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BMW's Newest Baby SUV The X2 Breaks Cover - Is BMW On The Right Track?

Agent009 submitted on 9/5/2008 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 11:08:03 AM

55 user comments | Category: Spy Shots | Source: | SOURCE: www.carmagazine.co.uk

BMW knows how to court controversy – and this this top-secret X2 is likely to offend purists as much as a long-wheelbase, limo-spec M3.

The X2 revealed today in our artist's impression is BMW's riposte to Land Rover's achingly hip LRX coming in 2012: a smaller, funkier 4x4 meets coupe.

The X2 project is part of the new X1 family that we will – finally – get to see at next month's Paris motor show 2008. A concept X1 will be shown at the Salon de l'Automobile on 2 October 2008 ahead of a production launch in 2009.

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BMW's Newest Baby SUV The X2 Breaks Cover - Is BMW On The Right Track?

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User Comments

The flooding of the market with all of these ?UVs is highly questionable in my opinion...

BMW was much better focused when they simply offered well executed sport sedans in small, medium and large and a couple of 'specialty' vehicles.
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 11:25:37 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 19

Exactly, and you'd think the 4 door coupe should've been out way before these, but where the hell is it??
— SHOWTIME (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 12:35:03 PM | | Votes: 5

It's funny you should ask that question. 4 door coupes don't exist, hence no 4 door coupes on the market.
— Bmw8ter (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 1:27:14 PM | | Votes: -2

I used to think the same...but by the definition of the word Coupe, I think it has to do with the sloping roofline of the car and not the amount of doors.
— SHOWTIME (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 1:33:33 PM | | Votes: 6

I agree, but would delete "large sedans"
— Caraficionado (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 2:23:48 PM | | Votes: 0

BMW8ter-

SAE defines coupe/saloon by interior volume not the # of doors. I gather your a BMW Fan, the new Klasse (1600,2002,2002tii) were Saloons eventhough they had only 2 doors. Modern examples are the MB CL and Brooklands.
— adoptgreyhounds (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 3:38:31 PM | | Votes: 2

I'm not oblivious to the "4 door coupe". I'm just a purist who couldn't care less about technical definitions.
— Bmw8ter (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2008 8:43:36 AM | | Votes: -2

...and this vehicle looks equally as ostentatious and useless as the X6(enter nonsensical nomenclature).
— Bmw8ter (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2008 8:49:25 AM | | Votes: -4

I know! BMW is sooooo stupid! It's like, someone totally said to me the other day, "I can't believe they are flooding the market with bottled water. That is highly questionable in my opinion." No one is going to buy bottled water when they can simply drink from the local stream!!! Those bottled water companies are sooooo going to go out of business.
— HelloKittyLexus (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2008 2:55:22 PM | | Votes: 0

MB and BMW have a trend with bringing 100 different models out. The "something's got to stick" approach I guess.
— Peyton18 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 11:32:23 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

it's not about "something has got to stick." wealthy consumers expect products (it's the same in high end cars, clothes, vacations etc.) to be custom to their needs. they don't want to drive the same silver car with the same wheels as 40 other people on their block. it's about variety and uniqueness...and people will pay HUGE premiums for this.

— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 12:30:22 PM | | Votes: -1

same for gold plated brand name underwear ...
— thecar (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 2:00:10 PM | | Votes: -3

ok, go ahead and spend a pile of money on something and then tell me how it feels when 3 of your neighbors have EXACTLY the same thing. it doesn't feel so great...

— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 4:41:16 PM | | Votes: 2

Actually,

I don't think BMW marketing is actually aimed at "Wealthy" individuals, rather they are aimed more at the "Middle Class"... those with household incomes of $100K-$500K.
— jsweaz (View Profile)

Posted on 9/10/2008 3:35:32 PM | | Votes: 1

Now I actually can say who is uglier in BMW, the X6 or X2. My god, I don't see the point to all these crossover, sport, activity utility vehicles they are offering.

I say stick to the guns of the sedans and coupes, and get a nice strong turbo 4 out that gets good mileage and performs just as well.
— Whelan (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 12:03:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Yup, some people don't like SUVs. Floridians. Retired persons. Europeans. Etc.

We really appreciate these people take the time to let us know this.
— randy33 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 10:09:18 PM | | Votes: 3

yup. you're so smart.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 12:32:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

great looking small SUV. and if it's light enough and has smaller engine options, it will be great alternative for people who need a versatile vehicle that doesn't burn tons of gas.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 12:31:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

If they don't expand their model line up they run the risk of not making enough profit and eventually becoming dominated (going bankrupt) by others.

If there are more people in the world today that can't afford BMW's than who is BMW going after?
— AmazonPrinceIS350 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 12:44:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

LRX wanna-be.

— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 1:14:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6

It does have nice clean lines on the back, should've used that design on the X6.
— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 1:14:46 PM | | Votes: 1

i see infinit EX everywhere expect the badge.
— ghosthunter (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 1:20:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

if they are competing with the lrx they need to use the x5 and make it a coupe and have the motorsport crew do their magic.....because the LRX is a 2 door or 3 door range rover sport. I actually miss the 2 door trucks thats something that needs to come back especially the GMC YUKON and chevy tahoe 2 door sport trucks. I think there is a big market for 2 door trucks its just someone has to get it started again
— B7FAN (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 1:24:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Funny, I always wanted to see the return of 2 door SUV's and dreamed of a two door Sports Car/SUV and this seems to be going in that direction. Im excited
— w209w114 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 1:59:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

Unlike the X6 4-door "coupe", I like the X2.
— Audiphile (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 2:15:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

It reminds me of the Chevrolet Chevette...good, smaller follow-up to the AzteX6.

Right track? To do what?
— 09CTSVforMe (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 3:53:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

Wow, I gotta say that is definitely shit hot..
I need to replace my current AWD sport-ute in about 2 years and this will be a top contender...
— AgentOrange (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 4:19:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7

And BMW continues to destroy their heritage.
— Corsis (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 4:20:03 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6

How???

BMW is a company ie. they make product, consumers buy it, they make profit.

Their heritage is producing vehicles that are fun to drive and generaly class benchmarks.
If you have not driven the X6 go do so right now, a vehicle that heavy and tall should not corner so well.
— adoptgreyhounds (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 4:57:30 PM | | Votes: 3

It could also be the rumoured Mini SUV rebadge.

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 5:00:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

What the hell are these guys doing over there? I'm a huge BMW fan, but the last thing I want to see is another SUV or baby SUV. If I hear about another baby SUV, I'm going to puke!! Haven't they learned anything from the X6?!? Stick w/the bread and butter. SUVs will be an increasingly out-of-reach luxury for more and more people; one model should suffice! Gimme a break.
— CBOTGuy (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 6:01:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

enthusiast,
Of course wealthy people want something different.

BMW's problem is that they're so mainstream now they're just me-too cars. BMW customers think they're special, just like everyone else.
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 6:24:01 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5

bmw has 43 models in the US.
mercedes has even more.

lexus has about a dozen, 50% of the cars are silver and they all come with the same packages.

is it a coincidence that mercedes commands the highest premium and lexus the lowest? nope. the higher end the product, the more variety/customization consumers expect. it's basic business knowledge.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2008 1:37:07 PM | | Votes: 6

THIS IS AWESOME!! BMW's design team is brilliant.
— randy33 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 10:04:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

At what, exactly? BMW design seems to be brilliant only at making up segment that noone asked for (which obviously does not hinder the blind faithful from buying their rehashed crap in carefully scrutinized build quantities)
— 09CTSVforMe (View Profile)

Posted on 9/5/2008 10:48:34 PM | | Votes: -6

car looks nice.
— darzav (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2008 12:53:59 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

To answer the articles question...No! BMW is on the wrong track because silly new models like this are taking priority over BMW M1's & M3 CSL's in the boardroom over in Munich.

I'm starting to lose my patients with BMW as IMO they were on great run up until the unveiling of the new 7-series; which I dislike, because I don't care for its rear-end or grill & don't care for the news coming out of Germany lately.
— MunichRob (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2008 6:19:32 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6

I totally know MunichRob! You are soooo right! Because there is such a HUGE market for super-expensive super-cars here, and there is so not a market for SUVs here in the United States. You should TOTALLY work for BMW, I bet you would totally turn that shitty company around with your savvy business sense and complete understanding of the supply and demand principle. I bet the guys at BMW have never even gone to school. I bet they were HOME-SCHOOLED even! Those silly silly-heads! Hah! What LOOOOSERS!
— HelloKittyLexus (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2008 3:12:51 PM | | Votes: 3

Its the latest segment that noone asked for, the SA2 or Sports Activity 2+2.

Same space as a 1-series but twice as thirsty and costs $5000 more.

Can't afford an X3? then lease an X2.
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2008 12:58:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5

awww, jealous that bmw leads while others follow?

let's see...created the compact sport sedan segment (and everyone followed). created the high-performance luxury segment with M (and everyone followed). created the sharp-handling SUV segment (and everyone followed).

see a trend here?
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/6/2008 1:39:18 PM | | Votes: 4

Its amazing BMW puts a bigger engine in the same car and suddenly they pioneered a new segment.

Created the crossover, everyone followed.
Mass marketed the hybrid, everyone followed.
Couldn't compete with real SUVs or crossovers, so they invented SAVs and SACs.

I do see a trend there.

M may be BMW's performance brand, but other makers like Nissan, Honda, Toyota and even Chevy didn't need a special name to give performance. Skyline, Supra, NSX and Corvette are some names you've probably never heard of.

I wonder when BMW is going to release the Sports Activity Roadster? and the Sports Activity Skateboard.

I'm sure they'll limit the X2 to 5000 units and the lemmings will claim its a smash hit.
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/7/2008 4:05:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

Actually the BMW skateboard exists and it is called The StreetCarver... But what would you know !?
— bimmer (View Profile)

Posted on 9/8/2008 10:37:20 AM | | Votes: 3

"HelloKittyLexus" Thanks for trying to make me look like an idiot, but in turn you've explained away with your sarcasm as to why you like Lexus & don't understand BMW with this comment..."Because there is such a HUGE market for super-expensive super-cars here, and there is so not a market for SUVs here in the United States."

Yeah no sh*t Sherlock that's exactly why BMW's on the wrong track, the BMW I once knew wouldn't scrap a driver's car for an SUV! From a pure enthusiast point of view, BMW's selling out. However Lexus sold out from the beginning like a boy band inspiring to be mainstream & platinum.
— MunichRob (View Profile)

Posted on 9/7/2008 8:36:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Munich- I know! You're like, totally super right!!!That's what I was totally trying to tell you!!! I mean, what is BMW thinking?!?! That there are a bunch of families here with 2 and a half kids, AND people who are successful and make a good living and want to enjoy what they drive while having the capacity to tote around kids for sports and carpooling? HELLO?!?!? The answer is NO Germany! Gosh! They should totally do some census research to realize that America is filled with super-swingin' wild and crazy guys who want sporty sports-cars!!! And last time I checked, there is no such thing as a half of a child- DUH!!! Munich, you and I should TOTALLY apply to BMW, I'm super cereal.
— HelloKittyLexus (View Profile)

Posted on 9/8/2008 9:28:37 PM | | Votes: 1

That's how the X3 should look.
— xj13 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/8/2008 5:28:54 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

wow... BMW... after the X3,X5... i would say the X6 is a bit of an improvement... but developing something that is smaller then the X5 like the X3 was already a huge mistake... why bother X2?... fuel efficiency?... my guess?
— shabaru (View Profile)

Posted on 9/8/2008 7:03:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

bimmer,
I know enoguh to have mentioned that over 2 years ago. Its selling point is the trucks are designed after the 5series' suspension.

yeah, shows how much I know.
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/8/2008 11:34:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Why does BMW think they need more CUV's, SAV's, SUV's? This is exactly like the X6, the answer to a question that no one asked. What a waste of time. Keep doing what you do best, the sport sedans are world-class.
— dap5482 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/12/2008 11:50:05 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

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BMW's Newest Baby SUV The X2 Breaks Cover - Is BMW On The Right Track?

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