BMW’s X2 coupe-like crossover set for 2017 production and battle with Mercedes GLA

By Trevor Dermody Published February 27, 2014

The BMW X2, BMW’s smallest coupe-like crossover, has finally been confirmed for production beginning in 2017.

The X2 has been on the table for quite a few years now and confirmed and halted a couple times now. Looks like BMW finally green-lit the model, and we’re finally learning some basic details.

Recommended Videos

The X2 will be built on the upcoming X1 platform. You know, the new front-wheel drive chassis, new MINI models.

According to BMW Blog, the X2 will follow the BMW Sport Activity Vehicle model line, including the X4. The X4, if you didn’t know, features a low roofline and an attractive profile. Although, I must say, the SAV design does take a little getting used to. As weird to behold as it might be, the design is an attempt to draw in the young consumer looking for a sporty, luxury SUV.

Under the hood, BMW is said to be offering a solid range of engines with three to four variations planned. Gasoline and diesel engines are expected to be available, with choices ranging between 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter iterations.

If you’re wondering what the heck the 2017 X2 is pitted against, it’s expected to to head-to-head with the Mercedes the Mercedes GLA and the Audi Q3.

(Main photo credit: BMW Blog)

Cars

Plug-in hybrids are becoming more popular. Why? And will it continue?

Kia Niro EV Charging Port

There's a lot of talk about the idea that the growth in electric car sales has kind of slowed a little. It's not all that surprising -- EVs are still expensive, early adopters all have one by now, and they're still new enough to where there aren't too many ultra-affordable used EVs available. But plenty of people still want a greener vehicle, and that has given rise to an explosion in hybrid vehicle sales.

That's especially true of plug-in hybrid vehicles, which can be charged like an EV and driven in all-electric mode for short distances, and have a gas engine as a backup for longer distances or to be used in combination with electric mode for more efficient driving.

Cars

EV drivers are not going back to gas cars, global survey says

ev drivers are not going back to gas cars global survey says screenshot

Nearly all current owners of electric vehicles (EVs) are either satisfied or very satisfied with the experience, and 92% of them plan to buy another EV, according to a survey by the Global EV Drivers Alliance.

The survey of 23,000 EV drivers worldwide found that only 1% would return to a petrol or diesel car, while 4% would opt for a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) if they had to replace their car.

Cars

Trump team in sync with Tesla on ending crash-reporting requirements, report says

Beta of Tesla's FSD in a car.

The transition team of President-elect Donald Trump is planning to end existing car-crash reporting requirements to safety regulators, according to a Reuters report.

The report cites a document obtained by Reuters that lays out the transition team’s 100-day strategy for automotive policy. In the document, the team says the crash-reporting requirement leads to “excessive” data collection, Reuters says.