Photo: CarPix
The MINI Paceman might have been doomed to fail, but BMW still thinks it can sell a small crossover with coupe styling. It just needs a couple of extra doors, which is exactly what the X2 boasts.
BMW's X lineup has blossomed from one big car into many that suit the needs of every customer. Or rather the lack of needs, because the X2 will have the least amount of space, both for passengers and luggage.
We don't mind, but the similarities between the Bimmer prototype and MINI Paceman are hard to ignore. For example, the coupe-like X2 has a raked roof that ends with a bubble butt. There's also a certain proportion between the angle of the rear windshield and the trunk that's been kept.
Underneath, the X2 shares more than the double exhaust design with MINI crossovers. Being based on the X1 means that the underpinnings are front-wheel-driven. And considering the all-new Countryman has grown in size, this is as close to a Paceman successor as you are ever going to get.
BMW has gotten steadily better at the FWD stuff over the past couple of years. The goal here is to deliver less family values and more of the driving feel of a German hot hatch. Depending on the model, you're going to be offered a choice between a 1.5-liter 3-banger and a 2.0-liter engine.
The pick of the bunch will either be the 20d diesel model with 190 PS or the 25i, equipped with the same 231 PS punch as the JCW models. Most engines will be available with an 8-speed automatic. However, it should be interesting to see how many people buy the manual, provided that BMW offers a bit of bolt action precision.
Regarding design, the X2 has already been previewed by a concept. And even though the prototype doesn't have an M Sport body kit, it still looks sportier than the X1. It all has to do with ratios and boring stuff like that. But the strange thing is that almost nothing has been borrowed from the X6 flagship Sports Activity Coupe.
We don't mind, but the similarities between the Bimmer prototype and MINI Paceman are hard to ignore. For example, the coupe-like X2 has a raked roof that ends with a bubble butt. There's also a certain proportion between the angle of the rear windshield and the trunk that's been kept.
Underneath, the X2 shares more than the double exhaust design with MINI crossovers. Being based on the X1 means that the underpinnings are front-wheel-driven. And considering the all-new Countryman has grown in size, this is as close to a Paceman successor as you are ever going to get.
BMW has gotten steadily better at the FWD stuff over the past couple of years. The goal here is to deliver less family values and more of the driving feel of a German hot hatch. Depending on the model, you're going to be offered a choice between a 1.5-liter 3-banger and a 2.0-liter engine.
The pick of the bunch will either be the 20d diesel model with 190 PS or the 25i, equipped with the same 231 PS punch as the JCW models. Most engines will be available with an 8-speed automatic. However, it should be interesting to see how many people buy the manual, provided that BMW offers a bit of bolt action precision.
Regarding design, the X2 has already been previewed by a concept. And even though the prototype doesn't have an M Sport body kit, it still looks sportier than the X1. It all has to do with ratios and boring stuff like that. But the strange thing is that almost nothing has been borrowed from the X6 flagship Sports Activity Coupe.
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