Introduced in 2017 as a follow up to a concept vehicle launched in 2016, the X2 is BMW's sixth crossover and the smallest of its kind alongside the X1. Although the even number in the badge suggests that this crossover is actually a smaller version of the X4, the X2 is far from being a coupe. Somewhat similar to the X1 in terms of shape and size, the X2 does have a few unique features that help it stand out. Already available in Europe and soon to be offered in the U.S. as well, the X2 could get a convertible version in the future. According to recent reports, BMW is already studying a business case for a competitor to the Range Rover Evoque Convertible.
Not yet approved for production, the X2 Convertible is reportedly under serious consideration, with BMW having already conducted a study found that a significant number of drivers would buy such a model. A decision will be made later this year, but the X2 Convertible appears to be a solid proposition if BMW wants to further expand in the crossover segment. Should it get the green light, it will become the company's eighth crossover, given that it will arrive after the flagship X7. Until BMW confirms it, let's find out more about what it may bring to the table in the speculative review below.
Continue reading to learn more about the BMW X2 Convertible.
2020 BMW X2 Convertible
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- Model: 2020 BMW X2 Convertible
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Exterior
So how will BMW turn the X2 into a convertible? Well, it may sound tricky for an SUV, but it's not that complicated. A quick look at the Range Rover Evoque Convertible and it's pretty obvious that the process is similar to coupes: chop off the roof and redesign the bottom of the C-pillars. All told, it's safe to assume that the X2 Convertible will be identical to its standard sibling below the waist.
This means it will also sports the design features that make X2 the first unique BMW design since the i3 and i8. While the headlamps are shared with the X1, the grille and the bumper have been redesigned specifically for the X2. Unlike other BMW-made SUVs, the X2's grille is wider at the base than at the top, giving the front fascia a broader, more distinctive appearance. BMW also ditched the familiar horizontal side vents in the bumper in favor of triangular cutouts, while the center vent is rectangular instead of trapezoidal.
It's the profile that will change quite a bit without the metal top. The relatively clean lines and the extra cladding of the standard X2 will remain, but the B- and C-pillars will disappear with the roof. The short decklid and the tall beltline will make the X2 Convertible look very similar to the 2 Series compact. Of course, the rear doors will be removed altogether, while the front doors will become longer for easier access to the rear seats. I may sound strange, but I'd actually prefer an X2 Convertible with four doors. Why? Simply because no one is doing four-door convertibles anymore.
Both Land Rover and Nissan turned the Evoque and Murano into two-door vehicles for the convertible version and I'd very much like to see an automaker take things up a notch and keep all four doors. If it was possible back in the 1950s and 1960s, I don't see why it can't be done in the 21st century.
Along with the roof, the X2 Convertible will also lose one of its most exotic features: the BMW roundels on the C-pillars. The X2 is the first X model to have them and we will no longer see them on the drop-top unless BMW chooses to move them somewhere else.
Around back, the drop-top should retain the X2's unique taillights, which look sleeker and become wider in the lower area instead of the top. The tailgate that's so neatly integrated into the body thanks to a lower crease that separates the badges from the upper section will be replaced by a more conventional trunk lid. On the other hand, the tall bumper that integrated the license plate recess, yet another unique feature, will remain in place.
So will the X2 still look good in a convertible body style? This rendering from X-Tomi suggests it will. I'm not a big fan of current BMW designs and I like it. This must mean something, right?
Moving over to features, expect the convertible SUV to be offered in the same four equipment trims. Full-LED headlamps will standard on every model but the base SE, while the M Sport and M Sport X versions will get optional 20-inch wheels.
Interior
Inside, the convertible will get the same interior as the standard model, which borrows everything from the X1. Yup, it's all about development costs here so don't expect anything extra aside from the missing pillars and the infinite headroom.
Around since 2015, the X1's cabin layout is still relatively fresh and boasts the horizontal dashboard and door panel design we've seen in most current Bimmers. The A/C vents have a similar orientation, as do the control panels in the center stack, which makes the cabin seems roomier than it actually is.
One cool feature is the standard contrast stitching on the dashboard, center console, and the seats, giving the cabin a premium look even in the most affordable trim. The base model is equipped with fabric upholstery, but the M Sport version, also likely to be offered with the convertible, spices things up with a bit of Alcantara. Leather is also available, but only with the range-topping M Sport X variant. The fancy Dakota leather in Magma Red and Micro Hexagon fabric with yellow stitching will be added to the options list of the cabriolet too.
The drop-top X2 should have plenty of customizing options on offer, including trim in either high-gloss black, aluminium, and matte oak grain veneer. The optional ambient lighting package will include the same orange, lilac, mint, bronze, blue, and white colors. The only downside is that the big panoramic roof that comes with the metal-roof model will be gone. Sure, you can always open the soft-top for natural light, but this isn't an option when it's raining or during those sunny, yet cold winter days.
The technology package should carry over unchanged, so look for the same 6.5 inch touchscreen for the iDrive system with standard navigation. The full-color BMW Head-Up Display, which projects all important driving information and assistance system readouts onto the windscreen, in high resolution, will be optional, just like in the regular X2.
Assistance systems will Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info with No Passing Info display, anti-dazzle High Beam Assistant, Collision Warning, and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function. The Driving Assistant Plus bundle will add Active Cruise Control system with Stop & Go function. Rear Park Distance Control and the rear-view camera will be standard so parking will be a breeze when the top is up and visibility isn't that great.
When I reviewed the X2 I noted how the it offers a lot more luggage room than the Q2. The latter offers only 14.3 cubic feet, while the X2 can carry up to 16.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place. Unfortunately, this will no longer be the case for the X2 Convertible, as the soft top will store in the trunk and take away some of the space. And you should also forget about folding the rear seats flat for enhanced space as this will no longer be possible. But hey, don't forget about all the fun you will have during those sunny summer days with the top down.
Drivetrain
It's safe to assume that the convertible will share drivetrains with the regular X2, so expect it to arrive with the same gasoline and diesel options. In the U.S., it will get the twin-turbo, 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Both FWD and AWD variants will be offered with an eight-speed automatic transmission sending the power to the wheels.
In Europe, customers will have access to the xDrive20d model, which draws power from a 2.0-liter four-pot that generates 190 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of twist. The gasoline X2 sDrive20i and the diesel X2 sDrive18d and X2 xDrive18d versions are also on the table.
The gas model will use a 2.0-liter four-banger rated at 189 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, but it won't get all-wheel-drive. The sDrive18d model will deliver 148 horses and 243 pound-feet, and unlike the gas variant, it will have optional all-wheel drive.
How about an M version? Well, there's no word about that, but given that all convertible cars have received one so far, I don't why the X2 drop-top should qualify for the same treatment. But it depends on whether BMW is planning to launch an X2 M model alongside the upcoming X1 M. It would be cool to have a high-performance convertible crossover since the Range Rover Evoque's most powerful version is rated at only 237 horses.
Prices
It's definitely too early to talk about prices since the X2 Convertible is just a rumor as of this writing, but if it goes into production, it's safe to assume that it will cost a tad more than the regular X2. The latter retails from £33,980 in the United Kingdom, so the Convertible could fetch around £40,000 before options. U.S. pricing for the X2 isn't yet available, but it's expected to start from around $29,000. This means that the X2 Convertible could retail from around $37,000. This is significantly more than the coupe, but still notably more affordable than the Range Rover Evoque Convertible.
Competition
Range Rover Evoque Convertible
The Nissan Murano was the first modern crossover to get a convertible version, but the Japanese vehicle was short-lived, being discontinued in 2014 after only three years in production. The segment was revived in 2017 by Land Rover with a drop-top version of the Range Rover Evoque, and it's the only option you got until BMW launched the X2 Convertible. Essentially a standard Evoque with the roof chopped off, the Evoque Convertible comes with all the niceties you get with the regular model. The wedge-shaped front end, the two-door configuration, and the tall rear fascia work well with the convertible layout, making it a sexy proposition that actually looks more appealing than the regular crossover. Inside, you can find features like a 10.2-inch touchscreen, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a premium sound system. Thanks to a clever design compartment for the roof, the trunk offers 8.9 cubic feet of storage room. Only one engine option is available in the U.S., the 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 237 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque, The sprint from 0 to 60 mph takes 7.6 seconds, while top speed is limited to 135 mph. The crossover returns 24 mpg combined and 29 mpg on the highway. Pricing starts at $52,100.
Read our full review of the 2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible.
Conclusion
Much like many crossovers out there, the X2 seems pointless, especially if you're not a big fan of SUVs. But the convertible versions could be a different story. With the Range Rover Evoque Convertible already in showrooms, a similar version of the X2 would add some excitement to this really small niche. What's more, the fact that it will look like a perched-up 2 Series isn't necessarily bad. Let's be honest here, a 2 Series with a taller ride height sound very practical. Not only compact, so ideal for the city's heavy traffic and cramped parking spaces, the X2 is also a good option if you live just outside of town and the road that takes you there isn't exactly smooth. The X2 Convertible would offer all that, but with all the perks that come with a removable top. It could also help start a trend among other carmakers, and we could get a few interesting designs in the future.
References
BMW X2
Read our full review on the 2018 BMW X2.
Read more BMW news.