BMW offers seven different crossovers and it appears
that isn’t enough as the company is reportedly working on an all-new model that
would slot beneath the hatchback-like X2. According to Auto Express, the
model will battle the Audi Q2 and measure between 4.1 and
4.2 meters long. That would make the crossover up to 260 mm shorter than the X2 and up to 347 mm shorter than the X1.
While BMW’s crossovers all have a familiar X-based
nomenclature, the entry-level model could shake things up. Nothing is official,
but the publication says the “Urban X” name is the current favorite inside the
company. It would be pronounced as “Urban Cross” and wouldn’t be a huge
departure from convention as it would still have an X in its name.
Regardless of what it’s called, the model will
reportedly ride on the UKL2 platform that underpins an assortment of different
vehicles including the new 1-Series. Engine options would likely be shared with
the crossover’s platform mates and could include plug-in hybrid and electric
options.
The plug-in hybrid could follow in the footsteps of
225xe Active Tourer which has a turbocharged 1.5-liter petrol engine and a
rear-mounted electric motor. This setup gives the model all-wheel drive as well
as a combined output of 221 hp and 385 Nm of
torque. Less is known about the rumored EV, but the report says it could have
a range in excess of 386 km. If that number pans out, the model
could far exceed the range offered by the MINI Cooper SE.
