BMW’s entry-level crossovers, the X1, and its X2 coupe sibling are a commercial success, which is why the Bavarians released the third generation of the X1 back in June last year. Of course, the next-generation X2, codenamed U10, will follow suit and is expected to launch later this year, as a 2024 model. Our spies caught the M35i variant leaving the company’s testing facility near the German Nürburgring. Again, these shots are prove the next-generation X2 will follow a completely different formular – less hatch-like and more like a smaller X4.
The rumours about the arrival of the second-generation X2 talk about BMW set to commence production of the compact crossover coupe in November 2023, hence the 2024MY label. As it has been the case with the outgoing vehicle, the newcomer will share its front-wheel-drive-based architecture with a host of compact BMW models.
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Unlike Mercedes-Benz, which builds separate EV and ICE (internal combustion engine) models with dedicated platforms, BMW prefers a common architecture with many shared design traits. As such, the 2024 X2 and the iX2 will both ride on the FAAR scalable platform.
We can expect the U10 X2 to borrow the full engine list of the 2023 X1, which means the ICE part of the range will once again be topped by the X2 M35i pictured here, whose 2.0-litre turbo-four should deliver 300 hp or more. Of course, this will fall in the xDrive (AWD) part of the range.
As for the said electrification, the iX1 will spawn an iX2, with BMW presumingly maintaining the two power levels, namely the single-motor eDrive20 (FWD) and the dual-motor xDrive30 (AWD). The iX2 should become BMW’s first all-electric crossover coupe.
BMW M3 Facelift
The F80-replacing G80 went live in 2020 for the 2021 model year. Even though it’s been mildly updated with goodies from the M4, the M3 will get a mid-cycle refresh – a.k.a. LCI in BMW vernacular – next year.
The Life Cycle Impulse has been spied in Germany in sedan and estate guise. Only the front ends are camouflaged like there’s no tomorrow, whereas the sides and rear ends show the car bare of camouflage and in the current trim.
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While the front end’s changes are easily visible, the rear is exactly the same as the 2024 model, although BMW is expected to make a few changes in this area as well. Think taillight graphic and all that jazz. Pictured with huge callipers, black wheels, and tyres from Michelin, this M3 also wears a camouflage blanket on its dashboard. Even so, don’t look forward to a serious makeover because the M3 has already received the curved display from the M4 for model year ’24.
The Life Cycle Impulse is due to enter production in July 2024 with the goodies of the facelifted M4. The coupe- and convertible-bodied siblings will – reportedly – enter production in March 2024 with slightly more power for the Competition.
Both the G80 and wagon-bodied G81 are due to be discontinued in 2027. The G82 and G83 will leave us in 2028. At of now, BMW isn’t sure whether the M3 and M4 will soldier on with internal combustion or adopt electric propulsion.
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