BMW isn’t about to ease pressure on their planned SUV expansion, filling every size and price niche that could conceivably be attributed to their status as a premium automaker. Just in the last few months we got our first glimpse at a near-production X2, their more coupe-like in-between to define that chasm between the X1 and X3.
Following that, and still quite recently, the Bavarian automotive outfit unveiled what they believe to be their next flagship high-rider, the X7, analogous in hierarchy to their 7 Series. Now, we’ve a second look at the X2, now given some definite yet indefinable visual upgrades as well as the perfect place to show them off: at the Milan Fashion Week.
The northern Italian town is renowned for being the centre of haute couture and second only to Paris as Europe’s most fashionable destination, which is why BMW’s decision to leave the car in its distinctive disguise (Digital Camouflage?) is somewhat puzzling. With its yellow on grey/black combination, it certainly is more aesthetically pleasing than the usual measures taken to cover up a pre-production car, but we still struggle to call it stylish.
Subjective as looks are, that outer layer does mean that the X2 certainly attract attention. But hopefully once the viewer’s eyes rest on the car’s most slender silhouette, its shape of its body will garner some appreciation. Certainly its larger alloys - which also seem to wear wider tyres - contribute to a more aggressive stance that the first preview really could not have managed.
From what we see here, the X2 is well on its way to becoming the mass produced equivalent of the concept car that debuted at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, quite faithfully sticking to that striking original design - at least in broad strokes.
No details on the technical side of the car were released along its visibility campaign in Milan, but we’re quite confident it won’t stray far from that of the X1, sharing its UKL1 platform and spread of powertrains.
Once it does receive a full launch in 2018, the range should comprise of 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines as well as their 1.5-litre three-cylinder also making an appearance. Drive will be channeled either to the front wheels our all-four corners via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
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