It Was Only A Matter Of Time Until Our Spies Caught The BMW X2 Testing

Despite the camo, it looks a lot like the slick X2 Concept.

It was only a month or so ago that we first laid our eyes on the BMW X2 Concept at the Paris Motor Show. Now our spy photographers have caught BMW testing an X2 development mule on the streets of Munich, Germany. Despite the heavy camouflage it is, essentially, an X1 with an even sportier body. For example, the lower roof makes the X2 look wider and more masculine. Unlike the larger X4 and X6, the upcoming X2 won’t have a more coupe-like appearance and we think that’s a good thing.

After all, the X4 literally looks like a smaller version of the X6, and it would have been a shame if BMW continued that policy with the X2. Great to see something different is being done here. Like the X1 on which it’s based, the X2 will ride on a front-wheel-drive platform. All-wheel drive will be optional on xDrive models as well as a possible X2 M. As far as powertrains go, expect to see the same engines offered in the X1, such as the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Euro-spec X1 has a diesel option but we’re still unsure whether that’ll arrive stateside. However, don’t be surprised to see a plug-in hybrid variant in the near future for both the X1 and X2.

We don’t know when exactly BMW will reveal the production ready X2, but the 2017 Geneva Motor Show in March or the Frankfurt Motor Show next September are two good guesses.

The BMW X7 Won't Launch Until Early 2019

But can BMW afford to wait that long?

Although we’ve known about its ongoing development for quite some time, BMW has confirmed that it won’t launch its highly anticipated three-row X7 crossover until early 2019. The updated news comes to us from AutoGuide, who confirmed the X7’s launch with Ludwig Willisch, head of BMW Americas. Willisch also re-confirmed the X7 will be built in the German automaker’s Spartanburg, South Carolina, production facility, which is "the biggest plant that (BMW) has in our universe."

The X3, X4, X5 and X6 are also all manufactured there, so it makes complete sense for it to be the chosen site for the X7, which will heavily target crossover loving US buyers. BMW is faced with the challenge of making sure the X7 still has an engaging driving experience despite its larger size. Fortunately, Willisch also stated the X7 "will also make its laps on the Nurburgring Nordschleife," so that BMW driving feel should still prevail. The early 2019 launch date actually does come as something of a surprise to us, mainly because BMW is late getting into the three-row luxury crossover segment. The three-row Audi Q7, by contrast, has been around for quite some time.

But the Q7’s third row isn’t exactly comfortable for adults, and this is where BMW can improve things, at least somewhat. AutoGuide also mentioned to Willisch the fact that some brand purists aren’t thrilled with the automaker due to its mass crossover expansion (the X2 is also on its way). "Why would they think that?" asked Willisch. Adding that even its crossovers are more engaging to drive than many of their competitors, Willisch is adamant that BMW hasn’t lost its way. "Hell no!" he added.

The BMW X7 Won't Launch Until Early 2019

But can BMW afford to wait that long?

Although we’ve known about its ongoing development for quite some time, BMW has confirmed that it won’t launch its highly anticipated three-row X7 crossover until early 2019. The updated news comes to us from AutoGuide, who confirmed the X7’s launch with Ludwig Willisch, head of BMW Americas. Willisch also re-confirmed the X7 will be built in the German automaker’s Spartanburg, South Carolina, production facility, which is "the biggest plant that (BMW) has in our universe."

The X3, X4, X5 and X6 are also all manufactured there, so it makes complete sense for it to be the chosen site for the X7, which will heavily target crossover loving US buyers. BMW is faced with the challenge of making sure the X7 still has an engaging driving experience despite its larger size. Fortunately, Willisch also stated the X7 "will also make its laps on the Nurburgring Nordschleife," so that BMW driving feel should still prevail. The early 2019 launch date actually does come as something of a surprise to us, mainly because BMW is late getting into the three-row luxury crossover segment. The three-row Audi Q7, by contrast, has been around for quite some time.

But the Q7’s third row isn’t exactly comfortable for adults, and this is where BMW can improve things, at least somewhat. AutoGuide also mentioned to Willisch the fact that some brand purists aren’t thrilled with the automaker due to its mass crossover expansion (the X2 is also on its way). "Why would they think that?" asked Willisch. Adding that even its crossovers are more engaging to drive than many of their competitors, Willisch is adamant that BMW hasn’t lost its way. "Hell no!" he added.