The X2 was introduced in 2018 and is the youngest of the German SUV lot. It was introduced to fill the vacuum between the X1 and the X3. Given how the market is shrinking and automakers are trying to capitalize on every possible opportunity, the X2 made sense. In its essence, it came in a package slightly smaller than the X3 but with more features and better specs than the X1. However, according to Autobild.de, BMW is giving the X2 bigger dimensions for the 2023 model. Do we really need it?

As reported by the said publication, the X2 is getting bigger. It will come with a few other changes, too. It is said to be heavily inspired by the BMW M3 and the M4. The headlights will get slimmer and house the daytime running lights. As for the door handles, they will be similar to the ones seen on the iX. The new BMW logo, as seen on the i4, could also make its way here. Furthermore, the logo could be seen on the C-pillar, like the yesteryear E9 coupes.

Another big scoop on this front is that an electric version of the SUV could also be unveiled alongside the standard X2. We’ve seen this pattern with the BMW X3 and the iX3 earlier, so it’s not just a long shot and could be a possibility. Another speculation is that the X2 will be launched in the standard fuel-powered and plug-in hybrid avatars initially, and the iX2 could join the lineup sometime in the future. Some people are still skeptical about transitioning from internal combustion engines to EVs, so a plug-in hybrid would serve as a perfect stop-gap before they will eventually have to make the shift a few years down the line.

When BMW launched the iX3 in July 2020, it took the safe route by using an electric powertrain under the same body as the X3. We can certainly use this as a benchmark to anticipate what the iX2 could be like. The notable stuff on the iX3 include:

-* Looks pretty much the same on the outside

-* Sits almost three inches lower than the standard X3

-* Drag coefficient of just 0.29

-* Sound emulator

-* Single-motor setup

-* Makes 282 horses and 295 pound-feet of torque

-* 6.8 seconds to 60 mph is poor as per EV standard

-* WLTP-estimated range of 286 miles from its 80 kWh battery pack

-* Supports 150 kW fast charging

-* Recuperates 80-percent of the battery in 34 minutes

-* Adds 62 miles of range with 10 minutes of charging

Both the news of the new X2 and the iX2 are equally exciting. The new X2 is expected to feature significant changes and could give us a glimpse of what BMW’s mass-produced, mainstream models could look like moving forward. It will be based on the third-gen X1, which is expected to launch in 2022.

As for the iX2, the automaker needs to make it a complete package and not a half-hearted attempt just to add a feather to its resume. Although plans to introduce 12 fully-electric models by 2022-23, the iX2 could be the chosen one that takes on the Tesla Model Y. The latter is a successful product and it won’t be child’s play for BMW to take it on. It seems like a hot rivalry is in the making. Who are you rooting for? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.