2017 BMW X2 – New X1-Based Crossover Coupe Debuts

BMW has taken the veils off its much-hyped X2 Sports Activity Coupe offering a sportier take of its X1 entry-level crossover. Based upon the UKL transverse engine platform, X2 offers BMW’s familiar range of 2.0-litre four-cylinder powerplants with the smaller 1.5-litre three-pots set to join the range later.

At launch, the X2 is available with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 192 hp and 280 Nm powering the front-wheel driven sDrive20i variant through a 7-speed dual clutch transmission introduced earlier this year in the X1 and 2 Series Gran Tourer models recently.

Diesel power, meanwhile, is offered in two states of tune and is fitted as standard with an 8-speed torque converter automatic and all-wheel drive. The choice is between the xDrive20d with 190 hp / 400 Nm and the xDrive25d with 231 hp / 450 Nm.

Further variants in the pipeline include an all-wheel drive version of the 20i along with 1.5-litre three-cylinder variants that include the petrol-powered sDrive18i as well as the diesel-powered sDrive18d and xDrive18d. Interestingly enough, the 1.5-litre variants are quoted with slightly higher official fuel consumption than the 20i and 20d models.

Both FWD variants with the 1.5-litre engine offer the option of a 6-speed manual transmission, but available with automatic gearbox as optional upgrades. Broadly speaking, all petrol engines get a 7-speed dual clutch whilst the diesels utlize an 8-speed auto.

Performance figures of the X2 are summarized as follows:

Appearance-wise, the X2 re-writes many familiar BMW design cues in a bid to forge its own unique visual identity. Noteworthy touches include kidney grilles that now widen downwards and model badging now placed on the left side of the tailgate. There is also the return of the C-pillar-mounted BMW roundel last seen in classic coupes like the 2000 CS and 3.0 CSL.

Three trim levels are available for selection, starting with a basic model from which buyers can choose to upscale to M Sport or M Sport X grades. The new M Sport X combines the added sportiness of M Sport trim with the ruggedness of BMW’s X models.

The X2 officially goes on sale in European markets in March 2018 in sDrive20i, xDrive20d, and xDrive25d variants. The sDrive18i, xDrive20i, sDrive18d, and xDrive18d variants will join the line-up later in the year.