BMW gave us a glimpse of some of the design elements of its upcoming small Sports Activity Coupe when it unveiled the BMW Concept X2 at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. The only other indications of what the new X2 will look like have been spy photos of X2 prototypes undergoing testing, disguised in BMW's well-known and fairly effective camouflage. This past week, we received a much better look at the new X2, even though it was still camouflaged, because this particular camouflage was meant to show off the X2 during Fashion Week in Milan, Italy.
BMW says the new camo pattern is perfect for the X2 as it prowls the "urban jungle. The yellow, black, and gray digital pattern is actually quite refreshing compared to BMW's traditional swirly blue or black on white. The X2's Camouflage Digital also seems to change hue and intensity depending on the ambient lighting.
The BMW X2 will become available in U.S. dealerships in 2018—in normal colors. Reports indicate at least two versions for the U.S. market: a front-wheel drive X2 sDrive 28i and an all-wheel drive X2 xDrive 28i. The two-liter, in-line four-cylinder turbocharged engine that will power both X2 versions creates a fairly robust 228 horsepower and is the same powerplant found in the X2's older sibling, the BMW X1 Sports Activity Vehicle. Other global markets will see a variety of X2 gasoline and diesel engines.
Like the X1, the X2 will be one of the few members of the X family of vehicles not built at BMW Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina. The X2 will be manufactured in Leipzig.—Scott Blazey
[Photos courtesy of BMW AG.]
