BMW X2, Little Brother to the X4 and X6, Arrives
“2018 will be the year of X”, at least according to BMW’s CFO Nicholas Peter. Today at the Detroit Auto Show, the company introduced its new BMW X2 for the North American market. They’re also updating its big brother, the X4, and giving us the three-row X7. Originally debuted last fall in Europe, the X2 brings the German manufacturer’s coupe crossover styling to a smaller vehicle that should help BMW compete against the slew of tiny crossovers competing for global dominance (see: Mercedes-Benz GLA/Infiniti QX30 to start).
Mighty-Mite
So where does the X2 slot against BMW’s X1? Based on the spec’s it looks like the X2 is the going to be the sportier option between the two. The new X2 is 3.2 inches shorter and 2.8 inches lower than the X1, yet both share the same wheelbase. There are seat belts for 5 passengers, but based on the interior space of the X1, the three rear passengers are going to be limited to small children.
The 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder engine hits peak 228 horsepower between 5,000 and 6,000 rpm, while peak torque of 258 lb-ft hits at 1,450 rpm and stays at peak up to 4,500 rpm. BMW claims a 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds.
Handling is helped by the X2’s lower stance (compared to the X1), xDrive all-wheel-drive system and standard 18-inch wheels. The 19-inch wheels are optional. Interestingly, the vehicle comes with Hill Descent Control, something that *might* infer soft-roading capabilities. With 7.2-inches of ground clearance, we’ll have to see how the X2 handles our benchmark Gold Mine Hill hillclimb later this year.
X Factor
As for the why behind the X2, it’s obvious that the brain trust at BMW wants to fill in its number sequence–X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, and X7 –with this small crossover. Will Americans buy it? We’ll see. Pricing, fuel-economy numbers have yet to be announced. BMW plans to ship the X2 to dealers later this spring.
Stay tuned to TFLcar.com BMW X2 updates and more from the Detroit Auto Show. Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow on YouTube for the latest live debuts and breaking news!
