BMW’s smallest coupe-SUV is on its way with petrol, plug-in hybrid and full electric powertrains
The next-generation BMW X2 has been teased, with the pictures giving us our first official look at the coupe-SUV before its revealed later this year. The X2 will find its base in the current X1, but features a more heavily sloping roofline and illuminated kidney grilles. We expect the X2 to be available with both combustion-powered mild- and plug-in hybrid powertrains when it launches, plus an all-electric iX2, too.
Previous to this teaser, we’ve also caught X2 prototypes in development, the latest being in a hot M35i form. Using the X1 M35i as a guide, we have plenty to draw on when it comes to the new sports model’s technical makeup, starting with the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that’s expected to power it.
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High performance BMW X1 M35i xDrive arrives to top the range
High performance BMW X1 M35i xDrive arrives to top the rangeProducing 296bhp at 5750rpm and a healthy 400Nm of torque between 2,000rpm and 4,500rpm, these numbers are actually very slightly behind the existing X2 M35i, due largely to stricter emissions laws being enforced in the UK and Europe.
Drive will reach all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, with chassis hardware such as lowered and stiffened suspension with adjustable dampers, uprated brakes and a more direct steering ratio expected to feature.
Like the current X2, however, the new model will lead on its aggressive styling, some of which we can already see through the camouflage and in the official teaser. Visible straight away is a more angular front end design that references the latest X6 with its down-turned kidney grilles. Within them, the X2 M35i looks to have incorporated horizontal slats à la other full-house M models, sat in a chunky and aggressive lower bumper with a new mesh insert.
The rest of the body, although more heavily disguised, clearly shows a different rear end to the existing X2 thanks to a more aggressively sloping roofline and an integrated lip spoiler. This will sit above slim rear lights with BMW’s latest lighting signature, as well as four exhaust pipes in the lower bumper – another feature borrowed from BMW M’s larger models.
Inside, we expect a few new finishes and interior colour options, but it will likely keep to the X1’s simple, tech-focused design highlighted by BMW’s twin-screen interface. Rear seat headroom will likely be compromised due to that sloping roofline, but it shouldn’t affect rear legroom or overall boot space under the parcel shelf.
We expect the X2 M35i to be revealed alongside the standard car and an all-electric iX2 later this year, priced just above the more family-friendly X1. The X1 range currently starts at around £35,000, rising to a touch under £46,000 for the top-spec M35i model.
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