From the moment automakers figured out that consumers care more about fashion than their true needs and…physics, crossovers were bound to spread into every niche on the market.
After creating the compact X1, BMW is now seeking to increase its reach in the compact segment by catering to the needs of those who find its appearance a bit too conservative with the sportier-styled, but otherwise, mostly identical, X2.
Nothing has really changed with these latest BMW X2 prototypes over the one we spotted in November other than the addition of auxiliary lights to help engineers navigate through Sweden’s snowy roads.
The X2 has a lower and more curved roofline with a steeper tailgate than the X1, but it lacks the fastback styling of the bigger X4 and X6 – most probably because BMW wanted to maintain acceptable levels of rear passenger headroom and luggage space.
Under the uniquely styled body, you’ll find the X1’s UKL, front-wheel drive-based platform and hardware, with the same or similar engine options, including an assortment of four-cylinder turbocharged petrols and diesels, with three-cylinder mills to likely be added to the European range. North America should get the 228hp 2.0-liter turbo four gasoline unit paired to an 8-speed automatic as standard.
An M Performance edition fitted with an evolved version of the B58 2.0L four making over 300 horses and a tweaked chassis with standard all-wheel drive, will join the range as well.
BMW may give us a sneak peek of the X2 with a near production concept model during the course of 2016, possibly as early as March at the Geneva Motor Show.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops
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