Is The Facelifted 2021 BMW X2 In For A Big Grille Makeover?

The BMW X2 has been spotted testing with an updated front end, around two and a half years after production of the compact crossover began.

Seen in the small town of Nürburg, close to the Nürburgring race track, the prototype had a disguised grille that seems to be wider and taller than before. Flanking it on each side are the redesigned headlights while further down the bumper has been modified as well.

The German automaker appears to have modified the side skirts too, unless that’s plastic cladding meant to trick us, whereas the rear bumper carries over without any changes – for now at least. The diffuser is new, however, and still has cutouts on each side for the exhaust pipes. The taillights, roof spoiler and tailgate carry over, with the latter trying to disguise the ‘X2’ and ‘xDrive’ badges.

We don’t expect any major upgrades inside, where the dashboard panel will continue to host the infotainment system on top of it, albeit likely with new software. BMW could introduce new upholstery colors and trims, but other than that, everything else should soldier on as is.

In North America, it is understood that the facelifted X2 will continue to be offered in front-wheel drive sDrive28i and all-wheel drive xDrive28i variants, as well as in range-topping M35i spec. We don’t know yet whether the engine lineup will gain any updates. Currently, the base models feature a 228 HP 2.0-liter four-pot, while the M35i packs a 301 horsepower 2.0L turbo-four.

Europe will continue to offer other versions of the premium compact crossover, including the front- and all-wheel drive versions of the 18i and 20i petrols, 18d and 20d diesels, alongside the xDrive25d and xDrive25e plug-in hybrid.

Look out for the 2021 BMW X2 towards the end of the year, when the current one will celebrate its third birthday.