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BMW has unveiled its seventh SUV, the X2 – a model that is expected to open up a new market for dealers.
Order books open in mid-November for the initial X2 model, the four-cylinder turbocharged xDrive 20d diesel with prices starting at £33,980.
The line-up will be expanded in 2018 with the addition of the petrol sDrive20i model and the diesel-engined sDrive18d and xDrive18d. All models will be front wheel drive.
The X2 is expected to target not only the mushrooming small SUV market, which has become increasingly attractive to premium brands in recent times, but also a younger audience than all of the current SUV range, including the existing small model the X1.
First seen as the Concept X2 at the Paris show in September 2016, the X2 sits on the same platform as the X1 with an identical wheelbase, but measures two centimetres shorter than its sister model.
It is also 7cm lower than the X1, which results in a slimmer glasshouse producing a more sporty look than many small SUVs. BMW states that the X2 combines the low-slung proportions of a coupe with the robustness of an SUV model.
Notable styling touches include the short bonnet atop a new version of the signature kidney grille, which on the X2 is wider at the base than at the top. This adds to the sporty proportions and also gives the car a wider appearance.
Currently performance details have only been released for the launch model, its diesel engine producing 190hp and 400Nm of torque through the all-wheel-drive transmission. The car will reach 62mph from rest in 7.7 seconds while returning combined cycle fuel economy of 61.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 121g/km.
The X2 will be sold in four trim levels – BMW’s familiar grades of SE, Sport, M Sport and M Sport X.
