2018 BMW X2 TO OFFER SPORTY ALTERNATIVE TO X1

A lot of people have been bothered with the huge space between X1 and X3 in BMW's lineup. Well, for those people, you'll be relieved to hear BMW is very close to rectifying this inexcusable oversight. 

The BMW X2 is due at the end of this year, and Britain's CAR Magazine has just gotten the best glimpse yet at the upcoming pocket crossover. 

The latest spy shots suggest that the production X2 will stay close to the proportions previewed by the concept car shown at the Paris Motor Show last year. So, basically, the X2 will offer a lower roofline than the X1 and the X3.

In addition, the X2 will actually be closer to the ground than the X1, fulfilling the "small and sporty" mission that it was assigned. This also means that, unlike the X1, the X2 will be targeting the Mercedes-Benz GLA Class and the Audi Q2 – essentially offering the proportions of a very hatchback. 

The X2 will also follow in the footsteps of the X4 and the X6 by offering a more coupe-like greenhouse and maybe even a little less versatility than its taller and larger siblings. In that respect, this niche in the lineup makes sense as even numbered X models aim to offer a more sporty profile.

The X2 will have plenty of similarities to the X1. It will borrow the X1's transverse engine, front-wheel-drive UKL platform (also shared with various members of the Mini lineup) as well as the 2-Series Active Tourer – a pocket MPV the US won't be getting.

This all means that we're likely to see a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in stateside models, producing 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The other markets can expect some smaller engines, including diesels, but the 2.0-liter model is the top candidate for our base model at the launch.