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We had been accusing BMW of having a quiet Paris Motor Show (no new 5 Series, no new Z5...) but that was until they whipped the covers off the X2 Concept.
Due to go on sale next year, in only mildly toned down form, the X2 is the coupe version of the X1, just as the X6 is to the X5 and the X4 to the X3. The big difference here is that the X2 is unquestionably better looking than the (already quite handsome) X1.
The whole car appear to be swept back towards the rear-pillar and the glass-house tilts up towards the roof as it goes back. With the whole car stretched over big 21-inch rims, it just looks spectacular (if a touch like a nineties Isuzu Vehi-Cross).
Underneath, there's the same platform from the X1 and next year's new Mini Countryman, so going on our experience with the X1, it should be pretty good to drive. The 2.0-litre diesel engine in 18d 150hp form will likely be the best selling version, but there will be 190hp 20d and 230hp 25d versions as well. There will also be an X2 M-Sport version with a 300hp 2.0-litre petrol turbo, which should give it the performance to match those looks.
"The BMW Concept X2 combines the fast-moving body language and low-slung proportions of a coupe with the robust construction of an X model," says BMW Design boss Karim Habib. "This is a sporty vehicle with a bold character, and it allows us to open up some fascinating new design possibilities for the BMW brand."