It seemed pretty clear that BMW wanted to build an SUV to rival the Mercedes-Benz GLA. Now that time has come, and the BMW X2 has arrived. This new SUV clearly has a youthful appeal, with very unique styling that sets it apart from other small SUVs. So what exactly sits underneath new new X2? It is based on the company's UKL platform, which is also used on the X1. This means that the X2 is FWD-based and shares more in common with several Mini models than other BMW models. This may piss off enthusiasts, but it may not be so bad.
In the US, the X1 is only available with AWD, so we'd expect the X2 to be the same. BMW will offer this SUV with a ton of engine options in Europe, but we bet that the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four making 228 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque could be the only choice in the US.
Power will be sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. That combination will get the 3,662-pound SUV up to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, with a 130 mph top speed (143 mph with the M Sport X Package). Most of the time the power will feed the front tires, but power can be sent to the rear wheels when needed. BMW will offer three trim levels: Basic, M Sport and M Sport X. The M Sport pack adds dark shadow accents, with side skirts and wheel arch trim in body color. Stepping up to the M Sport X trim adds side skirts, bumper and wheel arch trim in Frozen Grey, and more aggressive air intakes.
The interior looks a lot like the X1 and the 2 Series coupe. This new SUV will come standard with BMW's latest version of the iDrive infotainment system, which now includes a touch screen and Apple Car Play compatibility. The standard screen is a 6.5-inch display that's upgraded to an 8.8-inch with navigation equipped.
There is also an optional Driving Assistance Package, which rolls in lane departure warning, speed limit info, automatic high beams, and front and pedestrian collision warnings. Automatic cruise control is available as an option. The X2 will be available starting in Spring of 2018 but pricing has not been announced. Expect the X2 to cost slightly more than the X1 xDrive28i, which starts at $35,750. We can't say that we've been on board with BMW turning to FWD-based models. However, we did think that if any car company could build fun FWD cars, it would probably be BMW.
The X2 looks good both inside and out, although we can clearly tell that this is not a model that is aimed towards enthusiasts. The possibility of something like an X2 M seems nearly impossible, but that's just a reality that we all have to live with. In truth, the X2 will probably sell so quickly that dealerships won't be able to keep them in stock. BMW does seem to have given this SUV enough of a potential for fun. The X2 will be available in 11 different paint colors including the Galvanic Gold metallic, Sunset Orange, and Misano Blue metallic (which is also the name of an Alfa Romeo color). We love that stunning shade of Misano Blue, which is our favorite.
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