Benjamin M. Monroe Blog: WORLD PREMIERE: BMW X2 Concept debuts in Paris

Thursday, September 29, 2016

WORLD PREMIERE: BMW X2 Concept debuts in Paris

At this year’s 2016 Paris Motor Show, BMW adds another coupe-like crossover to its already impressive stable. Well, a concept of another coupe-like crossover, at least. The BMW X2 Concept finally makes its debut and it’s more impressive than we thought it would be.

With the X2, BMW really wanted to combine sporty design and dynamics with practicality for active lifestyles, more so than in any other coupe-like crossover so far. “The BMW Concept X2 combines the fast-moving body language and low-slung proportions of a coupe with the robust construction of an X model. This is a sporty vehicle with a bold character, and it allows us to open up some fascinating new design possibilities for the BMW brand,” according to Karim Habib, Head of BMW Design.

This isn’t the first coupe SUV in BMW’s history but we think it’s the best looking one yet. In our opinion, the BMW X2 is a fantastic looking concept and looks far better than the X4 and X6. Though this is just a concept, it’s dripping with awesome little touches that give it character. The “X”s in the headlights and the roundels on the C-pillars, which harkens back to classics like the 3.0 CSL, are especially cool little details.

But the main design is also particular attractive. The roofline is sporty and aggressive, the front overhang is short, the signature kidney grilles are upright and massive and the headlights are narrow and angry. I love the massive air intakes in the front end and the pseudo rear diffuser. It’s the sportiest looking SUV BMW’s shown thus far, making the X4 look downright frumpy.

The BMW X2 will be built on the same UKL architecture that underpins the BMW X1 and MINI Clubman. Yes, this means it will be front-wheel drive-based. However, xDrive all-wheel drive is available and, if it does make it to the US, will only be all-wheel drive here in the ‘States. It should drive a lot like the X1 due to their similar underpinnings, however, BMW is claiming it to be sportier. If it drives like a sportier BMW X1, we’ll be very happy.

Powertrain options should include the typical suite of BMW four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, possibly even BMW’s 1.5 liter turbo three-pot. However, if it comes to the US, the new B48 four-cylinder petrol will likely be the only engine. All engines will be mated to an eight-speed Aisin automatic gearbox, but a six-speed manual could be available in European markets. We don’t know what sort of power, performance or efficient figures yet, but expect them to be similar to the X1, if not identical.

We think the BMW X2 Concept looks damn good and are excited to see what it becomes when production starts next year. We’re also not use by the fact that it will be UKL-based, as the X1 and MINI Clubman have both proven it to be a great chassis for fun dynamics.