BMW X2 2018 revealed

BMW has whipped the covers off its first-ever X2, a coupe-style compact SUV based on the second-generation X1 that features several significant changes to the Bavarian's carmaker's established design language.

Set for a global launch in March next year, the X2 is the first BMW production model to flip its signature kidney grille upside-down, resulting in a distinctive front-end look that separates it from the rest of the X SUV range.

Furthermore, in a nod to the 2000 CS and 3.0 CSL coupes of yesteryear, BMW roundel badges are located on the X2's C-pillars, as well as on its traditional bonnet and bootlid locations.

Meanwhile, the brand's trademark C-pillar 'Hofmeister kink' is slightly elongated and does not cross over the door line unlike other models, adding to the X2's unique design take.

All three of these changes were previewed by the Concept X2 that broke cover at the Paris motor show in September last year, with the final production model remaining faithful to its roots.

Measuring in at 4360mm long, 1824mm wide and 1526mm tall with a 2670mm wheelbase, the X2 is 79mm shorter, 3mm wider and 72mm lower than the X1.

Luggage capacity is 470 litres with the rear seats upward but can expand to 1355L when the second row is stowed. These figures are 35L and 195L down on the X1 respectively.

Inside, the X2 and X1's similarities are more apparent as they share identical interior designs, expect for a new-look gear selector, stitched artificial-leather dashboard and blacked-out instrument cluster.

Three grades – basic, M Sport and M Sport X – offer different trim and colours inside and out to further enhance either the X2's sporty or rugged look.

As standard, basic X2s roll on 17-inch alloy wheels and feature 'Dark Shadow' metallic-coloured exterior cladding, while their interiors have 'Grid cloth Anthracite' upholstery, and 'Oxide Silver Dark' trim finishers with a high-gloss black accent strip.

Alternatively, X2 M Sports include 19-inch rims and additional body-coloured cladding, while inside they have 'Micro Hexagon fabric Anthracite/Alcantara' upholstery with 'M' piping and
blue contrast stitching, and 'Aluminium Hexagon' trim finishers with a matte blue accent strip.

Inspired by rally racing, the new M Sport X grade features exclusive 19-inch wheels and 'Frozen Grey' exterior treatments, while its interior is similar to the M Sport's with the exception of yellow upholstery stitching and a 'Pearl-effect Chrome' accent strip.

The M Sport and M Sport X also pick up an 'M Sport' suspension that drops ride height by 10mm and increases firmness.

Available equipment across the grades will include a 6.5-inch or 8.8-inch infotainment system, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay support, colour head-up display, WiFi hotspot, 'ConnectedDrive' connectivity, panoramic sunroof, and LED head- and tail-lights.

Safety and driver assistance technologies will extend to autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, park assist, reversing camera and parking sensors.

Exact Australian timing, pricing and specification remain under wraps, meaning the exact make-up of the local grades could vary from their overseas counterparts.

Similarly, the engines, drivetrains and transmissions available to the Aussie market are unknown, with overseas markets having access to three turbocharged four-cylinder units – one petrol, two diesel – from launch.

The entry-level, petrol-powered sDrive20i produces 141kW and 280Nm, with drive sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Comparatively, the oil-burning xDrive20d and xDrive25d pump out 140kW/400Nm and 170kW/450Nm respectively, with both employing an all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

Claimed fuel consumption on the combined cycle test is rated at 5.5-5.9 litres per 100 kilometres for the sDrive20i, 4.6-4.8L/100km for the xDrive20d, and 5.1-5.3L/100km for the xDrive25d.

Carbon dioxide emissions have been tested at 126-134 grams per kilometre for the sDrive20i, 121-126g/km for the xDrive20d, and 133-139g/km for the xDrive25d.

The sDrive20i sprints from zero to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds on the way to a top speed of 227km/h, while the spirited xDrive25d completes the triple-digit run in 6.7s while topping out at 237km/h.

Following the initial drivetrain range, sDrive18i, xDrive20i, sDrive18d and xDrive18d options will be added later in 2018, meaning three petrols and five diesels will be eventually on offer in total.

Local details will be announced closer to the X2's launch around March next year.

Did BMW make the right move by flipping the kidney grille on its first-ever X2? Tell us what you think in the comments below.