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BMW X2 first glimpse

BMW X2 first glimpse BMW X2 first glimpse BMW X2 first glimpse BMW X2 first glimpse BMW X2 first glimpse BMW X2 first glimpse BMW X2 first glimpse BMW X2 first glimpse BMW X2 first glimpse BMW X2 first glimpse BMW X2 first glimpse
Despite the disguise, the BMW X2’s similarities with the BMW X1 and 1 Series are plain to see.

What's the news?

Despite the lurid disguise on the bodywork, what we're seeing here is our first clear look at the model which completes BMW's 'X' SUV set - this is 2018's X2.

Due to have its world premiere later this year, the X2 slots into the family that already incorporates the X1, X3, X4, X5 and X6, and - like all the even-numbered BMW off-roaders - it is supposed to the the sportier, coupe-esque version of the X1 with which it shares so much.

BMW is calling the X2 a Sports Activity Coupe (which abbreviates to SAC... ahem...) and while it is shown in cursory off-road environments in some of the photos, Munich has been more prolific with the camera in the X2's supposedly prime habitat: the 'urban jungle'.

The company even says the camouflage wasn't just chosen at random, as the car's 'athletic contours' were dress in the spectacular yellow, grey and black highlights as they were supposedly absolutely perfect for a 'jungle excursion'.

What we can see here is that the X2 is small and has design features like a 1 Series, such as a dropped number plate at the rear, sleek back light clusters, large kidney grilles and traditional four-headlamp units. It also seems to have the BMW roundels on the C-pillars, which is a feature seen on the concept car precursor of the X2 that was shown in 2016.

Expect the X2 to run much the same drivetrains as the X1, which likely means front-wheel drive on a handful of base models and then xDrive on the rest. It'll probably only have four-cylinder units, although an M Performance version is not out of the question.

Anything else?

BMW is readying the all-new X3 for market first, which is going to hit showrooms later this year. That means the X2 should slot in some time in 2018, with plenty of motor show appearances for the new boy between now and then.

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Published on August 12, 2017