[The Automotive Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by LeftLaneNews

Computer-generated images leaked out of a Japanese patent office give us an accurate look at the first-ever BMW X2.
The X2 was shown as a thinly-disguised concept car during last year's Paris Auto Show. The patent images confirm certain styling cues have been toned down over the past few months. Notably, it has gained door handles - a real boon on a production model - and less muscular-looking bumpers on both ends. However, the overall design and the tall hatchback-esque silhouette haven't changed much.

Peeling off the X2's skin layers reveals BMW's front-wheel drive UKL platform. It's the same modular architecture found under the latest X1, the 2 Series Active Tourer offered across the pond, and every recent addition to the MINI lineup. That means front-wheel drive will be the default configuration, though we might only see the all-wheel drive model in the United States and in Canada.

Like we've previously reported, most X2 models will use a 228-horsepower version of BMW's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Rumors indicate a M Performance variant with at least 300 horses under the hood will also join the lineup. However, the UKL platform forbids the use of the company's 3.0-liter straight-six.

We expect the 2019 BMW X2 will break cover this fall at the Frankfurt Auto Show, and it will arrive in BMW dealerships next year. It will carry a significant premium over the X1, which starts at $33,750.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2019-bmw...ice-96829.html