It looks like BMW isn’t interested in slotting a slightly larger crossover above the X1 that resembles both it and the larger X3.
The automaker’s Concept X2, unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, is a departure from the brand’s existing utility lineup, with styling designed to appeal to a sportier buying demographic.
If the concept’s styling cues carry over into the production X2, it might be the first BMW utility worthy of the watered-down “coupe-like” term.
The vehicle is designed “for active people looking for a combination of enjoyment and practicality,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design, in a statement. With styling designed to visually boost the vehicle’s width, the Concept X2 looks hunkered down and mean, not to mention athletic.
Muscular fender bulges, a steeply slanted rear window and lowered greenhouse removes much of the boxiness seen in other BMW X vehicles. Up front, the signature BMW kidney grille has its organs reversed, with the openings now wider at the bottom than the top. Below it, a wide central air intake is flanked by two massive (and tall) air scoops. Unlike other X models, these headlights are compressed into a Clint Eastwood-like squint.
Comments made by van Hooydonk clearly show BMW wants to try something new. Expect similar, but likely less dramatic styling when the production X2 appears, probably within the next two years.
BMW didn’t come to Paris with just one item for show-and-tell. The automaker’s 2017 3 Series Gran Turismo liftbacks sport refreshed styling and new engine offerings, though it hasn’t delivered specific on the powerplants.
The models stretch 200 millimetres (7.9 inches) longer than the 3 Series sedans, with updated styling designed to stretch the vehicle’s width. A greater emphasis on horizontal lines, coupled with LED headlamps, foglights and taillights, spice up the vehicle’s exterior, while new materials and accents bump up the luxury feel inside the cabin.
BMW clearly felt that the Gran Turismo badge warranted a little more visual athleticism.
Offered with three gasoline engines and five diesels spread across various markets, the Gran Turismo range can be had with rear-drive or xDrive all-wheel drive. On the technology front, the new models are the first midsize Bimmer to offer the BMW Navigation system Professional infotainment package.
[Images BMW Group]
The current fascination with front-end “guppy gills” has to stop! Yikes! I know this is only a concept, but still. What is it with manufacturers these days and these overdone styling cues?
Gads, I miss my ’85 318i. Now get offa my lawn…
What’s unfortunate is how alike they are.
Scrolling through the TTAC front page, it’s interesting that this, the Toyota whatitsname crossover, the Honda Civic hatch, even the Micra and the electric Benz; all of them have nearly the same child-eating grille, angry-squint headlamps and gaping faux brake ducts.
Especially the brake ducts. I’m really tired of every car looking like the Aventador.
Every niche will be filled so saith the Germans.
Nothing mean about it, I think its wondering what purse to take today.
“mean” CUV is an oxymoron, and this article reads like a press release. TTAC needs to at least be snarky, if not outright critical.
Sportier? Just fat & ugly.
I see some cues lifted from the 2002 Homage concept, while the tail-end is reminding me of current Alfas?
It’s more aggressive than their current truckish lineup…
More C-pillar emblems returning all the time!
Broughamtime!
Please please please let those c-pillar logos light up.
Request approved. Would you like fender skirts?
I would, and how much for a vinyl top?
lol
Perhaps Tim Cain can opine with some facts surrounding the number of sales of the Land Rover Evoque, which this mess looks similar to.
BMW Crosstrek? This looks more “fat” than “athletic” to me.
Hopefully the production version (if/when it happens) will shed some of the visual bulk a little.
Who knew a melted BMW would look like a KIA?
It’s like the manufacturers are trying to see exactly how low they can make these until they find the red line where the customer says “Hey! That’s just a car you want $5k extra for!”, at which point they’ll make sure the ground clearance is .10″ off of that.
… and the race to top “ugliest CUV ever” will go one for another day.
I can’t wait for the day that someone with two bits of sense left in them puts their foot down and stops this ugly crap from showing up on the streets.