New BMW X2 Will Be A Baby XM

During a dinner with BMW product experts and executives, CarBuzz learned some exciting details about the next-generation 2024 BMW X2.

As with the outgoing X2, the new model will share a platform and powertrain with the X1, but BMW is heading in a different direction this time around. "Customers complained that it was smaller than an X1 but was more expensive," said Dr. Nicolai Martin, Senior Vice President Driving Experience.

In response to customer feedback, the next-generation X2 will be larger than the previous model (possibly even larger than the X1). This information lines up with what we've seen at the Nurburgring. The final design will be more coupe SUV-like than before to resemble a "baby" Coupe SUV akin to the larger X4 and X6.

"We've seen a greater acceptance of models that followed the X6 design language," a product spokesperson added.

Martin didn't dive much deeper into the mission for the next X2, leaving some details a secret for the official reveal. From what we learned driving the latest 2023 X1, BMW wanted its smallest crossover to be more practical.

The designers made the X1 longer, wider, and significantly taller, greatly improving passenger and cargo space. Judging from what we can see from camouflaged prototypes, the X2 will head in a similar direction. The previous X2 was pretty cramped inside, especially in the back seat, so this is a step in the right direction.

This writer looks forward to sitting in the back seat without hitting his head on the roof.

We'd be shocked if the X2 departed from using the X1's drivetrain, so the revised 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is highly likely. The xDrive28i model should match the X1 with 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Evidence from cold weather spy shots indicates that there will also be a hotter M35i variant. The previous X2 M35i produced 301 hp, and it's safe to assume the new model will be more powerful, as is the norm.

Inside, the X2 will share a similar layout with the X1, ditching the iDrive rotating controller in favor of a touch-screen-only interface. We imagine it will benefit from the latest iDrive 8.5 software set to roll out in July 2023.