The BMW X2 made its North American debut this week at the Detroit auto show, after being unveiled in October 2017. Positioned below the X1 in size, the X2 is a subcompact crossover aimed at the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and the Audi Q2, offering the versatility of a station wagon along with compact dimensions.
The X2 sits 2.8 inches lower than an X1 and is 3.2 inches shorter in length, even though it has the same wheelbase. The new crossover shares the UKL platform with several Mini models, also part of the greater BMW empire. Meant to be smaller and sportier than the X1, the X2 trades some of the cargo space and headroom of its larger sibling for a more city-friendly footprint, but the two are not that far apart when it comes to dimensions.
In xDrive28i guise, which will be the sole model available at the start of sales, the X2 will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four producing 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and sending power to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The wee CUV will be able to propel itself from 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds, according to BMW.
The X2 will start about $4,000 north of the X1.
Meet the 2018 BMW X2
We knew it was coming, and here it is: BMW introduced the X2, the smallish crossover sized between the X1 and X3, aimed squarely at the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q2 on Wednesday. The BMW goes on …
The X2 xDrive28i will start at $39,395 when it goes on sale this spring, landing a bit north of the $34,895 starting price of its X1 stablemate. This debut model will be offered in Convenience and Premium tiers. In terms of pricing, however, it will land south of the $43,445 starting price of the X3, allowing for a logical price ladder. But the X2 will have to develop its own appeal, as it won’t be lost on BMW shoppers that the larger X1 will start about $4,000 less.
The M Sport X Design pack will add a bodykit, lowered suspension, a recalibrated transmission and larger 19-inch wheels, among other items, and will be offered paired with the Premium tier. This pack will start at $44,045.
Expect to see a front-wheel-drive version of the X2 down the line, as well as a sportier M offering. There is no shortage of choices at the moment, given the proliferation of small SUVs in the BMW lineup.