BMW
has given the compact SUV a plug-in hybrid powertrain under the xDrive25e
moniker. It looks like the PHEV powertrain will be further rolled out across
BMW’s compact vehicle lineup as these photos of an X2 test prototype can
attest. The undisguised model is easy to identify as a plug-in hybrid since it
features a charging port on the left front fender as well as tags reading
“Hybrid test vehicle” on the driver’s door and tailgate.
the BMW X2 prototype looks just
like a regular X2 model. However, if you look closely you’ll see that the fog
lights are just stickers. So what is BMW hiding underneath? It could be an LED
strip replacing the typical round fog lights.
We have no reason to believe the X2 will get a
different powertrain than the 2020 BMW X1 xDrive25e so this prototype should
feature a 125 PS turbocharged gasoline engine on the front axle and a
95 PS electric motor on the rear axle for a system power of 220 PS.
This arrangement provides all-wheel-drive capability
when both power sources are working together. Under normal driving conditions,
power is sent to the front wheels. A 9.7-kWh battery is also part of the
powertrain and it provides an EV driving range of more than 50
kilometers)in the X1. Expect a similar electric range for the X2 xDrive25e as
well.
BMW has announced it will add ten new electrified
models to its lineup by 2020 and the X2 xDrive25e is definitely one of them.
This means we can expect a debut anytime now — including at the Frankfurt Motor
Show next week. As for the market launch, expect it to arrive after the X1 xDrive25e
which is scheduled to reach European dealerships in March 2020. As with the X1
plug-in hybrid, the BMW X2 xDrive25e is likely to remain an Europe-only affair.
