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2017 BMW X2 First Spy Photos Show Production Design of X1-Based Sport Activity Coupe

That's right, you guys are looking at the BMW X2 for the first time. Mark this day in your calendar, because it proves the Bavarian automaker is committed to a diversified model lineup that targets niches within niches.
2017 BMW X2 First Photos 9 photos
Photo: SB-Medien
2017 BMW X2 First Photos2017 BMW X2 First Photos2017 BMW X2 First Photos2017 BMW X2 First Photos2017 BMW X2 First Photos2017 BMW X2 First Photos2017 BMW X2 First Photos2017 BMW X2 First Photos
The X2 is supposed to be a coupe version of the X1. However, it does not have a 2-door setup or a rakish roofline. The single biggest change is that the greenhouse is slightly shorter in stature. Combined with a sloped tailgate, this gives off the impression of a sporty compact off-roader, similar to the Evoque.

At the front, the X2 appears to have a grille that's wider than the one of X1. The back has a hint of MINI, combining styling elements from Paceman and the Clubman.

The smallest Sport Activity Coupe model will be underpinned by the same UKL platform as the X1 and the rest of the FWD models sold by the German carmaker. The engines will be the same, so we can give you a very good idea of what to expect.

Powertrain choices will vary from 1.5-liter 3-cylinder units to 2-liter 4-cylinder ones, all with direct injection and turbocharging.

We expect most customers in Europe will go for one of the several 2-liter diesel options. These will start off gently with 150 PS, work up to a 190 PS model and culminate when a rampaging 231 PS model unleashes twin-turbo madness.

But the ladies that want a BMW SUV with sexy looks and low fuel consumption, there should also be a FWD-only sDrive16d further down the line. Such models are out of the question in America, where the X2 will arrive with 2-liter gas-burners rated at 190 and 230 horsepower.

There has been a lot of talk about a possible M or M Performance version of both the X1 and now the X2 in the past. Truth be told, we'd love a model that would take on the GLA45 AMG versions the Stuttgart-based manufacturer is offering but the chances of it actually happening are slim, at the most.

The technology to take the 2-liter B48 engine up to 300 HP exists and, with the introduction of water injection cooling for the intake air, it should be here any minute now but officials said countless times that the M division will not be signing off any front-wheel drive model in the near future. Since both the X1 and X2 are based on the UKL platform, that dismisses them as potential candidates altogether from the beginning.

Even if they were offered with all-wheel drive, the system they'd be using would still be based on a FWD layout and not offer the traditional xDrive feeling we'd want. An M Performance version of the X1 or X2 is more plausible with the mill under the hood borrowed from the new 330i model for example, good for at least 252 HP.



The car we're looking at here could also come out under the XCite nickname, a rumor we've been telling you about. This would be a mix between the X1 and the 1 Series but nothing's set in stone at the moment. Either way, the line-up of BMW crossovers will surely grow in the near future, the X2 being expected to enter production towards the end of 2016.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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