BMW X2 Concept at Paris previews a production X2 as a sporty X1

The BMW X2 Concept has been revealed at the Paris Motor Show, previewing a production X2 by 2018 as a sporty take on the BMW X1.

As sure as night follows day, this BMW X2 Concept will lose some of its more obvious concept garnishes and turn in to a full blown production BMW X2 by 2018. And that’s no bad thing, even if BMW’s even-numbered SUVs are not exactly lookers.

The BMW X6 was perhaps the least appealing looking SUV we’ve seen from a Premium car maker, although it does drive well, and the BMW X4 wasn’t a huge amount better, but it does drive very well.

So we expect the BMW X2 to drive very well – perhaps with a six-pot, 4WD X2M at some point – but what we hadn’t expected, especially after the X4 and X6, is that it would look quite so good.

Looking more like a Crossover – or even high-riding estate – than a full-blown baby SUV, the X2 is based on the same platform underpinning the new Countryman (whose arrival is imminent) and, BMW skin and interior apart, is practically the same car.

Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW Senior VP, said:

The BMW Concept X2 is a vehicle for active people looking for a combination of enjoyment and practicality.

The concept displays a new and exciting facet of the BMW brand within the compact segment.

With the same range of 2.0 litre petrol and diesels as the X1, the X2 is a car likely to sell very well, although you’re going to have to wait until 2018 to buy one.