2018 Singapore debut for BMW’s funked-up small, coupe-ish SUV based on X1

Munich, Germany
BMW has officially unveiled the full-production version of its next sport utility vehicle (SUV), the BMW X2. The X2 is a small SUV described by the brand as an ‘exciting, attractive, extrovert’ that puts an emphasis on interesting styling and improved driving dynamics.

The car’s based on the same BMW compact UKL platform that also serves as the basis for new-gen Minis, the 2 Series Active and Gran Tourer models (the petrol-powered 216i GT recently made its Singapore debut), but obviously the closest relation it has is the BMW X1 small SUV.

Measuring in at 4,360mm long, 1,821mm wide and 1,526mm tall, the X2 is both shorter and lower than the X1,49mm and 69mm respectively, but equally wide and with the same 2,670mm wheelbase.

Based closely on the Concept X2 that appeared at the 2017 Paris Motor Show, the X2 seems like it’ll offer the smallest version of a ‘four-door coupe/SUV’ on the market – in fact that’s partially why the even-numbered model nomenclature is present, in reference to BMW’s own X4 and X6, and the X2 is likewise dubbed a Sports Activity Coupe (or SAC, BMW’s term for coupe-like SUVs). Official figures are yet to be released but we can expect less headroom, and boot space is reportedly 30-litres less than the 505-litres of the X1.

The huge height disparity gives us a better idea of the X2’s positioning and styling. BMW emphasises the ‘stretched, coupe-style roofline’ and minimal glasshouse (the windows are notably shorter and smaller than the X1’s), while the BMW badge on the C-pillar is a nod to BMW coupes of old, including the BMW M1.

More soft-road-esque design cues include a new form of the BMW kidney grille with an inverted trapezoid shape, a ‘design insert’ in contrast colour on the front lower bumper, more contrast-coloured parts on the lower sides and rear, circular, discrete foglights, squared-off wheel arches. With the ‘Galvanic Gold’ paint and ‘Frozen Grey’ design insert, we think the X2 bears a resemblance to a certain father from a long-running animated sitcom.

Internationally, the car’s slated for a March 2018 launch, we can expect a Singapore debut not long after. Currently it’s been announced in three trim variants: Basic, M Sport and M Sport X. Key differences include Basic having dark-coloured cladding, smaller wheels, while M Sport gets body-coloured side-skirts and wheel arches, while M Sport X gets the contrast design inserts in ‘Frozen grey’,  larger wheels and better interior features.

Currently one gasoline and two diesel variants have been announced. The X2 xDrive20d and xDrive25d (with 190hp and 231hp respectively) will be less relevant to Singapore because of the Vehicle Emissions Scheme, which will penalise diesels more and begins on January 2018.

Thus the key choice for Singapore is the X2 xDrive20i, packing a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine seen in most current ‘20i’ BMWs. It has 192hp, average fuel consumption of 5.7L/100km and 130g/km CO2. This version has all-wheel drive (hence ‘xDrive’) but will also receive a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, a first for a UKL car. In the pipeline is an X2 sDrive18i, with front-wheel drive, and powered by a 140hp, 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged engine, average fuel-consumption of 6.0L/100km, 138g/km CO2.

The X2 will face competition from Audi’s Q2, the also-forthcoming Volkswagen T-Roc, and its own corporate cousin, the Mini Countryman.

ENDS