The BMW X1’s sleeker sibling, the X2, has always offered styling that was more hatchback than coupe SUV. That’s changing for the next generation.
The 2024 BMW X2, based on the same underpinnings as the recently redesigned X1, will adopt a silhouette closer to that of the larger X4 and X6 coupe SUVs.
A reveal is expected to take place this year.
The new generation is also set to get an electric version called the iX2, though the example pictured here is clearly combustion-powered.
It appears to be a sporty M35i version, judging by its quad exhaust outlets and what appear to be larger brakes and a lower ride height, though we expect a similarly wide range of variants to the outgoing X2.
While the X1 is offered here with a choice of one electric and two petrol powertrains, there are additional petrol variants offered in Europe plus a pair of diesels and a pair of plug-in hybrids.
The X1 has also been spied in what appears to be M35i guise. It’s unclear if the new X1 and X2 M35is will get a power bump over the outgoing flagship X2 variant, which pumps out 225kW of power and 450Nm of torque from a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.
In terms of outputs, the new dual-motor all-wheel drive iX1 EV actually edges out the X2 M35i. It produces 230kW and 494Nm, while offering up to 440km of WLTP range, though naturally its 65kWh battery adds some weight.
The X2 wears a diamond-patterned grille, in contrast with the vertical chrome bars of the X1. The camouflage up front could also be disguising a restyled front bumper.
Naturally, the largest changes are at the rear, with the X2 looking like a completely different creature aft of the B-pillar.
The belt line rises sharply at the C-pillar, and the rear window is steeply raked. It’s definitely giving off baby-X4 vibes.
It also looks larger than the current X2, which is no surprise as the X1 has grown – it’s 53mm longer, 24mm wider, and 44mm taller on a 22mm wheelbase.
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X2 -
X1
Inside, the kinship with the X1 is clear as, even with some camouflage in place, we can see the dashboard and centre console are essentially identical.
The BMW Curved Display is present, featuring a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in one housing.
Like the latest X1 and 2 Series Active Tourer, the X2 also appears to have ditched its iDrive controller.
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Outgoing X2 M35i -
The X2 could also get the new iDrive 9 operating system set to be rolled out in the X1, which was launched with iDrive 8.
Last year, the X2 was BMW’s slowest-selling SUV in Australia despite being one of its most affordable.
The company sold 628 examples against 2425 of the more practical X1.
MORE: Everything BMW X2
