Skip advert
Advertisement

New BMW X2 revealed – BMW’s latest compact SUV

BMW’s new X2 crossover to offer up a dash of extra style over its X1 sibling

This is the BMW X2, a pseudo-coupe version of the BMW X1, itself an SUV based on the 2-series Active Tourer platform, which is little more than a bloated Mini, do you follow me? BMW’s prolific expansion into all market segments, existent or not, has just entered the compact coupe-SUV phase.  

Advertisement - Article continues below

In BMW’s defence, the X2 joins two other coupe-SUV crossovers in the range, namely the X4 and X6. Like those two cars, the X2 compromises rear space for the sake of style, but unlike those cars eschews a droopy roofline for a boxier silhouette. Although it may not look immediately different to an X1, sit the two side by side and you’ll see a taller belt line has accompanied the significant 70mm roofline drop. The overhangs have also shrunk, giving the X2 a more aggressive wheel at each corner stance.

> Click here for our review of the Audi Q2

Most of BMW’s trademark design features have remained, only with a new spin, such as the downturned trapezoidal kidney grille and barely recognisable Hofmeister kink. To remind you that the X2 is, in fact, still a BMW, it has even seen fit to apply a BMW roundel on each c-pillar; a throwback to classics like the 3.0 CSL says BMW. 

Powertrains will mimic the X1, starting with a 138bhp 1.5-litre three-cylinder sDrive18i and eventually topping out with the 227bhp 2-litre twin-turbo diesel xDrive25d. All-wheel drive is available on selected models, as is an eight-speed automatic transmission (or seven-speed dual clutch on front-drive petrol models).

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

BMW will also be introducing a new spec level on the X2 called M Sport X. On top of the usual road-biased M Sport styling tweaks, the M Sport X swaps out the body-coloured wheelarch trim and sills for contrasting grey units as was seen on the X2 Concept. Wheel sizes will start at 17-inches, but M Sport and M Sport X models will have 19- or 20-inch units giving you an idea of the on-road bent BMW has instilled in the X2.

> Click here for our review of the Mercedes GLA

As with the chassis and drivetrain, the interior is mostly unchanged from the X1, aside from offering a few new colour and trim options. The basic dash design is ergonomic and practical, although it still lacks the edge of even mainstream rival offerings like the Peugeot 3008. The iDrive infotainment system is still top notch though, only really rivalled by Audi’s MMI system as used in the Q2. 

We expect the lower centre of gravity to also aid the X2’s driving experience and if the X1 is anything to go by could be the most sorted handling compact SUV when launched. UK prices and final specifications have yet to be released, although expect a slight premium on the X1’s £25k starting price, putting it a few grand up on the Audi Q2 and Mercedes GLA.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

​Best hot hatchbacks 2025 – from grassroots greats to supercar slayers
Best hot hatchbacks 2025
Best cars

​Best hot hatchbacks 2025 – from grassroots greats to supercar slayers

Contracted though the hot hatch market may be, there are still some great models out there, from the electric Alpine A290 to the five-cylinder Audi RS…
10 Mar 2025
Porsche's EV U-turn means more new petrol cars and hybrids are coming
2025 Porsche 911 GT3
News

Porsche's EV U-turn means more new petrol cars and hybrids are coming

The 911 will get even more exclusive and desirable variants with increased customisability going forward
12 Mar 2025
Pagani Utopia 2025 review – £2.2m Huayra successor nails the hypercar formula
Pagani Utopia
Reviews

Pagani Utopia 2025 review – £2.2m Huayra successor nails the hypercar formula

Only Pagani’s third model-line in more than 25 years, the Utopia builds on everything that made the Zonda and Huayra great, then adds its own unique c…
12 Mar 2025