BMW X2 to debut in March 2018

BMW has released official pictures of its X2 SUV and announced the range will make a global debut in March next year, fielding three different variants, each offering all-wheel drive.

Those three variants will be the X2 xDrive20i with 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder, the X2 xDrive20d and the X2 xDrive25d – both the latter types powered by 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines in different states of tune. BMW is specifying a ZF eight-speed automatic for the diesels, but the entry-level petrol engine drives through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

Engine output and (NEDC) fuel consumption ratings for the three engines are 141kW and up to 5.9L/100km for the petrol powerplant, 140kW and up to 4.8L/100km for the '20d' diesel, and 170kW and up to 5.3L/100km for the '25d' diesel.

BMW plans to complement the range later in the year with front-wheel drive models, including a three-cylinder turbo-petrol X2 sDrive18i with seven-speed DCT (103kW, 6.3L/100km) and four-cylinder diesel X2 sDrive18d with manual gearbox (110kW and 4.6L/100km). Additionally, the '18d' engine will be offered in all-wheel drive form with eight-speed ZF auto as the X2 xDrive18d.

Based on the same UKL platform that underpins the X1 and the entire MINI range, the X2 will sit in the range between its east/west powertrain sibling and the larger X3 model. The X2's M Sport and M Sport X variants are fitted as standard with M Sport suspension – firmer spring/damper rates and a 10mm lower ride height.

These variants will arrive in the market boasting a combination of Micro Hexagon fabric Anthracite and Alcantara upholstery inside. Plus, the M Sport variants will feature an exclusive instrument cluster. Across the X2 range there'll be a range of options available, including driver-assistance technology – Traffic Jam Assistant and Parking Assistant, as examples.

BMW is promoting the X2's appeal to 'young and young-at-heart' buyers living in urban areas and leading active, connected lives. The SUV's styling reflects that approach to some extent, with SUV proportions and details enhanced by the coupe-like low roofline. And the company's iconic grille undergoing a significant styling tweak – in the form of a broader base to the 'kidneys' – to distinguish it from other models in the range.

In a hark back to the golden era of BMW coupes from the 1960s and 70s, the X2 features the BMW corporate badge on the pillars either side of the tailgate.