set at a more extreme angle than that of the more practical X1 to give it a coupe-like silhouette.
Mechanically, the X2 will be based on BMW’s new front-wheel drive UKL platform that underpins the new X1 and the Mini range. Engine options will carryover from the X1 so expect to see an assortment of familiar petrol and diesel units including a 2-litre TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder motor that develops 228bhp. There will also be less powerful 148bhp and 187bhp diesel models that will be top picks of the X2 range in many markets. The engines will be paired to either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic gearbox in combination with front or all-wheel drive.
The new X2 is expected to be shown early next year as BMW’s third Sports Activity Coupe, following the X6 and the X4. It will be made alongside the new X1 at BMW’s Regensburg factory in Germany, unlike the first-gen X1 which was built alongside the 1 Series and 3 Series at the brand’s Leipzig plant.
