BMW X2 scoop: BMW's new baby SUV (2009)

By Georg Kacher/Tim Pollard (artist's impression by Larson)

Spyshots

05 September 2008 09:00

So what will power the new BMW X1 and X2?

BMW knows it has to handle SUVs carefully in this carboncentric age. So Efficient Dynamics will be fitted across the board and our engineering sources say 1.6-litre engines are order of the day. BMW will soon unveil its first hybrid models and the X1 and X2 will have a mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid option.

BMW: the 4x4 masterplan

Believe it or not, BMW is the world's biggest player in the premium 4x4 arena. Yep, contrary to popular belief, BMW sells more four-wheel drive vehicles than Audi does quattro or Mercedes 4Matic. In fact, in 2007 it flogged 60,000 more.

Not that BMW is going totally 4x4 crazy. Munich's board has just axed the proposed X7 – a low-volume, 20,000 units per year long-weelbase seven-seater variation of the X5 conceived to take on the Mercedes GL, the next Audi Q7 and the successor to the Porsche Cayenne.

Ditto the talked-about X4. It was to be the coupe version of the next X3, but the product planners reckoned there wasn't the space between the X2 and X6 for a third coupe-cum-scrambler. Sighs of relief all round.

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