There were plenty of skeptics when BMW announced plans to build its first utility vehicle, er, Sport-Activity Vehicle. These days, however, it seems like buyers can’t get enough of them.
And, so, the original X5 SAV has become but one in a broad line-up of utes, large and small, from the Bavarian automaker. And BMW apparently hasn’t run out of white space yet, as it is getting ready to add yet another model to the line-up, the new 2018 X2 xDrive 28i.
“The BMW X2 represents an expression of modern and extrovert vehicle dynamics,” suggested Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design, in describing new model. “This standalone vehicle concept brings a new, fresh and exciting facet of BMW to the compact segment.”
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For those familiar with the marque’s model nomenclature, the X2 suggests it is the “coupe” counterpoint to the brand’s current base ute model, the X1. Of course, these days, “coupe” is a word whose definition has been stretched to the breaking point with models like the BMW 6-Series Grand Coupe.
In this case, it seems to mean the new model is actually about 3 inches shorter and 2.8 inches lower than the X1, and it gets a more rounded, coupe-like roofline. It isn’t quite as steeply raked as the X4 or X6 models, however, considering just how short the new model is.
There have been a few modest changes from the 2016 concept vehicle, notably the front fascia and sideview mirrors, but what you get is largely what we first saw in the form of the X2 concept vehicle at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.
The new ute does get some slight tweaks to the familiar twin kidney BMW grille, and you get the classic Hofmeister kink in the rear of the greenhouse.
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But, as you might expect, the basic underpinnings of the production X2 are almost entirely lifted out of the X1 bill-of-production. So, you’d also expect that the interior is largely unchanged, as well.
This pint-sized crossover draws power from a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four making 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, healthy numbers for a vehicle of this size and enough BMW claims, to hit 60 in 6.3 seconds. The Twin Power engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic and drives all four wheels.
For now, at least, that’s the only the engine package available for the X2. But BMW does offer an M Sport X package which offers some sporty touches, including paddle shifters, unique bumpers – and a sport-tuned version of the eight-speed gearbox. Higher-performance options include an M-sport suspension and active dampers, as well as an M-sport rear spoiler.
The2018 BMW X2 xDrive28i comes with standard 18-inch wheels, though 19- and 20-inchers are also available. And you can add to an already proficient safety system with BMW’s Driver Assistance package, which includes such useful features as front collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and lane departure warning.
Other high-tech features include the latest iDrive 6.0 infotainment system, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display. Opt for the navigation technology and that grows to 8.8 inches. There’s also Apple CarPlay and you can also load on a wireless charging pad for your smartphone, as well as a built-in WiFi hotspot.
Look for the new BMW X2 to roll into showrooms sometime next spring. We’ll have to wait until closer to the on-sale date for pricing.
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