BMW X2 to be launched in 2017, first prototypes to start testing this month - Report

Could be previewed by a concept car at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

According to insiders who spoke to Autocar UK, the BMW X2's first road-going prototypes will begin testing this month, ahead of its market launch in the second half of 2017.

The BMW X2 will be based on the same platform as the all-new 2016 BMW X1, the front-wheel drive UKL platform, and will be previewed by a concept car in early 2016, perhaps at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Positioned between the X1 and X3, the 5-door liftback will look similar to the X6 and X4. Hence expect a coupe-like silhouette, large kidney grille, and sleek headlamps to underline its sportive intent.

Autocar says that the BMW X2 initially will be sold with four-cylinder engines, and more frugal three-cylinder units (1.5L displacement) could be brought into showrooms in the first year. The X2 can be driven through either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic, combined to an optional four-wheel drive. The BMW X2M Performance variant is scheduled for launch in 2018, adds the story, powered by the current 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (BMW B48 engine) with an output of close to 300 bhp with tweaks.

Also Read: BMW 1 Series Sedan captured testing in Europe

The report concludes stating that the BMW X2 will be manufactured at the company's Regensburg factory in Germany alongside the new X1. To recap, in 2012 BMW trademarked the "X2" name, and "X2 Sport" was scalped last year.

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[Source - Autocar UK]