There is no doubt that BMW can fill a niche, the X6 tapped into a market and the new X4 is proving that a coupe crossover can work on the smaller scale. Now BMW are planning to launch a sporty coupe SUV and it will have its base on the next gen X1.
This is called the BMW X2 and it is thought that the car will be offered with three and five doors. Just as with all the smaller BMWs to come from the company, the X2 will use the UKL1 platform that is going to be seen on the new version of the MINI along with the 2 series Active Tourer. The car should be available with front or four wheel drive.
The style is that of the BMW Sport Activity Coupe and will come with sloping roofline and wheel arches that have been pumped up. As our image shows it will have focused round narrow angular headlights along with creases that are sharp and an enlarged double kidney grille.
The power behind it for performance fans will be the 300bhp 2.0 litre four cylinder that BMW is at work on and the X2 would be top of the range and rival the Audi RS Q3 along with the Mercedes GLS.
Those with a smaller budget who like petrol could be interested in the 1.5 litre turbo that is used with the 218i Active Tourer and which will offer 136bhp. The majority of cars will be diesels and 1.5 litre three cylinders along with the 2.0 four cylinder.
BMW highlighted the UKL1 platform in the Concept Active Tourer, this was a 1.5 three cylinder driving the front wheels along with electric at the back. A plug-in hybrid model could be possible, offering 100mpg or more.
We should expect the next gen X1 to make an appearance in the showrooms in early 2016 and the X2 should arrive the year after.
