In 1999, BMW launched its first-ever SUV, joining the increasingly popular crossover market with the X5. The mid-size hauler was later joined by the smaller X3 and X1, as well as the coupe-shaped X6 and X4 models. The German company is planning to expand its family of X models even further in the future with a larger X7, already confirmed for production. An X2 has also been in the rumor mill for a few years, but BMW has yet to confirm it. This changed at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, where the Munich-based firm showcased the X2 Concept.

Described as a vehicle for "active people looking for a combination of enjoyment and practicality," the X2 Concept slots between the X1 and the X3.. But although the even number next to the "X" places it in the same lineup with the X4 and X6, the X2's styling lacks the hunched stance of its coupe siblings. This is where it gets a bit confusing, but needless to say, the X2 is definitely sportier than the X3 and X1.

"The BMW Concept X2 combines the fast-moving body language and low-slung proportions of a coupe with the robust construction of an X model. This is a sporty vehicle with a bold character, and it allows us to open up some fascinating new design possibilities for the BMW brand," said Karim Habib, head of BMW Design.

BMW has yet to specifically confirm that a production X2 is underway as of January 2017, but a road-going model is expected to arrive within the next couple of years. Until that happens, let's have a closer look at the concept and the brand-new BMW features that define it.

Continue reading to learn more about the BMW X2 Concept.

Exterior

Styling-wise, the X2 concept remains faithful to BMW's current design language and looks like a mash-up between the X1 and X4, but seasoned with a number of conceptual cues that will find their way on the production car in a more toned-down form. Although part of the same family that includes the coupe-styled X4 and X6, the X2 isn’t as sleek as it bigger cousins. The roof line is closer to the X1 and X3, missing the familiar hump of the X4.

The glasshouse is lower that the standard BMW SUV, and paired with the elongated roofline, it makes the car seem longer than it really is. The sporty upper features are contrasted by the muscular surfaces below the beltline. The beefy wheel arches and side skirts are highlighted by gray trim and underfloor extensions, while the 21-inch wheels give it an aggressive stance. The side look is rounded off by brushed aluminum window frames, slender mirrors, and the familiar Hofmeister Kink at the quarter window.

The front end is pretty imposing for a vehicle this small. The kidney grille elements are mounted a little lower than the headlamps, while the central air intake is closer to the ground than the two outer intakes. This makes the center of the car appear lower, a feature usually seen on sports cars. The slim headlamps with blue LED graphics, the massive outer vents, and the brushed aluminum trim on the grille further set the concept apart from X-badged production models.

The rear fascia is packed with width-accentuating elements such as the slim rear window and beefed-up horizontal line above the bumper. These features give the crossover a sportier stance that's more typical to hot-hatchbacks rather than SUVs. The thin taillights, the underfloor plate and the massive exhaust outlets at each corner also help with the aggressive looks.

Needless to say, the production model will drop the exaggerated wheels, grille, and bumpers and will adopt larger windows, but for the most part this concept is a good preview of things to come.

SIMILAR PRODUCTION MODELS

Note: X2 concept pictured on the top left, X1 pictured on the top right, X2 pictured on the bottom left, X4 pictured on the bottom right

(compare X2 concept with production versions of X1, X2, and X4)

Interior

BMW had nothing to say about the concept’s interior and since there are no photos to run by, it’s difficult to predict what lurks behind the dark-tinted windows. Chances are BMW either didn't even bother to make a new interior or it's very close to the production model and wants to keep it hidden. And I say this because the X2 Concept was shown at two auto shows as of January 2017 and its doors were kept closed on both occasions. At the Detroit Auto Show, the vehicle was kept behind a glass barrier and we didn't have the chance to get close enough to look inside through the dark windows.

Anyway...

Based on the fact that the German didn’t bother to talk about the interior, I’m tempted to assume that the X2 concept was designed as an exterior showcase model only, so it really doesn’t matter what’s inside. This will change once the X2 becomes a production model, but that’s still a couple of years away. However, the X2’s cabin will most likely be based on other crossovers like the X1 and X3.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Note: X1 interior shown here.

Drivetrain

The drivetrain is also a mystery, probably for the same reason why the interior didn't get any attention. But, assuming there is an engine under that hood, my bet is on a turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine. This unit will most likely be standard on the production model, alongside a diesel version and a larger, 3.0-liter inline-six powerplant for the range-topping model. The big question is, will the X2 use a rear-wheel-drive platform or will it borrow the FWD underpinnings from the Mini Cooper and the BMW X1? My best guess is that the latter scenario is more likely.

Conclusion

Although BMW has yet to announce a production version of the X2, this concept confirms what we suspected for a very long time. Pretty soon, the company’s SUV lineup will include all nameplates from X1 to X6, with a larger X7 to join the family in a couple of years. Of course, it’s too early to talk about the production model, but the concept car looks very promising. Granted, most of its flamboyant styling cues will be dropped, but the concept's somewhat new design language gives it the kind of sporty stance you'd expect from a Bimmer, including a crossover. Hopefully the production model will arrive without the annoying hump of the X4 and X6 models.