BMW to Add Front-Drive X2

BMW AG plans to introduce a front-wheel-drive variant of its all-new X2 small crossover vehicle this summer in the U.S.

The all-wheel-drive X2 xDrive28i is due in U.S. dealerships in March with a starting price of $39,400. The fwd X2 sDrive28i is expected to cut the sticker by about $2,000, company officials tell Automotive News.

The X2 shares a platform with the X1 crossover and Mini Countryman. The new model, which was unveiled last week at the Detroit auto show, is about three inches shorter in length and sits lower to the ground than the X1.

The X2 has a sportier design with unique body parts from the X1—other than a shared antenna and door handles. Design features include an aggressive front-end with muscular bumpers, inverted kidney grille and “x-pattern” headlights.

Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that generates 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

BMW expects X2 buyers will be younger than those of other Bimmer models, with the majority being conquests from other brands. The company’s marketing plans for the vehicle will focus on social media and other online methods.